Sometime after we agreed...
Crunch* Slurp* Chew* Chew* Gulp*
I sat down at the side with Primrose, eating some apple-like fruit from the Kin Field.
It had a slightly acidic but sweet taste but had no seeds, having flesh and skin but no core. It made it a bit messier to eat since it was harder to grab if you ate the middle too early, but on the flip side, it had more flesh and was consistently sweet.
Although somewhat more boring to eat, it is a good fruit. Of course, it was the sort of artificial sterile fruit created through genetic engineering and reliant on the Kin field, but a good fruit nonetheless. There were many such fruits in this field, along with many edible herbs, plants, mushrooms, berries, vegetables, and roots.
It was likely to prepare food that isn't Minion meat, giving a culinary variety to the Ascended. They technically don't need it, but at least they didn't need to limit themselves to Minion flesh.
Meanwhile, I occasionally glanced at the cocoon formed by the now-evolving Minion, waiting for it to hatch.
Although Lord Arnerd showed some trust, he first wanted to confirm what would happen to the Minion and if it would safely evolve.
Even if I was wasting some time, I thought it was a good thing. At least my future backer was not a naive fool. Besides, I needed the break.
However, now that I was more relaxed, I remembered a crucial fact. I am returning home soon. I needed to break it down to Primrose and explain it to Lord Arnerd.
That was also why I decided to stay here instead of the primary Kin field, as explaining it to the Ascended would be much more challenging than the Kin. There was little to no wriggle room.
All my other powers, although exaggerated to a degree, still held some form of plausibility as I lived and stood in front of them after performing them. But, suddenly turning into a plum of black fire and vanishing for hours and even days? Yeah, this won't be easy to explain.
"After I am done with my business here, I need to bullshit a bit about going to the primary Kin field alone for business, and I can leave Primrose here since it's safer."
Reaching that thought, I looked at Primrose quietly eating her fruit.
"I can lie to Arnerd, saying I won't be detected through my appearance altering, but I need to explain it to Primrose in more detail. I still need to set up Arly and the computers so they can passively earn me money and buy some things before returning, so it might take several days." - I thought.
With that in mind, I connected to Primrose while blocking the other Kin to prevent them from accidentally overhearing what I had to say. It allowed privacy when conversing with each other through the crystal network.
However, both sides had to cooperate, or part of the conversation could be overheard.
"Primrose, I need to speak to you in private." - I said.
Primrose looked at me and nodded.
"Yes, my Lord." - She replied.
"Tomorrow morning, I will go on a trip somewhere, and it will take several days until I return." - I said.
Hearing my words, Primrose showed a reluctant expression.
"Can I come with you?" - She asked hopefully.
However, I shook my head.
"I am afraid not. I can travel there safely, but it would be deadly for others. For now, I have a mission for you." - I said seriously.
"Yes, my Lord. I heed and obey." - Her face turned serious.
"I need you to connect with the Kin in this field to help siphon energy from any kill caused by the Kin to me. This is also to accumulate energy for your new evolution."
In this Kin field, the number of deaths each day should be relatively high, whether for food or crystal extraction. I wouldn't be surprised if I could get 10,000 Basic Energy each day on average here.
Hearing my words, Primrose's eyes lit up.1Greedy brat
"Yes, my Lord! I shall do as you ask!" - She said with 120% enthusiasm.
"Good. Reconnect to the crystal network." - I smiled and said.
After reconnecting, we found that a group of Leaders brought naked corpses, each sporting a different wound.
Some had a burnt hole in the head, while others were slashed and stabbed. There were also a few seemingly intact but bleeding from their orifices and two with a dismembered limb(which was carried over).
Overall, however, their bodies were around 95% complete.
At this time, the silent Lord Arnerd finally stood up. He was a 10ft tall giant, almost twice my height and nearly three times my width, clad in thick brass-colored armor with runes inscribed. It was quite an intimidating sight to behold.
If this guy was placed on a medieval battlefield and charged with his bigass sword and shield, I imagine an entire army of armored knights would piss their pants off and run away in absolute dread.
After taking two great strides, he looked at the corpses, scrutinizing them all before nodding.
