Chapter159-An Old Acquaintance
Upon hearing Rick Suleiman's words, Howard couldn't help but furrow his brow in concern. The possibility of awakening another talent with the Supreme Treasure was indeed alluring, yet it filled him with apprehension.
Historically, there were instances of individuals possessing dual talents - normally awakening one and acquiring another through fortuitous encounters. However, the emergence of a third talent had never been documented. Historically, there had been those who obsessively collected Supreme Treasures in a bid to awaken multiple talents. Alas, after awakening two talents, they found themselves unable to awaken a third, regardless of the treasures or tools employed. In one tragic case, after absorbing ninety-seven such treasures, an individual amassed such bizarre energies within themselves that they self-destructed.
Had the Starry River Map been solely a talent-awakening artifact, Howard might have outright refused it. After all, history had shown that such treasures could be perilous for those already possessing dual talents. Yet, if by some stroke of fortune he did awaken a third talent, it would be an extraordinary boon, placing him ahead of awakened beings worldwide.
Beyond the prospect of awakening a new talent, the process of refining the Starry River Map offered several other enticing benefits, piquing Howard's interest as he inquired about the detailed plan.
As time ticked by, the conversation between Howard and Rick continued, the night slowly but inexorably unfolding around them.
Returning to Saint City once more, Howard felt a profound shift in his mindset. From an orphan with nothing but his looks, he had transformed into a prodigy backed by the Holy Abyss Academy and the Chan family. Even his strength had undergone a dramatic change.
Disregarding levels and focusing solely on combat prowess, Howard realized that, within the confines of Saint City, except for a few key figures in the major families, no one could match him. This epitomized the sorrow of small cities; aside from the Dark Mausoleum, there were no high-level maps nearby. Without powerful organizations to battle monsters, ordinary people seeking to level up had to form small teams, resting extensively after each monster encounter, and lacking systematic learning opportunities, their progress was inevitably slow.
For instance, in Howard's former academy, the mentor responsible for combat training was barely around level 50, a level that would be considered mediocre even for a fifth-year student in Adia City.
Therefore, when the Mayor of Saint City, Hanno Bass, along with other officials, came to welcome Rick and saw Howard, who they had not seen in just a couple of months, they were all visibly astonished, praising the young prodigy. They were no fools and could see the evident rise in Howard's strength.
Howard and Rick Suleiman only rested in Saint City for a night before setting out for the Dark Mausoleum. This surprised Howard, who questioned, "Rick, didn't you say many people would be vying for the Supreme Treasure? Why aren't we bringing more people with us?"
Even though Saint City was just a minor municipality, it still fell under the jurisdiction of the Alliance. In situations involving large numbers of people, even if their individual strength wasn't impressive, no one dared to openly oppose them as they represented the entire Alliance. Challenging the people of the Alliance could mean waking up to find numerous strong figures at your bedside!
Hearing Howard's question, Rick Suleiman hesitated for a moment before explaining, "There are certain things that everyone knows but can't be openly acknowledged. Our presence alone is enough to signal the Alliance's involvement. People won't dare to overstep, fearing repercussions. Bringing too many people might give the impression that the Alliance intends to monopolize the treasure and not give others a chance."
After a pause, Rick added with a touch of self-mockery, "Actually, we officials don't really have any intention to monopolize the gains. My original mission from the Alliance was to oversee these awakened individuals vying for the treasure and ensure things don't escalate out of control. I'm making this effort solely to secure your benefit."
Rick Suleiman was no fool; he knew the importance of making his good deeds known. Otherwise, what difference would it make from not having done anything at all?
Howard, understanding Rick's intentions, replied with a light laugh, "Thank you, Rick. Regardless of whether I obtain the Starry River Map or not, I'll make sure to express my gratitude after this is over."
Rick waved off the notion of a gift, smiling, "No need for that. If possible, I'd actually like to take you as my disciple."
"Take me as a disciple?" Howard asked in surprise. "I'm already enrolled in the Holy Abyss Academy. Can I still become someone's disciple?"
