Chapter 133: Those Who Forge Ahead
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Chapter 133: Those Who Forge Ahead
For a fleeting moment, Priam beheld a crown of golden green hovering above Log-a-rhythm. He blinked, and the mirage vanished. Another man might have doubted his vision, but [Eidetic Memory] confirmed to Priam what he had seen. A crown. A royal symbol. Yet, the ritual aimed to transform Log-a-rhythm into a guardian, not a king.
A guardian wasn't a king. But a king is a guardian...
He turned to Dishnu to gauge his reaction, but he was staring at the ground, breathing heavily. The ritual's activation seemed to have drained the drya. Priam hesitated for a moment before holding his tongue. Despite Dishnu's invaluable assistance, he was currently a situational ally.
To clear his mind, Priam checked his notifications.
Title won - [Apprentice Aetherist - Silver]!
[Apprentice Aetherist - Silver] - Aether is everything; that's what all Aetherists will tell you. But what is aether? Answering this question is the ultimate quest, for the one who answers it will answer all questions. You have used your knowledge and runes to manipulate reality. Dont stop now.
Only two things are infinite: aether and human folly...
META(AFFI) +10%
META(PERC) +10%
Am I, as a High Human, included? Priam smirked.
Despite the System's jab, he was delighted with his new Title. By augmenting his meta-attributes, he could swiftly enhance [Aether Perception] and [Aether Manipulation]. In turn, his skills would enable him to fathom aether more deeply and unlock an even grander Title. A nice, virtuous cycle.
Log-a-rhythm quivered, like a dog seeking its master's attention. The best is yet to come, isn't it? Impatient, Priam consulted his tree's menu. The ritual must have altered certain things.
Log-a-rhythm:
Features:
Abundance - Life I
Abundance - Aether I
Protection III
Tribulation Resistance II
Secret Passage
Land Owner II NEW
Camouflage I
Guardian of the forest I NEW
Mighty roots I NEW
Measurements:
Ceiling Height: 3 meters.
Interior Area: 34 m (+2, due to Log-a-rhythm's growth)
Status
Current POT: 552
Passive gain: 150 POT/day.
(+50 POT/day thanks to Guardian of the Forest)
Available Themes:
Primo (100,000)
Tal Quercus (10,000)
Nature (1000)
Cocoa (500)
Sequoia (1000)
Tea (500)
Abundance - Life II (1000)
Abundance - Aether II (1000)
Protection IV (5000)
Tribulation Resistance III (2500)
Secret Passage II (900) (-100)
Camouflage II (900) (-100)
Attraction (500)
Underground (400) (-100)
Comfort (500)
Volume (500)
Water Control (500)
Land Owner III (2400) (-100)
Guardian of the Forest II (900) (-100) NEW
Mighty Roots II (1000) NEW
Land Owner II activated.
Select a feature to construct:
Land Privilege
Protective Barrier II
Luminous Barrier.
Environmental Barrier.
Alarm.
Other hidden options - prerequisites not met.
Priam widened his eyes as he read Log-a-rhythm's new status. The ritual had bestowed not one, but two new themes upon the tree! Guardian of the Forest undoubtedly had other uses, but the first thing Priam noticed was the increase in his tree's passive Potential gain. Jackpot!
Most likely, Log-a-rhythm was absorbing the Potential generated by the forest. Priam pledged to defend it as fiercely as Dishnu. His greed demanded nothing less.
Priam's smile broadened as he continued to peruse the available options. Guardian of the Forest and Mighty Roots allowed him to save Potential when acquiring or upgrading a theme!
Focusing on Underground, for instance, Priam sensed that Mighty Roots would assist Log-a-rhythm in crafting an underground shelter. Thanks to this synergy, he would save a hundred Potential points by selecting the enhancement. Four hundred Potential points might seem like a lot for creating an underground shelter, but Priam knew better. When he had cleared the spiders from their cave beneath the abandoned tower, he had seen that the elysian rock was nearly indestructible.
