Transmigrated with my corruption system

Chapter 193: Chapter 191: Into The Wastelands

[Ding! Congratulations! You have successfully purchased the Infinite Soul Bloodline!]

[Do you want to merge with it now?]

<<Yes>> <<No>>

Staring at the slew of notifications with a mixed expression, Ulric sighed helplessly as half of his corruption points vanished.

But it couldn’t be helped. If he wanted to grow stronger at a monstrous pace, this was the only way.

With that thought in mind, he stared at the notifications once more, this time analyzing each of them carefully as a thoughtful look formed across his face.

He was tempted to press yes and merge with the bloodline at once. But Ulric suppressed the urge and gave way to reason.

He was in the middle of the wastelands. He didn’t know how long the merging process would take or if it would leave him in a weakened state.

It was best to wait until they arrived somewhere relatively safe before trying it out.

Nodding to himself, his dejected expression faded as he stared at his remaining corruption points.

More than two and a half million corruption points were still a lot. He bet he could buy plenty of useful items with them.

Opening the system shop once more, he slipped into another bout of scrolling as he searched for anything useful.

A few more hours passed as Ulric came across countless enticing items.

But he didn’t buy them. It wasn’t that he didn’t want them. He really did. There were simply too many to choose from.

If only he could have them all.

He knew it was a little greedy.

But he just couldn’t help himself.

"Hmm... should I buy..."

Just as he was sinking into his thoughts, his eyes suddenly lit up as he remembered something.

The 10x Corruption Cards!

He remembered receiving one previously from the system after completing a hidden task.

Could he purchase them?

He remembered how exceptionally useful they had been. He couldn’t imagine how many corruption points they would yield now that the girls had grown so strong.

But he was certain about one thing.

They would definitely solve his corruption point problem.

Then he wouldn’t be so poor, and he could buy anything he wanted from the store.

As he browsed through the shop, he couldn’t help but shake his head.

Pity the system hadn’t issued him any quests or tasks.

In the beginning, he had thought the system was relatively simple. But the more time he spent uncovering its secrets, the more Ulric realized how wrong he had been.

Now he couldn’t wait to uncover every mystery shrouding the system.

He remembered the vision Elira had shown him and how that being had called him a strange name.

Did the system have any connection to it?

Only one way to find out.

Ulric sighed.

The more corruption points he acquired, the more secrets of the system he uncovered.

All he had to do was collect a massive amount of corruption points.

Sounded simple enough.

His thoughts were suddenly cut short as he stumbled upon the item he had been looking for.

There it was!

Too bad the system shop didn’t have smart features like a search bar. That way he could locate any item he wanted instantly.

Instead, he had to scroll through everything manually.

Still, it didn’t matter. He had found what he was looking for. He just figured it would become a little troublesome in the future.

Before he could sink deeper into his thoughts, his eyes suddenly froze as they caught sight of the price listed beneath the 10x Corruption Card.

"You rip-off, corruption point-stealing system."

Ulric cursed as he stared at the absurd price.

[1,000,000 Corruption Points!]

His breathing grew heavier as he saw that each card could only be used three times.

Calming himself, Ulric steeled his resolve and pressed the purchase option, watching another massive chunk of his corruption points disappear.

He knew the effects of the corruption card were otherworldly. He was bound to earn far more corruption points with it.

He supposed he was just a little bitter.

But the more large purchases Ulric made, the stronger his resolve became.

This was just a small price to pay.

Closing the system interface, Ulric snapped out of his trance and scanned the surroundings, a surprised expression forming across his face.

It was already nighttime?

It seemed he had been too absorbed in his thoughts to notice the passage of time.

Still, his senses had remained exceedingly sharp.

Although the terrain around them looked clear of threats, Ulric could sense multiple monsters hiding beneath massive rocks, some even blending into their surroundings, no doubt waiting for an opportunity to attack.

But the Procan Python gave them none, exuding a fierce aura that kept the monsters at bay.

Besides, Ulric had been releasing a faint trace of his own aura to scare off any daring beasts.

Combined, neither the monsters nor the beasts dared approach the carriage.