"I have evaluated them and believe they are mostly intact. With 31 carcasses here and 21.7 belonging to you, how do 103,000 crystals sound?" - Lord Arnerd asked.
"Sure." - I smiled and agreed.
The price he offered was fair.
Lord Arnerd nodded and turned to his guards.
"Bring me 103,000 crystals from the treasury." - Lord Arnerd ordered.
"Yes, Lord Arnerd!" - The guards nodded and went to the dome at the back.
"Your payment will arrive soon." - Lord Arnerd said.
"No problem. I can wait." - I waved my hand.
Lord Arnerd nodded and returned to his throne, the core of the Spore Spreader itself.
By the way, during this time, I analyzed it. It took ten whole minutes. My eyes fucking hurt.
Basic Energy: 9,945 -> 9,935
Name: —
Race: Large Spore Spreader - Land Variant
Species: Kin (Human/Flora/Fungus hybrid)
Age: 12 years and three months.
Lifespan: 52,815 years
Gender: Asexual (spore-based reproduction)
Body Type: Amorphous
Intelligence Level: Organically programmed living structure
Mental Energy: 3,000
Notable Racial Characteristics: Extremely High Vitality, Whole Body Regeneration, Transplantable, Low Reaction Speed, Kin Field Creation(5-mile-radius), Kin Field Synchronization, Kin Field Manipulation, terraformation, temperature adjustment, Special Spores, Only vital part is the core, Photosynthesis, Large Scale Digestion, High Energy Crystal, Crystal Wavelength Communication, Susceptible to Hierarchy Commands.
Stable Evolutionary Branches: Giant Spore Spreader - Land Variant
Description: The Spore Spreader is the core structure of the Kin species, spreading specialized spores and acting as a central command node. Although lacking intelligence, it would perform on instinct without a given set of commands, building a Kin Field most suitable for any given terrain and resources. It can also serve as a tool for terraforming planets if certain conditions are met, gradually creating an ecosystem. Large Spore Spreaders are the second evolutionary form of the Spore Spreader, the equivalent of a Leader, and they have larger domains. As a land-based Spore Spreader, it is suitable for land only.
Combat Ability Evaluation: The Spore Spreader has a supportive role, acting as a living fortress and haven for the Kin Species. Its spores provide immediate energy to the Kin, granting them better performance. Its spores also react to high temperatures, producing thick smoke that pushes oxygen away and blocks light, rendering explosives and photon-based directed energy weapons ineffective. And finally, it creates plant-based structures at command, providing shelter and defensive facilities to the Kin species. Although it can resist chemical attacks, its defenders are exposed without the proper equipment and structures, making this one of its only weaknesses.
Production Evaluation: The Spore Spreader is imbued with the genetic information of every plant species on Earth, both land-based and aquatic, allowing it to produce them at will, repurposed for Kin use. It also contains the genetic information of insect and animal species, enabling it to create them at will. It can mass-produce valuable organic materials and food and crops, including Minions.
Utility Evaluation: The Spore Spreader serves multiple roles, be it building structures, producing food and water, recycling waste materials, gathering pollutants, and adjusting temperatures in different areas. It can also artificially create a Spore-Sterile zone for creating non-organic technological equipment.
Role in Kin Society: As a central structure-builder and resource producer in Kin Society, it is a high-value entity, is regarded as crucial by even the Ascended, and acts as a focal gathering point and religious object to all Kin. Due to its role, it is heavily guarded at all times.
Mark of Zeal Validity: Possible, but has no worth as a Zealot aside from refusing orders from unauthorized personnel.
Dark Idol Validity: Under normal circumstances, organic beings cannot become Dark Idols. However, as an amorphous living organic structure, it is an exception. Because of its domain-based control, incredibly long lifespan, and religious and focal roles, the Spore Spreader is a prime target to become a Dark Idol and can even symbiotically benefit from it. Typically, with your current power, it would be impossible to convert it, but as you are an Ascended, the additional cost and backlash can be avoided through coaxing.
After reading all the details, I can summarize it in two words; Perfect Plant.
How perfect? Very. It is like an OP version of the Tree of Life in RPGs. It is more suitable to call it a sci-fi/magical hybrid plant.