Other themes benefited from discounts, such as Secret Passage II. With Guardian of the Forest, the forest under Log-a-rhythm's dominion would aid him more readily.
Priam hesitated for a moment about making a purchase before relenting. Firstly, because with five hundred and fifty-two points, he was somewhat impoverished. Secondly, because buying Guardian of the Forest II would undoubtedly further increase the passive Potential gains. This purchase would surely pay for itself in short order. Eighteen days if level two grants me another fifty points. Less if the increase isn't linear...
Priam forced himself to think of something else. He didn't yet have enough data to theorycraft the optimal improvement for Log-a-rhythm. Nevertheless, the thought of multiple enhancements awakened the player in him. Gotta catch 'em all!
As he reached the end of the menu, Priam compelled himself to calm down. He had one final decision to make, to choose among the options provided by Land Owner. The first time, he had chosen to create a protective barrier, which had saved their lives during the NecroBeast attack. Should he reinforce it or explore other possibilities?
Considering the savings enabled by his two new themes, Priam suspected that Land Privilege would offer intriguing economies in addition to activating his Title bonus. [Eidetic Memory] reminded him of the bonuses offered.
[Land Owner - Silver] - You have become a true Noble, owning Land. You will receive certain benefits when you are on it. Your Title of Nobility is linked to it. Losing your Land will affect your Title. Increasing the size of your Land will improve your Title.
When you are on your Land:
Allows manipulation of specific specialized infrastructures.
Bonus (Baron): POT cost -10%
Bonus (Viscount): Aether regeneration x2
Guardian of the Forest II has a second hundred-point reduction. I could unlock it in two days instead of three.
The domination themes synergize together, Rose pointed out.
That makes sense, Priam replied. Do any of you feel something different on your end?
Nothing special, Mirscella answered, her face closed off.
Because your aether reserves are full. My regeneration has increased by about fifty percent, Kazuki announced.
Log-a-rhythm is partially sharing my bonus, Priam smiled. We made the right choice.
If we survive, Mirscella murmured.
Louis grimaced while the others displayed surprised looks. The thief's defeatism was strange.
... Can I talk to you alone, Mirscella? Priam asked.
Sure.
I'll go back to training, Kazuki declared. He walked away, followed by Rose, Blueberry, and Louis. Sphinx hesitated for a moment, and Priam winked at her.
I'll be there soon, he said.
Reassured, his young friend nodded before hurrying to catch up with Rose.
Alain shot Priam a questioning look before walking toward Log-a-rhythm.
Now alone, Priam looked at the old lady. The vitality offered by the System was starting to rejuvenate her. Her white hair was almost silvery, and her wrinkles were beginning to fade. As the silence lingered, she raised an eyebrow.
I'd like to apologize for my behavior, Priam began. You came with me to help detect traps and found yourself dragged into another world. There, instead of helping or consulting you, I went off to explore and put myself in danger. If I had died or if the Rehms had been less kind, it could have ended badly.
Mirscella was a strong woman. Priam didn't know much about her life, but his father had told him she had been a great thief and assassin. Few people were capable of living like that, but Mirscella had succeeded. The fact that she had lived to an advanced age was proof of her extreme competence.
Yet today, she seemed pessimistic.
Mirscella looked him in the eye for a few seconds before sighing.
I accept your apology. If even a young brat like you can tell that I'm not doing well, I must be in a sorry state.
It's not
Few people fearlessly set out to face the unknown. You're special, Priam. I love adventure more than most. That's why I became a thief; I loved the adrenaline of being in forbidden places.
Mirscella paused, a nostalgic look on her face, and Priam stayed silent.
Yet, that's nothing compared to finding myself in another world, she continued. Elysium is dangerous, but I chose to come. When your portal opened onto Valaryth, I was amazed and... terrified. I felt powerless. When you left, I wondered if I would die on this tiny island, alone.