Even so, a few still chose to trail it from the shadows, lurking while waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

Ulric ignored them. Still, if any of them entered a five-hundred-meter radius, he would blast them into oblivion instantly.

***

Inside the carriage, Amber occasionally glanced outside as caution and worry mounted within her.

Although they had all been excited at first, they knew just how dangerous the wastelands were.

Besides, it was common knowledge throughout Arcadia that opportunity was usually accompanied by danger.

That was why they all remained on guard, ready to attack at a moment’s notice.

Ulric’s presence eased many of their concerns.

But that didn’t mean they would leave him to face every danger alone.

They had each dedicated themselves to training for moments like this.

Her gaze swept across the carriage, catching sight of Lyra and the rest.

Their eyes were dull and slightly listless, but Amber had no doubt they remained alert, ready to spring into action at any moment.

Letting out a slow breath, her gaze drifted outside once more as her fists clenched slightly.

The silence should have reassured her. It usually meant there were no threats nearby.

Yet somehow, it weighed heavily on her heart.

Everything changed when the carriage trembled slightly as Ulric, who had previously been sitting atop it, stepped inside.

The girls’ dull eyes instantly lit up as they stared at him.

But because they feared speaking might attract monsters, none of them uttered a word.

Even so, the excitement sparkling in their eyes was unmistakable as they slowly inched toward him.

Noticing their concern, Ulric smiled faintly as he established a connection with the Procan Python, giving it the command to stop for the day.

Not because he needed to sit outside to control it.

Through their connection, he could guide it just as easily from inside the carriage.

Instantly, the carriage rocked slightly before coming to a skidding halt.

It wasn’t safe to continue traveling at night.

Most beasts in the wastelands became active after dark.

If he had been traveling alone, he would have continued without hesitation.

The night was his domain, after all.

But the girls were different.

Their combat prowess would be greatly limited if they couldn’t see their enemies.

This was much safer.

Besides...

Ulric mused as a smile carved across his lips.

"I have something for you," Ulric muttered, his voice cutting through the silence.

"Huh?"

The girls gasped at his words, multiple emotions flickering across their faces as one of their worries was dispelled.

Amber’s face flushed slightly as she stared at the dark-robed youth.

He had already given them so much that, at this point, she felt a little guilty accepting even more.

At the thought, she made a mental note to get him something in return.

What, she didn’t know yet.

With his level of power, she doubted she could obtain anything that would truly interest him.

But she would try nonetheless.

There had to be something.

Tara and Aelira looked at Ulric curiously, staring at the mysterious smile resting on his face.

"Is it food?" Lyra grumbled as she rubbed her rumbling stomach.

At her words, Ulric’s eyes lit up as though he had suddenly remembered something, a wry smile spreading across his face.

Given his exceptional physique, he estimated he could go an entire week without eating.

But the girls were different.

They needed regular food to maintain their strength.

Even D-rank beings did.

He was simply the exception, and he had almost forgotten.

Stepping out of the carriage, Ulric waved his hand.

Instantly, a mass of darkness sprang into existence, forming a dome that stretched five hundred meters around them.

This was merely one of the defensive measures he had prepared.

Only B-rank beasts could break through it.

And if they did, he would know immediately.

Following behind Ulric, Amber and the others watched as he effortlessly lit a large fire to keep everyone warm before flicking his wrist.

An assortment of dishes appeared before them, their delicious aroma instantly filling the air.

Trails of saliva unknowingly trickled from their mouths.

Without hesitation, they rushed forward, digging in as they devoured the food ravenously.

In the middle of it all, Lyra suddenly raised her head.

Her cheeks warmed slightly as she sensed Ulric’s gaze resting on her.

Looking down, her face reddened even more as she tried to figure out what he was staring at.

Her chest?

It was moderately sized.

At least... that’s what she thought.

A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes as she locked gazes with Ulric.

"Do you want to go at it?"

Ulric stared at her blankly.

Before he could even respond, she shamelessly continued.

"Only if you insist," she muttered before rushing toward him, leaving Ulric momentarily speechless.