What was surprising, however, was the last evaluation. Its validity as a Dark Idol.
This evaluation was like it was begging me to turn it into one.
It made me wonder.
"Should I do it?"
This place would become a base of operations anyway, so turning it into a dark idol seems beneficial now.
"Hm... But would turning it into a Dark Idol trigger anything? Would Lord Arnerd view it with hostility? Hm... Perhaps I can do it under the guise of strengthening it?"
I stared at the throne-shaped plant and then at the crates full of crystals being carried out by the guards.
"Hm... I'll enhance it first."
With that in mind, I opened the enhancement menu and checked.
Enhancement Energy A: 30
Dark Idol. Allows the host to build a Dark Idol in the Worship of Ic'thotl'itrod. Creatures can worship Ic'thotl'itrod and offer sacrifices, accumulating energy inside the Dark Idol that the Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod can absorb. Price: 25 Enhancement Energy A
"Good, I have enough." - I thought and decided to enhance.
{Enhancement complete.}
Enhancement Energy A: 30 -> 5
Dark Idol: Allows the host to build a dark idol in the worship of Ic'thotl'itrod. Creatures can worship Ic'thotl'itrod and offer sacrifices, accumulating energy inside the Dark Idol that the Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod can absorb.
Cost: 10 + varied(Strength X Resistance) Basic Energy.
Cooldown: None.
Casting Time: Varies. (Depends on owner and target)
Effect 1: Passively accumulates any excess mental energy of all believers in the area of influence as useable Basic Energy up to a certain threshold.
Effect 2: Within the area of influence, all believers, including the host, gain an additional percentage-based mental energy regeneration boost(Up to a certain extent). This effect triples when praying to the dark idol. In addition, praying gives peace of mind, increases focus, and improves productivity.
Effect 3: Can reverse-feed part of the energies absorbed, transforming them into useable energy that can promote good health and slightly improve the believer's physiques and other qualities. (Adjustable)
Effect 4: In its area of influence, creatures with primal intelligence and above will be drawn to the dark idol and instinctively want to worship it, slowly becoming believers. Believers will slowly gain a basic comprehension of who they worship and will subconsciously adjust their prayer for maximum effect. (Can be partially resisted through belief in other (Real) gods or sheer willpower.)
Effect 5: Believers can offer objects with energy value to the idol.
Effect 6: Believers can sacrifice living creatures, extracting the complete mental structure(Falsely known as the soul) to be used as a valuable material for creating or fueling holy relics and constructs. The more intelligent, experienced, and powerful, the more valuable it is. The sacrifice would be inhumanely painful for non-believers, and they can only serve as fuel, but willingly sacrificed believers would die painlessly and peacefully, a great honor for aged veterans reaching the end of their lives.
Effect 7: Can offer the holy relic of another god, either draining its energy or converting it into a relic of Ic'thotl'itrod. The process can potentially damage the relic if it resists.
Effect 8: In the area of influence, authorized zealots can use the energy inside to perform Divine arts, strengthen themselves, or reward worthy believers.
Effect 9: The dark idol can enhance or repair itself through accumulated energies. It can be triggered automatically or manually by the host or zealot. (Cannot be repaired if destroyed)
Note 1: Can convert the idols of other gods into dark idols of Ic'thotl'itrod, but would risk incurring the wrath of the said god if he is alive. Vice versa, other gods and their minions can convert dark idols into their idols of worship, and you will become aware of it. Nevertheless, converting the idol of another god can cost additional energy during conversion but can be potentially lucrative.
Note 2: The base material, structural integrity, and mass dictate its maximum potential. The better the material, the more it can grow.
Note 3: The form of the idol does not matter. Only belief matters.
Note 4: If the object contains a form of mental energy, the object can resist, depending on mental energy levels. This can increase conversion costs and potentially risk a backlash. But, if it fully accepts the conversion, no additional expenditure or risk is required.
Note 5: Zealots instinctively know how to create dark idols, and even if they lack the energy, they can gradually build one through accumulated effort.
"Holy Ic'thotl'itrod... This thing is an OP energy-gathering machine!" - I stared at it, speechless.