Priam opened his mouth and then closed it. He didn't have much to say. He loved exploring other worlds and meeting different people. He loved pushing himself and being rewarded with a Title or a level-up. He preferred to go solo, and he had put his desires ahead of Mirscella.
I'm not a very good teammate, he admitted. I should have taken you back here as soon as possible and continued my exploration alone.
Maybe, Mirscella replied. At least you should have asked my opinion. You're not responsible for me, I'm an adult. The real problem was your lack of communication.
Sorry, apologized Priam. He meant it.
A smile lit up Mirscellas face. Well, it wasn't all bad. I was glad to meet Hurya and Urr and to discover a new world.
She turned towards Log-a-rhythm. Honestly, I think I was too scared. You made the right choice by selecting Land Privilege.
Really? But you seemed...
Displeased? Honestly, I was scared. Mirscella's fists clenched. I'm always scared, but Kazuki is right. If I let fear consume me, this world will kill me as surely as Parkinson.
Oh I cant imagine being trapped in my own body.
I fought the disease for fifteen years. The System healed me but didn't take away the fear of death. Seeing you move forward no matter the difficulties reminds me of my youth. If my body is any indication, I'm getting younger. If that's the case, I want to reclaim the recklessness of my youth, she smiled.
Priam returned her smile. Old age is a second youth.
I preferred the first, Mirscella laughed. Her eyes sparkled with a new light. I should have died. From now on, I'm going to consider each new second as a gift. If I have to die, I'll have lived before.
I'm glad to see you optimistic again.
A small smile played on Mirscella's lips.
Just realistic. I'm going to train. Next time, I don't want to be left in your inner world or on an island. You've apologized, so it's my turn: forgive me for being weak.
Respect flooded Priam. The woman before him had tremendous experience but was still capable of apologizing.
I'm sure that won't be the case next time, he said, smiling.
Count on it.
Watching the thief walk away, Priam kept his smile. Beneath the Elysian suns, everyone trained and gave their best.
Priam summoned Promesse. I guess it's training time. New command: designs a training program to unlock Micro's Stage 1.
Status: (Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0)
PHYSICAL:
Strength 357
Constitution 604
Agility 383
Vitality 508
Perception 566
MENTAL:
Vivacity 313
Dexterity 384
Memory 124
Willpower 599
Charisma 418
META:
Meta-affinity 326 (+27)
Meta-focus 233
Meta-endurance 173
Meta-perception 107 (+10)
Meta-chance 216
Meta-authority 12
Potential: 683
Tier 0
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: PRIMED.
[Tribulation]: Three Tribulations pending.
Future Tribulations delayed until:
Time: 177 days 1 hours 44 minutes 28 seconds.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 133: Those Who Forge Ahead
For a fleeting moment, Priam beheld a crown of golden green hovering above Log-a-rhythm. He blinked, and the mirage vanished. Another man might have doubted his vision, but [Eidetic Memory] confirmed to Priam what he had seen. A crown. A royal symbol. Yet, the ritual aimed to transform Log-a-rhythm into a guardian, not a king.
A guardian wasn't a king. But a king is a guardian...
He turned to Dishnu to gauge his reaction, but he was staring at the ground, breathing heavily. The ritual's activation seemed to have drained the drya. Priam hesitated for a moment before holding his tongue. Despite Dishnu's invaluable assistance, he was currently a situational ally.
To clear his mind, Priam checked his notifications.
Title won - [Apprentice Aetherist - Silver]!
[Apprentice Aetherist - Silver] - Aether is everything; that's what all Aetherists will tell you. But what is aether? Answering this question is the ultimate quest, for the one who answers it will answer all questions. You have used your knowledge and runes to manipulate reality. Dont stop now.
Only two things are infinite: aether and human folly...
META(AFFI) +10%
META(PERC) +10%
Am I, as a High Human, included? Priam smirked.
