Chapter 247: The Manhattan Rift! Eighty Percent Death Rate, The Golden Light Guild
"You both need to graduate," he said sharply. "Without graduating, you are as good as useless in this society."
"The way you can graduate is by entering a guild or through joining an organization."
"But it is clear that you both do not seem particularly interested in joining any guilds."
"You both just want to be with each other, is that not right?"
"Yes." They both nodded, still clinging to each other.
Dickenson sighed. Seeing two people being so affectionate in public, and both of them being a tier above models in terms of beauty, was such a rare sight that he did not know what to say.
Everyone had preferences, but these two had faces that made it impossible not to like them. But being clingy and affectionate would not be enough to survive in society.
"However, reality is much crueler. If you cannot graduate, then you will not be able to find a good spot in society. You might talk big, but even for the so-called marriage you talked about, you would need to graduate first. For that, you would need to get into a well-established place, build a name for yourselves, and make connections."
"In this society, functioning normally and leading a normal life without graduating is practically impossible."
"I am sure we will be fine." Caelus’s face was normal. He believed in himself and his ability to thrive in this world, especially with the ancient ruins. He would clear them all!
"Without a guild’s backing, it is extremely hard to get enough money. Do you plan on living off your parents for a long time?" He adjusted his glasses and looked at Sylvia. "And you, Miss Sylvia, you retired from your singing career. In this world, only the strong survive."
"Aside from that, there is another way to graduate."
"Clearing rifts. Not dungeons, but rifts."
"Rifts are dangerous spatial dimensions with powerful beasts that can take your lives. They are considered infinitely stronger than normal dungeons, filled with apex, transcendent, and even stronger beasts."
"Oh?" Caelus’s eyes immediately lit up hearing this.
"Why did your eyes light up hearing that?" Dickenson’s lips twitched. "Do you think it is all fun and games? The lowest level is a level 5 rift, and the beasts there are extremely strong. It is also filled with traps."
"The death rate there is as high as 80%."
"We both are level 8," Caelus smiled.
"What?" Dickenson’s expression changed. "You both are level 8? How is that possible? Who backed you up? It has only been three days since the domain opened."
"It just happened naturally when we dealt with an apex and a transcendent monster. We did not have any help," Caelus smiled. So did Sylvia.
"..."
"What is your combat score?" Dickenson asked.
"I cannot disclose it. It is like asking a woman her cup size. Have some shame, Principal Dickenson," Caelus said while clicking his tongue.
Principal Dickenson’s face immediately darkened upon hearing this.
"You brat. Do not make me use a machine. You know I can easily throw you both into it, right?"
"Do not make it hard for both of us," Dickenson glared.
"Fine." Caelus sighed and showed him his combat score.
Dickenson’s face drained of all color in utter bafflement seeing the combat score and then Caelus’s level.
Level 8 and a combat score of 31?
"What the..." He almost cursed, but considering his position, he contained himself.
"You! How do you have such a combat score?"
"Can you strengthen yourself using essence?"
"Eh?" Caelus’s interest piqued. "People can do that?"
"Some can," Dickenson said. "But only a certain few of the population. They are more attuned to the Origin Ascension domain, and as a result, they can take in essence with no backlash."
"If an average person tried to do that, they would instantly die from overload."
"For example, I can also gather essence and then refine it to increase my combat score."
"We use a special device called essence storage, which is basically a spatial storage to hold it and then refine it later."
"But refining it is excruciatingly hard to do. I still have not completed refining the essence I gathered last time; it has been sitting there for a few weeks now."
"But that is a lot of combat score, so I need to find time to do it."
Caelus and Sylvia were amazed hearing this. Earth was truly advanced, was it not?
Caelus then told Dickenson that it was not from gathering essence, but rather that they were both just lucky. Dickenson believed him.
"I mean, I knew from the beginning. Whenever new players awaken, we at the school get a general reading on everyone and their affinity toward the domain. You both clearly do not make the cut to become essence gatherers," Dickenson said.
Caelus smiled upon hearing this. Dickenson did not need to know about their ability, not now, not ever. It would be kept between them.
He then changed the subject. "What you said earlier. If we do it, we can graduate, right?"
"Yes. But you need to deal with more than one rift," Dickenson said as he adjusted his glasses. "Normally, I would not suggest anyone enter a rift, but you both are an exception."
By now, he knew Sylvia also had the same combat score as Caelus. They were like two users who could gather essence.
"There is a rift that recently opened in Manhattan. Do you want to go there?"
"What do you think, Sylvia?" Caelus immediately turned to Sylvia.
"I am fine with it," Sylvia smiled. "We just want to graduate."
"Very well," Dickenson spoke. "I will arrange the necessary papers and get you both there myself."
Dickenson did just that. He made a few calls, and before long, they were rushing toward Manhattan in his car. On the way, he advised them a lot.
During this time, Caelus also got to know the real identity of Dickenson. It turned out this guy was one of the many powerhouses of Queens. He was also in the Golden Light Guild, one of the top guilds in the States.
No wonder he felt an incredible power from this guy. He was very strong.
Soon, they reached their location, and Caelus and Sylvia saw something they were well acquainted with.