I now started somewhat regretting not enhancing this instead of stupidly enhancing reduce cooldowns 1 and 2 of reality travel. If I got this from the start, I could have traveled around Seattle and placed dozens of idols all over the city. By then, I could slowly see the energy trickling in without moving a finger.
And the best part is, I wouldn't even feel guilty about it! It would even benefit the community. In other words, I would be doing a good deed while benefiting from it! What a great deal!
However, there was one thing that did bother me.
"Effect 6 sounds like the guy Great Grandpa sacrificed... That poor bastard... Although he did deserve it." - I thought.
Shaking my head, I stared at the Spore Spreader, my gaze turning strange.
"What would happen if I turn the Spore Spreader into a dark idol? Since I am an Ascended, it wouldn't resist me, right?" - I thought.
According to what it says, the stronger the material, the more potential it has. Since the Spore Spreader is an advanced life form with incredible growth potential and serves as a focal and religious center, what would happen if it becomes a dark idol?
"Wouldn't that be like multiplying OP with OP?"
While thinking about that, the guards finished their task.
There were 103 crates in front of me, all filled with black crystals.
"Ascended one, here is your rightful share." - Lord Arnerd said.
"Nice..." - I smiled and got up.
Under the scrutinizing gaze of Lord Arnerd, I started offering them, turning them into black flames floating to my chest, and leaving black piles of dust.
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
...
Averaging one crate every minute, I offered them.
When I reached the 23rd crate...
Ka* Ka* Ka*
I turned to the side and saw the cocoon hatch, and out of it came a big Soldier.
After scanning the room, it carefully walked to Lord Anerd.
"Lord!" - It kneeled and said respectfully.
Seeing this, Lord Arnerd roared in laughter.
"Ghahahaha! Good! Excellent! Marvelous! In less than two hours, an evolved Kin was born!" - Lord Arnerd ecstatically spoke.
Thinking up to that point, he looked at his guards and spoke.
"Guards! Pick 20 Soldiers and 10 Stalkers, and bring them over!" - Lord Arnerd ordered.
"Yes, Lord Arnerd." - The guards complied.
"Hm? Do you want to evolve some more leaders?" - I asked, noticing that they added to 31 with the Soldier here.
"Yes, I am. I am in a good mood and won't need these anymore, so I can just let them have it instead." - Lord Arnerd said.
I nodded without commenting and continued my work.
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
After absorbing two more crates, Lord Arnerd suddenly spoke.
"I have been meaning to ask you for some time now, but what happened to the mass eaten by the Soldier here? Previously, it should have exploded after eating so many Minions without excreting, but it didn't, as if the mass magically left its body." - He asked curiously.
"If I analyzed it correctly, the waste mass gets randomly transferred to the ground." - I said.
It was the answer I got from Trod previously when I was curious.
"Hm." - Lord Arnerd nodded and didn't continue questioning.
And so, without further interruptions, I continued offering crate after crate while ignoring the sickly sound of the evolved Kin eating the human corpses.
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
...
Over an hour later, I finally finished offering them all.
Evolution Energy A: 2,218 -> 12,518
Enhancement Energy A: 5 -> 10,305
And now, I have an enormous amount of energy, all mine to utilize. And this isn't even a tenth of what I will get soon.
However, it would take over a day to offer 1,500,000 crystals.
Although I wasn't by any means lazy, that sounded like torture.
And so, my eyes turned to the Spore Spreader.
"Okay... I will let you do the work for me. But first..." - I thought.
I then turned to Lord Arnerd.
"Lord Arnerd, do we have a deal now?" - I smiled and asked.
"Yes, we do. Would you like the first batch of crystals now?" - Lord Arnerd asked.
"Not yet... But I have a question." - A said.
"Yes?" - Lord Arnerd asked curiously.
"Can I strengthen the Spore Spreader?" - I smiled and pointed.
"Ho... I was thinking about asking it of you." - Lord Arnerd said.
"Then, can I do it now?" - I asked with a smile.
"Go ahead. But I will give you a warning." - Lord Arnerd suddenly said.
"Hm? What?" - I blinked and asked, surprised.
"If you harm the Spore Spreader... I kill you on the spot." - Lord Arnerd said chillingly.
Sometime after we agreed...