Despite the System's jab, he was delighted with his new Title. By augmenting his meta-attributes, he could swiftly enhance [Aether Perception] and [Aether Manipulation]. In turn, his skills would enable him to fathom aether more deeply and unlock an even grander Title. A nice, virtuous cycle.
Log-a-rhythm quivered, like a dog seeking its master's attention. The best is yet to come, isn't it? Impatient, Priam consulted his tree's menu. The ritual must have altered certain things.
Log-a-rhythm:
Features:
Abundance - Life I
Abundance - Aether I
Protection III
Tribulation Resistance II
Secret Passage
Land Owner II NEW
Camouflage I
Guardian of the forest I NEW
Mighty roots I NEW
Measurements:
Ceiling Height: 3 meters.
Interior Area: 34 m (+2, due to Log-a-rhythm's growth)
Status
Current POT: 552
Passive gain: 150 POT/day.
(+50 POT/day thanks to Guardian of the Forest)
Available Themes:
Primo (100,000)
Tal Quercus (10,000)
Nature (1000)
Cocoa (500)
Sequoia (1000)
Tea (500)
Abundance - Life II (1000)
Abundance - Aether II (1000)
Protection IV (5000)
Tribulation Resistance III (2500)
Secret Passage II (900) (-100)
Camouflage II (900) (-100)
Attraction (500)
Underground (400) (-100)
Comfort (500)
Volume (500)
Water Control (500)
Land Owner III (2400) (-100)
Guardian of the Forest II (900) (-100) NEW
Mighty Roots II (1000) NEW
Land Owner II activated.
Select a feature to construct:
Land Privilege
Protective Barrier II
Luminous Barrier.
Environmental Barrier.
Alarm.
Other hidden options - prerequisites not met.
Priam widened his eyes as he read Log-a-rhythm's new status. The ritual had bestowed not one, but two new themes upon the tree! Guardian of the Forest undoubtedly had other uses, but the first thing Priam noticed was the increase in his tree's passive Potential gain. Jackpot!
Most likely, Log-a-rhythm was absorbing the Potential generated by the forest. Priam pledged to defend it as fiercely as Dishnu. His greed demanded nothing less.
Priam's smile broadened as he continued to peruse the available options. Guardian of the Forest and Mighty Roots allowed him to save Potential when acquiring or upgrading a theme!
Focusing on Underground, for instance, Priam sensed that Mighty Roots would assist Log-a-rhythm in crafting an underground shelter. Thanks to this synergy, he would save a hundred Potential points by selecting the enhancement. Four hundred Potential points might seem like a lot for creating an underground shelter, but Priam knew better. When he had cleared the spiders from their cave beneath the abandoned tower, he had seen that the elysian rock was nearly indestructible.
Other themes benefited from discounts, such as Secret Passage II. With Guardian of the Forest, the forest under Log-a-rhythm's dominion would aid him more readily.
Priam hesitated for a moment about making a purchase before relenting. Firstly, because with five hundred and fifty-two points, he was somewhat impoverished. Secondly, because buying Guardian of the Forest II would undoubtedly further increase the passive Potential gains. This purchase would surely pay for itself in short order. Eighteen days if level two grants me another fifty points. Less if the increase isn't linear...
Priam forced himself to think of something else. He didn't yet have enough data to theorycraft the optimal improvement for Log-a-rhythm. Nevertheless, the thought of multiple enhancements awakened the player in him. Gotta catch 'em all!
As he reached the end of the menu, Priam compelled himself to calm down. He had one final decision to make, to choose among the options provided by Land Owner. The first time, he had chosen to create a protective barrier, which had saved their lives during the NecroBeast attack. Should he reinforce it or explore other possibilities?
Considering the savings enabled by his two new themes, Priam suspected that Land Privilege would offer intriguing economies in addition to activating his Title bonus. [Eidetic Memory] reminded him of the bonuses offered.
