Chapter 36: Making Plans
[Lone Diver]
[When you find yourself facing more than one enemy simultaneously, you experience a 20% increase to your defense.]
The title was a fine addition to Leonard’s collection.
Back when he had fought the wolves, his biggest problem had been the wounds he accumulated over time. While the beasts hadn’t been much of a threat individually thanks to Titanic Oath, their cuts had slowly worn him down.
But now, with Lone Diver amplifying his defense on top of the effects of his Hardened Physique, he wouldn’t be pushed so close to the brink. Any injuries he sustained would be significantly reduced.
Next, he used his evolution points, just in case another monster decided to intercept their path. The points had climbed all the way up to 1,030, and he spent 640 to upgrade his skill to the next level.
[Lightning Strike - Level 7 → 8]
[Rank: Rare]
[Infuses your strike with low-affinity lightning and amplifies your strength by 270%.]
[Usage cost: 10 Mana.]
[Upgrade Lightning Strike to the next level: 1,280 Evolution Points]
Finally, he redistributed the attribute points he had gained upon reaching Level 7.
Name: Leonard
Level: 7 [Experience: 25/800]
Bloodline: Primordial
Vitality: 18
Strength: 20
Agility: 17 → 18
Endurance: 23 → 24
Magic: 20 → 23
Mana: 200 → 230
Skills: Lightning Strike, Dimensional Storage
Attribute Points: 5 → 0
Evolution Points: 1,030 → 390
Traits: Accelerated Manaflow, Hardened Physique, Devoted Summons
Titles: Lumberjack, Inquisitor, One Man Army, Lone Diver
Since Leonard’s defense was already further boosted, he focused on the more pressing attributes, namely agility and endurance, with the rest going into magic to increase his mana pool.
"Young Master?" Miranda called out beside him. "I know it’s not the right moment, but can we talk about you diving into the dungeon alone?"
Leonard let out a deep sigh.
"Yes, I know... Jumping straight into a dungeon with no plan or backup was very stupid, reckless, and illogical. I have only recently awakened, yet I could have very well lost my life, all because I acted without thinking and dove in after Daisy."
She was quiet for a couple of seconds.
"You are right to an extent, but... no." Miranda shook her head, surprising him.
"I am not supposed to say this, but thank you for going after her even though you put your life in jeopardy. It shows that despite all the hatred and hardships you have endured from society and even from your own family, you refuse to become like them. You refuse to look the other way when things don’t sit right with you... In that regard, you resemble your parents greatly."
His eyes remained fixed ahead. "Is that so..."
In order to avoid encountering any more dungeons on their way, Leonard summoned Joker.
By dispersing over a wide area, the summoned mist scanned for any threats and began to function as a guide. Simultaneously, he reduced the chances of Leonard and Miranda being spotted by any lingering monsters.
They managed to avoid the threats and eventually reached the walls of the Upper Sector.
While entering the sector required passing an examination with their records scanned, or at the very least carrying an invitation, leaving it was as simple as walking through the gates.
"The dungeon outbreaks were concentrated in the Upper Sector. Here, we’re safe." Leonard exhaled deeply, sparing Miranda a glance.
Even if only briefly, they had still encountered a wyvern. He wanted to make sure that her mana oversensitivity hadn’t been triggered.
Fortunately, her condition hadn’t worsened. With all of their tasks fulfilled, they headed home to the Lower Sector, tired but alive.
Leonard needed to prepare. Soon, he would be taking the entrance exam for the academy.
***
Meanwhile, in the Upper Sector, where awakeners and members of the Dungeon Response Unit were giving it their all to suppress the outbreaks, two Void Believers stood atop a tall skyscraper.
Orpheus bore the muscular frame of a man. Having submitted to the corruption, his once human head was twisted and reshaped into a squid-like form. The skin covering his face was purplish in hue and sticky to the touch, while the appendages that stretched from it reached all the way down to his waist.
"Look at them, these pests. They do everything in their power to deny the beautiful gift of the Almighty and the comforting embrace of corruption. It is pointless. In due time, they will open their eyes to the inevitable truth and will come to accept the Void." Orpheus spoke in a heavy voice.
Eris stood slightly to the side. Her body was covered by a white robe, and a mask concealed her features. Several black swords levitated behind her, their edges gleaming with a menacing lethality.
"It’s because of the Chiefs that lead the Gradeless Units. Without them, our job of taking the city would be a lot easier." She remarked in an unhurried voice.
From her elevated position, she was able to watch Scarlett’s battle with the wyvern.
"While she is distracted, I can initiate an ambush and get rid of her." Eris declared with certainty.
"Not yet..." Orpheus shook his head. "Let them underestimate us. Let them think the Void Believers are nothing but a disorganized mob. We strike when they least expect it and bring them to their knees."
"But soon another batch of awakeners will be tested and enrolled in their academy. Won’t it be a problem if we let them bolster their numbers even more?" Eris argued.
Orpheus chuckled darkly.
"The spy we have planted in Eternia City has eliminated their king and possessed his body. Additionally, manipulating the king’s replacement is possible. Unlike the other years, we will be able to judge who among the fresh blood is the most troublesome and bring them to our side... or cut their potential short outright."
Eris nodded. "If the Almighty wills it."
Orpheus slashed with his hand and tore the fabric of space. He created a portal that led straight to the Void.
"Come. There are other cities and planets to conquer."
The two Void Believers entered the Gradeless Dungeon, and the portal vanished behind them. They left no trace as if they had never been there.
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