Crunch* Slurp* Chew* Chew* Gulp*
I sat down at the side with Primrose, eating some apple-like fruit from the Kin Field.
It had a slightly acidic but sweet taste but had no seeds, having flesh and skin but no core. It made it a bit messier to eat since it was harder to grab if you ate the middle too early, but on the flip side, it had more flesh and was consistently sweet.
Although somewhat more boring to eat, it is a good fruit. Of course, it was the sort of artificial sterile fruit created through genetic engineering and reliant on the Kin field, but a good fruit nonetheless. There were many such fruits in this field, along with many edible herbs, plants, mushrooms, berries, vegetables, and roots.
It was likely to prepare food that isn't Minion meat, giving a culinary variety to the Ascended. They technically don't need it, but at least they didn't need to limit themselves to Minion flesh.
Meanwhile, I occasionally glanced at the cocoon formed by the now-evolving Minion, waiting for it to hatch.
Although Lord Arnerd showed some trust, he first wanted to confirm what would happen to the Minion and if it would safely evolve.
Even if I was wasting some time, I thought it was a good thing. At least my future backer was not a naive fool. Besides, I needed the break.
However, now that I was more relaxed, I remembered a crucial fact. I am returning home soon. I needed to break it down to Primrose and explain it to Lord Arnerd.
That was also why I decided to stay here instead of the primary Kin field, as explaining it to the Ascended would be much more challenging than the Kin. There was little to no wriggle room.
All my other powers, although exaggerated to a degree, still held some form of plausibility as I lived and stood in front of them after performing them. But, suddenly turning into a plum of black fire and vanishing for hours and even days? Yeah, this won't be easy to explain.
"After I am done with my business here, I need to bullshit a bit about going to the primary Kin field alone for business, and I can leave Primrose here since it's safer."
Reaching that thought, I looked at Primrose quietly eating her fruit.
"I can lie to Arnerd, saying I won't be detected through my appearance altering, but I need to explain it to Primrose in more detail. I still need to set up Arly and the computers so they can passively earn me money and buy some things before returning, so it might take several days." - I thought.
With that in mind, I connected to Primrose while blocking the other Kin to prevent them from accidentally overhearing what I had to say. It allowed privacy when conversing with each other through the crystal network.
However, both sides had to cooperate, or part of the conversation could be overheard.
"Primrose, I need to speak to you in private." - I said.
Primrose looked at me and nodded.
"Yes, my Lord." - She replied.
"Tomorrow morning, I will go on a trip somewhere, and it will take several days until I return." - I said.
Hearing my words, Primrose showed a reluctant expression.
"Can I come with you?" - She asked hopefully.
However, I shook my head.
"I am afraid not. I can travel there safely, but it would be deadly for others. For now, I have a mission for you." - I said seriously.
"Yes, my Lord. I heed and obey." - Her face turned serious.
"I need you to connect with the Kin in this field to help siphon energy from any kill caused by the Kin to me. This is also to accumulate energy for your new evolution."
In this Kin field, the number of deaths each day should be relatively high, whether for food or crystal extraction. I wouldn't be surprised if I could get 10,000 Basic Energy each day on average here.
Hearing my words, Primrose's eyes lit up.1Greedy brat
"Yes, my Lord! I shall do as you ask!" - She said with 120% enthusiasm.
"Good. Reconnect to the crystal network." - I smiled and said.
After reconnecting, we found that a group of Leaders brought naked corpses, each sporting a different wound.
Some had a burnt hole in the head, while others were slashed and stabbed. There were also a few seemingly intact but bleeding from their orifices and two with a dismembered limb(which was carried over).
Overall, however, their bodies were around 95% complete.
At this time, the silent Lord Arnerd finally stood up. He was a 10ft tall giant, almost twice my height and nearly three times my width, clad in thick brass-colored armor with runes inscribed. It was quite an intimidating sight to behold.
If this guy was placed on a medieval battlefield and charged with his bigass sword and shield, I imagine an entire army of armored knights would piss their pants off and run away in absolute dread.
After taking two great strides, he looked at the corpses, scrutinizing them all before nodding.
"I have evaluated them and believe they are mostly intact. With 31 carcasses here and 21.7 belonging to you, how do 103,000 crystals sound?" - Lord Arnerd asked.