[Land Owner - Silver] - You have become a true Noble, owning Land. You will receive certain benefits when you are on it. Your Title of Nobility is linked to it. Losing your Land will affect your Title. Increasing the size of your Land will improve your Title.
When you are on your Land:
Allows manipulation of specific specialized infrastructures.
Bonus (Baron): POT cost -10%
Bonus (Viscount): Aether regeneration x2
Guardian of the Forest II has a second hundred-point reduction. I could unlock it in two days instead of three.
The domination themes synergize together, Rose pointed out.
That makes sense, Priam replied. Do any of you feel something different on your end?
Nothing special, Mirscella answered, her face closed off.
Because your aether reserves are full. My regeneration has increased by about fifty percent, Kazuki announced.
Log-a-rhythm is partially sharing my bonus, Priam smiled. We made the right choice.
If we survive, Mirscella murmured.
Louis grimaced while the others displayed surprised looks. The thief's defeatism was strange.
... Can I talk to you alone, Mirscella? Priam asked.
Sure.
I'll go back to training, Kazuki declared. He walked away, followed by Rose, Blueberry, and Louis. Sphinx hesitated for a moment, and Priam winked at her.
I'll be there soon, he said.
Reassured, his young friend nodded before hurrying to catch up with Rose.
Alain shot Priam a questioning look before walking toward Log-a-rhythm.
Now alone, Priam looked at the old lady. The vitality offered by the System was starting to rejuvenate her. Her white hair was almost silvery, and her wrinkles were beginning to fade. As the silence lingered, she raised an eyebrow.
I'd like to apologize for my behavior, Priam began. You came with me to help detect traps and found yourself dragged into another world. There, instead of helping or consulting you, I went off to explore and put myself in danger. If I had died or if the Rehms had been less kind, it could have ended badly.
Mirscella was a strong woman. Priam didn't know much about her life, but his father had told him she had been a great thief and assassin. Few people were capable of living like that, but Mirscella had succeeded. The fact that she had lived to an advanced age was proof of her extreme competence.
Yet today, she seemed pessimistic.
Mirscella looked him in the eye for a few seconds before sighing.
I accept your apology. If even a young brat like you can tell that I'm not doing well, I must be in a sorry state.
It's not
Few people fearlessly set out to face the unknown. You're special, Priam. I love adventure more than most. That's why I became a thief; I loved the adrenaline of being in forbidden places.
Mirscella paused, a nostalgic look on her face, and Priam stayed silent.
Yet, that's nothing compared to finding myself in another world, she continued. Elysium is dangerous, but I chose to come. When your portal opened onto Valaryth, I was amazed and... terrified. I felt powerless. When you left, I wondered if I would die on this tiny island, alone.
Priam opened his mouth and then closed it. He didn't have much to say. He loved exploring other worlds and meeting different people. He loved pushing himself and being rewarded with a Title or a level-up. He preferred to go solo, and he had put his desires ahead of Mirscella.
I'm not a very good teammate, he admitted. I should have taken you back here as soon as possible and continued my exploration alone.
Maybe, Mirscella replied. At least you should have asked my opinion. You're not responsible for me, I'm an adult. The real problem was your lack of communication.
Sorry, apologized Priam. He meant it.
A smile lit up Mirscellas face. Well, it wasn't all bad. I was glad to meet Hurya and Urr and to discover a new world.
She turned towards Log-a-rhythm. Honestly, I think I was too scared. You made the right choice by selecting Land Privilege.
Really? But you seemed...
Displeased? Honestly, I was scared. Mirscella's fists clenched. I'm always scared, but Kazuki is right. If I let fear consume me, this world will kill me as surely as Parkinson.
Oh I cant imagine being trapped in my own body.
I fought the disease for fifteen years. The System healed me but didn't take away the fear of death. Seeing you move forward no matter the difficulties reminds me of my youth. If my body is any indication, I'm getting younger. If that's the case, I want to reclaim the recklessness of my youth, she smiled.