Rick answered calmly, "Why not? The academy is a collective institution, whereas I'm offering a personal mentorship. It's different."
Rick Suleiman's plan was astutely calculated. Finding himself in debt to Howard and lacking a suitable way to repay the favor, he cleverly decided to take Howard as his disciple. In this way, even if he helped Howard gain substantial benefits, it would not be a loss for him. He had already researched Howard's background and knew he was an orphan. If they formed a master-disciple relationship, it could potentially serve as a means of passing down his legacy. Even if he couldn't continue his bloodline, at least his teachings wouldn't vanish. Even in death, his grave would be tended to, a comfort in itself.
In this era, the bond between a master and disciple was akin to that of parent and child, as it was in ancient times. After all, the skills and knowledge imparted could be life-saving.
Hearing Rick mention the proposal again, Howard didn't refuse, nodding in agreement, "If Elder Rick thinks so highly of me, then it would be ungrateful of me to decline."
Initially, Howard's reluctance was driven by a desire for more. Now, it seemed the right time to "reel in the net."
"You agree?" Rick exclaimed in surprise, quickly turning joyous, "It's a pity we have urgent matters at hand. Once we've dealt with this and return to Adia City, I will formally accept you as my disciple and teach you my skills!"
"Then I thank you in advance, Master," Howard replied, inwardly pleased. Who would refuse the opportunity to learn more?
As they conversed, Howard and Rick arrived at the Dark Mausoleum. The chilling wind swept through, its coldness penetrating even Howard's physique, which had been fortified by the Power of True Dragon.
As Rick Suleiman began to recount the history of the Dark Mausoleum to Howard, a sense of gratitude welled up in the latter. Despite growing up in Saint City and having a fair understanding of the Mausoleum, hearing someone else explain it brought a different perspective.
Venturing deeper with Rick, they occasionally disturbed skeletal creatures that emerged from the ground. However, before these skeletons could even launch an attack, Rick effortlessly crushed them to dust with his spirit power, scattering them to the wind. Were it not for the constant chiming of experience points in his ears, Howard might have thought he was hallucinating.
Rick's overwhelming strength seemed to deter any other monsters from daring to approach. Even the ghostly winds ceased their howling as Howard passed by certain graves, a testament to the might of a true powerhouse whose mere presence could suppress sentient monsters and spirits.
After what seemed like an endless walk under the moonlit sky, Rick led Howard to a dilapidated palace. Pushing open the doors, the glow of fire immediately caught their eyes.
Looking up, Howard noticed two figures seated in the center of the grand hall, a campfire burning before them. Atop the fire sat a pot from which a bubbling sound emanated, adding to the eerie yet strangely tranquil atmosphere of the place.
Rick Suleiman seemed familiar with the two individuals seated by the fire, greeting them with a chuckle, "Has Old Smokey not arrived yet?"
One of them, fixing his gaze on Howard, remarked, "When has Old Smokey or Sickly Sprout ever been early? But you, bringing a youngster along this time?"
The other person, exuding a cold demeanor, paid no heed to Rick and Howard's arrival, instead gazing contemplatively at the night sky -- the palace, intriguingly, lacked a roof.
Realizing the nature of the gathering, Howard understood that Rick and these individuals were old acquaintances. For them to converse so casually with someone as formidable as Rick, their own strengths were undoubtedly significant. Howard promptly adjusted his demeanor, sensing an opportunity to gain immensely from these seasoned veterans, potentially more rewarding than clearing a level 50 dungeon.
"This is my disciple," Rick introduced with a grin. "Ice Ghost, Glutton, as elders, don't you think a meeting gift is in order?"
Patting Howard on the shoulder, he continued, "Come on, these two uncles of yours are reclusive powerhouses of the Alliance. It's a rare opportunity to meet them today. Shouldn't you get acquainted?"
Seizing the chance, Howard quickly bowed respectfully, "Greetings to both uncles! I am Howard Hughes, honored to meet you."
The proverb "Don't hit a smiling face" held true. Observing Howard's respectful approach, the two exchanged a glance and couldn't help but smile in return.
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