"Sure." - I smiled and agreed.
The price he offered was fair.
Lord Arnerd nodded and turned to his guards.
"Bring me 103,000 crystals from the treasury." - Lord Arnerd ordered.
"Yes, Lord Arnerd!" - The guards nodded and went to the dome at the back.
"Your payment will arrive soon." - Lord Arnerd said.
"No problem. I can wait." - I waved my hand.
Lord Arnerd nodded and returned to his throne, the core of the Spore Spreader itself.
By the way, during this time, I analyzed it. It took ten whole minutes. My eyes fucking hurt.
Basic Energy: 9,945 -> 9,935
Name: —
Race: Large Spore Spreader - Land Variant
Species: Kin (Human/Flora/Fungus hybrid)
Age: 12 years and three months.
Lifespan: 52,815 years
Gender: Asexual (spore-based reproduction)
Body Type: Amorphous
Intelligence Level: Organically programmed living structure
Mental Energy: 3,000
Notable Racial Characteristics: Extremely High Vitality, Whole Body Regeneration, Transplantable, Low Reaction Speed, Kin Field Creation(5-mile-radius), Kin Field Synchronization, Kin Field Manipulation, terraformation, temperature adjustment, Special Spores, Only vital part is the core, Photosynthesis, Large Scale Digestion, High Energy Crystal, Crystal Wavelength Communication, Susceptible to Hierarchy Commands.
Stable Evolutionary Branches: Giant Spore Spreader - Land Variant
Description: The Spore Spreader is the core structure of the Kin species, spreading specialized spores and acting as a central command node. Although lacking intelligence, it would perform on instinct without a given set of commands, building a Kin Field most suitable for any given terrain and resources. It can also serve as a tool for terraforming planets if certain conditions are met, gradually creating an ecosystem. Large Spore Spreaders are the second evolutionary form of the Spore Spreader, the equivalent of a Leader, and they have larger domains. As a land-based Spore Spreader, it is suitable for land only.
Combat Ability Evaluation: The Spore Spreader has a supportive role, acting as a living fortress and haven for the Kin Species. Its spores provide immediate energy to the Kin, granting them better performance. Its spores also react to high temperatures, producing thick smoke that pushes oxygen away and blocks light, rendering explosives and photon-based directed energy weapons ineffective. And finally, it creates plant-based structures at command, providing shelter and defensive facilities to the Kin species. Although it can resist chemical attacks, its defenders are exposed without the proper equipment and structures, making this one of its only weaknesses.
Production Evaluation: The Spore Spreader is imbued with the genetic information of every plant species on Earth, both land-based and aquatic, allowing it to produce them at will, repurposed for Kin use. It also contains the genetic information of insect and animal species, enabling it to create them at will. It can mass-produce valuable organic materials and food and crops, including Minions.
Utility Evaluation: The Spore Spreader serves multiple roles, be it building structures, producing food and water, recycling waste materials, gathering pollutants, and adjusting temperatures in different areas. It can also artificially create a Spore-Sterile zone for creating non-organic technological equipment.
Role in Kin Society: As a central structure-builder and resource producer in Kin Society, it is a high-value entity, is regarded as crucial by even the Ascended, and acts as a focal gathering point and religious object to all Kin. Due to its role, it is heavily guarded at all times.
Mark of Zeal Validity: Possible, but has no worth as a Zealot aside from refusing orders from unauthorized personnel.
Dark Idol Validity: Under normal circumstances, organic beings cannot become Dark Idols. However, as an amorphous living organic structure, it is an exception. Because of its domain-based control, incredibly long lifespan, and religious and focal roles, the Spore Spreader is a prime target to become a Dark Idol and can even symbiotically benefit from it. Typically, with your current power, it would be impossible to convert it, but as you are an Ascended, the additional cost and backlash can be avoided through coaxing.
After reading all the details, I can summarize it in two words; Perfect Plant.
How perfect? Very. It is like an OP version of the Tree of Life in RPGs. It is more suitable to call it a sci-fi/magical hybrid plant.
What was surprising, however, was the last evaluation. Its validity as a Dark Idol.