Priam returned her smile. Old age is a second youth.
I preferred the first, Mirscella laughed. Her eyes sparkled with a new light. I should have died. From now on, I'm going to consider each new second as a gift. If I have to die, I'll have lived before.
I'm glad to see you optimistic again.
A small smile played on Mirscella's lips.
Just realistic. I'm going to train. Next time, I don't want to be left in your inner world or on an island. You've apologized, so it's my turn: forgive me for being weak.
Respect flooded Priam. The woman before him had tremendous experience but was still capable of apologizing.
I'm sure that won't be the case next time, he said, smiling.
Count on it.
Watching the thief walk away, Priam kept his smile. Beneath the Elysian suns, everyone trained and gave their best.
Priam summoned Promesse. I guess it's training time. New command: designs a training program to unlock Micro's Stage 1.
Status: (Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0)
PHYSICAL:
Strength 357
Constitution 604
Agility 383
Vitality 508
Perception 566
MENTAL:
Vivacity 313
Dexterity 384
Memory 124
Willpower 599
Charisma 418
META:
Meta-affinity 326 (+27)
Meta-focus 233
Meta-endurance 173
Meta-perception 107 (+10)
Meta-chance 216
Meta-authority 12
Potential: 683
Tier 0
[He Who Eludes Death] charge: PRIMED.
[Tribulation]: Three Tribulations pending.
Future Tribulations delayed until:
Time: 177 days 1 hours 44 minutes 28 seconds.
Chapter 133: Those Who Forge AheadFor a fleeting moment, Priam beheld a crown of golden green hovering above Log-a-rhythm. He blinked, and the mirage vanished. Another man might have doubted his vision, but Eidetic Memory confirmed to Priam what he had seen. A crown. A royal symbol. Yet, the ritual aimed to transform Log-a-rhythm into a guardian, not a king.A guardian wasn't a king. But a king is a guardian...He turned to Dishnu to gauge his reaction, but he was staring at the ground, breathing heavily. The ritual's activation seemed to have drained the drya. Priam hesitated for a moment before holding his tongue. Despite Dishnu's invaluable assistance, he was currently a situational ally.To clear his mind, Priam checked his notifications.Title won - Apprentice Aetherist - Silver!Apprentice Aetherist - Silver - Aether is everything; that's what all Aetherists will tell you. But what is aether? Answering this question is the ultimate quest, for the one who answers it will answer all questions. You have used your knowledge and runes to manipulate reality. Dont stop now.Only two things are infinite: aether and human folly...METAAFFI +10%METAPERC +10%Am I, as a High Human, included? Priam smirked.Despite the System's jab, he was delighted with his new Title. By augmenting his meta-attributes, he could swiftly enhance Aether Perception and Aether Manipulation. In turn, his skills would enable him to fathom aether more deeply and unlock an even grander Title. A nice, virtuous cycle.Log-a-rhythm quivered, like a dog seeking its master's attention. The best is yet to come, isn't it? Impatient, Priam consulted his tree's menu. The ritual must have altered certain things.Log-a-rhythm:Features: Abundance - Life I Abundance - Aether I Protection III Tribulation Resistance II Secret PassageLand Owner II NEWCamouflage IGuardian of the forest I NEWMighty roots I NEWMeasurements:Ceiling Height: 3 meters. Interior Area: 34 m +2, due to Log-a-rhythm's growthStatusCurrent POT: 552Passive gain: 150 POT/day.+50 POT/day thanks to Guardian of the ForestAvailable Themes:Primo 100,000Tal Quercus 10,000Nature 1000Cocoa 500Sequoia 1000Tea 500Abundance - Life II 1000Abundance - Aether II 1000Protection IV 5000Tribulation Resistance III 2500Secret Passage II 900 -100Camouflage II 900 -100Attraction 500Underground 400 -100Comfort 500Volume 500Water Control 500Land Owner III 2400 -100Guardian of the Forest II 900 -100 NEWMighty Roots II 1000 NEWLand Owner II activated. Select a feature to construct: Land Privilege Protective Barrier IILuminous Barrier. Environmental Barrier. Alarm. Other hidden options - prerequisites not met.Priam widened his eyes as he read Log-a-rhythm's new status. The ritual had bestowed not one, but two new themes upon the tree! Guardian of the Forest undoubtedly had other uses, but the first thing Priam noticed was the increase in his tree's passive Potential gain. Jackpot!Most likely, Log-a-rhythm was absorbing the Potential generated by the forest. Priam pledged to defend it as fiercely as Dishnu. His greed demanded nothing less.Priam's smile broadened as he continued to peruse the available options. Guardian of the Forest and Mighty Roots allowed him to save Potential when acquiring or upgrading a theme!Focusing on Underground, for instance, Priam sensed that Mighty Roots would assist Log-a-rhythm in crafting an underground shelter. Thanks to this synergy, he would save a hundred Potential points by selecting the enhancement. Four hundred Potential points might seem like a lot for creating an underground shelter, but Priam knew better. When he had cleared the spiders from their cave beneath the abandoned tower, he had seen that the elysian rock was nearly indestructible.Other themes benefited from discounts, such as Secret Passage II. With Guardian of the Forest, the forest under Log-a-rhythm's dominion would aid him more readily.Priam hesitated for a moment about making a purchase before relenting. Firstly, because with five hundred and fifty-two points, he was somewhat impoverished. Secondly, because buying Guardian of the Forest II would undoubtedly further increase the passive Potential gains. This purchase would surely pay for itself in short order. Eighteen days if level two grants me another fifty points. Less if the increase isn't linear...Priam forced himself to think of something else. He didn't yet have enough data to theorycraft the optimal improvement for Log-a-rhythm. Nevertheless, the thought of multiple enhancements awakened the player in him. Gotta catch 'em all!As he reached the end of the menu, Priam compelled himself to calm down. He had one final decision to make, to choose among the options provided by Land Owner. The first time, he had chosen to create a protective barrier, which had saved their lives during the NecroBeast attack. Should he reinforce it or explore other possibilities?Considering the savings enabled by his two new themes, Priam suspected that Land Privilege would offer intriguing economies in addition to activating his Title bonus. Eidetic Memory reminded him of the bonuses offered.Land Owner - Silver - You have become a true Noble, owning Land. You will receive certain benefits when you are on it. Your Title of Nobility is linked to it. Losing your Land will affect your Title. Increasing the size of your Land will improve your Title.When you are on your Land:Allows manipulation of specific specialized infrastructures.Bonus Baron: POT cost -10%Bonus Viscount: Aether regeneration x2Guardian of the Forest II has a second hundred-point reduction. I could unlock it in two days instead of three.The domination themes synergize together, Rose pointed out.That makes sense, Priam replied. Do any of you feel something different on your end?Nothing special, Mirscella answered, her face closed off.Because your aether reserves are full. My regeneration has increased by about fifty percent, Kazuki announced.Log-a-rhythm is partially sharing my bonus, Priam smiled. We made the right choice.If we survive, Mirscella murmured.Louis grimaced while the others displayed surprised looks. The thief's defeatism was strange.... Can I talk to you alone, Mirscella? Priam asked.Sure.I'll go back to training, Kazuki declared. He walked away, followed by Rose, Blueberry, and Louis. Sphinx hesitated for a moment, and Priam winked at her.I'll be there soon, he said.Reassured, his young friend nodded before hurrying to catch up with Rose.Alain shot Priam a questioning look before walking toward Log-a-rhythm.Now alone, Priam looked at the old lady. The vitality offered by the System was starting to rejuvenate her. Her white hair was almost silvery, and her wrinkles were beginning to fade. As the silence lingered, she raised an eyebrow.I'd like to apologize for my behavior, Priam began. You came with me