This evaluation was like it was begging me to turn it into one.
It made me wonder.
"Should I do it?"
This place would become a base of operations anyway, so turning it into a dark idol seems beneficial now.
"Hm... But would turning it into a Dark Idol trigger anything? Would Lord Arnerd view it with hostility? Hm... Perhaps I can do it under the guise of strengthening it?"
I stared at the throne-shaped plant and then at the crates full of crystals being carried out by the guards.
"Hm... I'll enhance it first."
With that in mind, I opened the enhancement menu and checked.
Enhancement Energy A: 30
Dark Idol. Allows the host to build a Dark Idol in the Worship of Ic'thotl'itrod. Creatures can worship Ic'thotl'itrod and offer sacrifices, accumulating energy inside the Dark Idol that the Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod can absorb. Price: 25 Enhancement Energy A
"Good, I have enough." - I thought and decided to enhance.
{Enhancement complete.}
Enhancement Energy A: 30 -> 5
Dark Idol: Allows the host to build a dark idol in the worship of Ic'thotl'itrod. Creatures can worship Ic'thotl'itrod and offer sacrifices, accumulating energy inside the Dark Idol that the Divine fragment of Ic'thotl'itrod can absorb.
Cost: 10 + varied(Strength X Resistance) Basic Energy.
Cooldown: None.
Casting Time: Varies. (Depends on owner and target)
Effect 1: Passively accumulates any excess mental energy of all believers in the area of influence as useable Basic Energy up to a certain threshold.
Effect 2: Within the area of influence, all believers, including the host, gain an additional percentage-based mental energy regeneration boost(Up to a certain extent). This effect triples when praying to the dark idol. In addition, praying gives peace of mind, increases focus, and improves productivity.
Effect 3: Can reverse-feed part of the energies absorbed, transforming them into useable energy that can promote good health and slightly improve the believer's physiques and other qualities. (Adjustable)
Effect 4: In its area of influence, creatures with primal intelligence and above will be drawn to the dark idol and instinctively want to worship it, slowly becoming believers. Believers will slowly gain a basic comprehension of who they worship and will subconsciously adjust their prayer for maximum effect. (Can be partially resisted through belief in other (Real) gods or sheer willpower.)
Effect 5: Believers can offer objects with energy value to the idol.
Effect 6: Believers can sacrifice living creatures, extracting the complete mental structure(Falsely known as the soul) to be used as a valuable material for creating or fueling holy relics and constructs. The more intelligent, experienced, and powerful, the more valuable it is. The sacrifice would be inhumanely painful for non-believers, and they can only serve as fuel, but willingly sacrificed believers would die painlessly and peacefully, a great honor for aged veterans reaching the end of their lives.
Effect 7: Can offer the holy relic of another god, either draining its energy or converting it into a relic of Ic'thotl'itrod. The process can potentially damage the relic if it resists.
Effect 8: In the area of influence, authorized zealots can use the energy inside to perform Divine arts, strengthen themselves, or reward worthy believers.
Effect 9: The dark idol can enhance or repair itself through accumulated energies. It can be triggered automatically or manually by the host or zealot. (Cannot be repaired if destroyed)
Note 1: Can convert the idols of other gods into dark idols of Ic'thotl'itrod, but would risk incurring the wrath of the said god if he is alive. Vice versa, other gods and their minions can convert dark idols into their idols of worship, and you will become aware of it. Nevertheless, converting the idol of another god can cost additional energy during conversion but can be potentially lucrative.
Note 2: The base material, structural integrity, and mass dictate its maximum potential. The better the material, the more it can grow.
Note 3: The form of the idol does not matter. Only belief matters.
Note 4: If the object contains a form of mental energy, the object can resist, depending on mental energy levels. This can increase conversion costs and potentially risk a backlash. But, if it fully accepts the conversion, no additional expenditure or risk is required.
Note 5: Zealots instinctively know how to create dark idols, and even if they lack the energy, they can gradually build one through accumulated effort.
"Holy Ic'thotl'itrod... This thing is an OP energy-gathering machine!" - I stared at it, speechless.