to help detect traps and found yourself dragged into another world. There, instead of helping or consulting you, I went off to explore and put myself in danger. If I had died or if the Rehms had been less kind, it could have ended badly.Mirscella was a strong woman. Priam didn't know much about her life, but his father had told him she had been a great thief and assassin. Few people were capable of living like that, but Mirscella had succeeded. The fact that she had lived to an advanced age was proof of her extreme competence.Yet today, she seemed pessimistic.Mirscella looked him in the eye for a few seconds before sighing.I accept your apology. If even a young brat like you can tell that I'm not doing well, I must be in a sorry state.It's notFew people fearlessly set out to face the unknown. You're special, Priam. I love adventure more than most. That's why I became a thief; I loved the adrenaline of being in forbidden places.Mirscella paused, a nostalgic look on her face, and Priam stayed silent.Yet, that's nothing compared to finding myself in another world, she continued. Elysium is dangerous, but I chose to come. When your portal opened onto Valaryth, I was amazed and... terrified. I felt powerless. When you left, I wondered if I would die on this tiny island, alone.Priam opened his mouth and then closed it. He didn't have much to say. He loved exploring other worlds and meeting different people. He loved pushing himself and being rewarded with a Title or a level-up. He preferred to go solo, and he had put his desires ahead of Mirscella.I'm not a very good teammate, he admitted. I should have taken you back here as soon as possible and continued my exploration alone.Maybe, Mirscella replied. At least you should have asked my opinion. You're not responsible for me, I'm an adult. The real problem was your lack of communication.Sorry, apologized Priam. He meant it.A smile lit up Mirscellas face. Well, it wasn't all bad. I was glad to meet Hurya and Urr and to discover a new world.She turned towards Log-a-rhythm. Honestly, I think I was too scared. You made the right choice by selecting Land Privilege.Really? But you seemed...Displeased? Honestly, I was scared. Mirscella's fists clenched. I'm always scared, but Kazuki is right. If I let fear consume me, this world will kill me as surely as Parkinson.Oh I cant imagine being trapped in my own body.I fought the disease for fifteen years. The System healed me but didn't take away the fear of death. Seeing you move forward no matter the difficulties reminds me of my youth. If my body is any indication, I'm getting younger. If that's the case, I want to reclaim the recklessness of my youth, she smiled.Priam returned her smile. Old age is a second youth.I preferred the first, Mirscella laughed. Her eyes sparkled with a new light. I should have died. From now on, I'm going to consider each new second as a gift. If I have to die, I'll have lived before.I'm glad to see you optimistic again.A small smile played on Mirscella's lips.Just realistic. I'm going to train. Next time, I don't want to be left in your inner world or on an island. You've apologized, so it's my turn: forgive me for being weak.Respect flooded Priam. The woman before him had tremendous experience but was still capable of apologizing.I'm sure that won't be the case next time, he said, smiling.Count on it.Watching the thief walk away, Priam kept his smile. Beneath the Elysian suns, everyone trained and gave their best.Priam summoned Promesse. I guess it's training time. New command: designs a training program to unlock Micro's Stage 1.Status: Average value for a Homo sapiens male before integration: PHY 10 / MEN 10 / META 0PHYSICAL:Strength 357Constitution 604 Agility 383 Vitality 508 Perception 566 MENTAL:Vivacity 313Dexterity 384Memory 124 Willpower 599 Charisma 418 META:Meta-affinity 326 +27 Meta-focus 233Meta-endurance 173 Meta-perception 107 +10 Meta-chance 216 Meta-authority 12 Potential: 683Tier 0He Who Eludes Death charge: PRIMED.Tribulation: Three Tribulations pending.Future Tribulations delayed until:Time: 177 days 1 hours 44 minutes 28 seconds.