I now started somewhat regretting not enhancing this instead of stupidly enhancing reduce cooldowns 1 and 2 of reality travel. If I got this from the start, I could have traveled around Seattle and placed dozens of idols all over the city. By then, I could slowly see the energy trickling in without moving a finger.
And the best part is, I wouldn't even feel guilty about it! It would even benefit the community. In other words, I would be doing a good deed while benefiting from it! What a great deal!
However, there was one thing that did bother me.
"Effect 6 sounds like the guy Great Grandpa sacrificed... That poor bastard... Although he did deserve it." - I thought.
Shaking my head, I stared at the Spore Spreader, my gaze turning strange.
"What would happen if I turn the Spore Spreader into a dark idol? Since I am an Ascended, it wouldn't resist me, right?" - I thought.
According to what it says, the stronger the material, the more potential it has. Since the Spore Spreader is an advanced life form with incredible growth potential and serves as a focal and religious center, what would happen if it becomes a dark idol?
"Wouldn't that be like multiplying OP with OP?"
While thinking about that, the guards finished their task.
There were 103 crates in front of me, all filled with black crystals.
"Ascended one, here is your rightful share." - Lord Arnerd said.
"Nice..." - I smiled and got up.
Under the scrutinizing gaze of Lord Arnerd, I started offering them, turning them into black flames floating to my chest, and leaving black piles of dust.
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
...
Averaging one crate every minute, I offered them.
When I reached the 23rd crate...
Ka* Ka* Ka*
I turned to the side and saw the cocoon hatch, and out of it came a big Soldier.
After scanning the room, it carefully walked to Lord Anerd.
"Lord!" - It kneeled and said respectfully.
Seeing this, Lord Arnerd roared in laughter.
"Ghahahaha! Good! Excellent! Marvelous! In less than two hours, an evolved Kin was born!" - Lord Arnerd ecstatically spoke.
Thinking up to that point, he looked at his guards and spoke.
"Guards! Pick 20 Soldiers and 10 Stalkers, and bring them over!" - Lord Arnerd ordered.
"Yes, Lord Arnerd." - The guards complied.
"Hm? Do you want to evolve some more leaders?" - I asked, noticing that they added to 31 with the Soldier here.
"Yes, I am. I am in a good mood and won't need these anymore, so I can just let them have it instead." - Lord Arnerd said.
I nodded without commenting and continued my work.
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
After absorbing two more crates, Lord Arnerd suddenly spoke.
"I have been meaning to ask you for some time now, but what happened to the mass eaten by the Soldier here? Previously, it should have exploded after eating so many Minions without excreting, but it didn't, as if the mass magically left its body." - He asked curiously.
"If I analyzed it correctly, the waste mass gets randomly transferred to the ground." - I said.
It was the answer I got from Trod previously when I was curious.
"Hm." - Lord Arnerd nodded and didn't continue questioning.
And so, without further interruptions, I continued offering crate after crate while ignoring the sickly sound of the evolved Kin eating the human corpses.
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
{Gained 100 Evolution Energy A}
{Gained 100 Enhancement Energy A}
...
Over an hour later, I finally finished offering them all.
Evolution Energy A: 2,218 -> 12,518
Enhancement Energy A: 5 -> 10,305
And now, I have an enormous amount of energy, all mine to utilize. And this isn't even a tenth of what I will get soon.
However, it would take over a day to offer 1,500,000 crystals.
Although I wasn't by any means lazy, that sounded like torture.
And so, my eyes turned to the Spore Spreader.
"Okay... I will let you do the work for me. But first..." - I thought.
I then turned to Lord Arnerd.
"Lord Arnerd, do we have a deal now?" - I smiled and asked.
"Yes, we do. Would you like the first batch of crystals now?" - Lord Arnerd asked.
"Not yet... But I have a question." - A said.
"Yes?" - Lord Arnerd asked curiously.
"Can I strengthen the Spore Spreader?" - I smiled and pointed.
"Ho... I was thinking about asking it of you." - Lord Arnerd said.
"Then, can I do it now?" - I asked with a smile.
"Go ahead. But I will give you a warning." - Lord Arnerd suddenly said.
"Hm? What?" - I blinked and asked, surprised.
"If you harm the Spore Spreader... I kill you on the spot." - Lord Arnerd said chillingly.
