《Multiversal Livestreaming System : I Can Copy My Viewers Skills》 Chapter 1 - 1: The Fall of Adam "Everyone! Activate your shields! Now!" Adam''s voice shouted across the battlefield, cutting through the loud noises. Clad in a crimson robe embroidered with ancient sigils, he stood at the forefront with his staff crackling with red energy. His gaze locked onto the sky, where an enormous meteor, wreathed in blue flames fell towards them like a divine execution. The team obeyed without hesitation, each member raising their defenses! [Obsidian Mana Shield]! [Steel Aura Defense]! [Divine Protection]! A series of barriers erupted in shimmering hues of black, silver, and gold. They overlapped in layers, forming a protective dome just as the meteor made impact. Boom! The ground shook. A deafening explosion roared as the celestial fireball shattered against their combined defenses. Shards of molten rock and energy burst in every direction, lighting up the battlefield. For a brief moment, silence followed. And then... The flames did not fade! Instead, they clung to the barriers, sticking like living entities. The eerie blue fire oozed across the shields, spreading like ink in water. The air itself ignited as stray blue flames floated, setting even the empty space ablaze. The fire was spreading everywhere... even in the air! "Shit! The fire isn''t dying out!" One of Adam''s teammates cursed, struggling to maintain his shield. "Keep holding on! Do not let it reach you!" Adam commanded, sweat beading his forehead. But he could already see it... their shields were weakening. Not only were the flames just burning... They were also eating away at their defenses consuming their mana like a parasite! System notifications flickered across Adam''s vision, reminding him that his struggle was being watched. [Knight of Rose is expressing her worries.] [Sadist of Sufferings: Hahaha! That''s what you humans get for challenging the Tower of Yxthar.] [Inheritor of Dust expresses his pity towards your universe.] Adam gritted his teeth. ''No time to focus on these bastards...'' His audience could watch, mock, or pity all they wanted... But he needed to keep his people alive! "Team Two! Redirect your mana into the core shield! Team Three, prepare countermeasures!" A female spellcaster immediately stepped forward. '' "Understood! Channeling purification spells now!" Golden runes shimmered into existence as purification magic surged toward the flames. However... The fire did not flicker. It did not weaken. Instead, it spread faster. ''Dammit! It''s resisting holy energy?!'' Adam''s mind raced for solutions. "Switch to elemental nullification!" However, before they could react... A voice, ancient and cold, whispered through the battlefield. "Death." A piercing silence fell upon them, as if time itself had stopped. Then it appeared... A towering figure stepped from the shadows. It had six legs, each ending in jagged talons. Its upper torso was humanoid but grotesquely elongated, its skin stretched tight over bones that barely seemed human. It carried a staff carved from something blacker than night, its head crowned with twisted horns. Its presence alone sent a wave of dread through Adam''s veins. Then, one by one, his teammates collapsed. "Ngh-!" A warrior dropped to his knees, coughing blood. "I¡­ I can''t¡­ move¡­" Another''s weapon slipped from her grasp as her body went limp. Adam gasped as his own legs gave out beneath him. A suffocating pressure crushed his chest, his vision blurring. ''What¡­ what is this?!'' The system notifications continued, oblivious to the unfolding horror. [Knight of Rose is panicking.] [Sadist of Sufferings: Hahaha! Struggle more!] [Inheritor of Dust: How disheartening. I guess this is the end of your livestream.] [Inheritor of Dust has unsubscribed.] Adam barely registered the words. His fingers twitched. His mind screamed at his body to move, to stand, to fight. ''Dammit¡­! Humanity has made a mistake¡­!'' The Tower of Yxthar¡­ We never should''ve went against it... A tremor ran through the battlefield as reinforcements finally arrived. A platoon of warriors, mages, and summoned beasts rushed forward, clashing against the encroaching horde of monstrosities. Spells exploded in the distance, steel met flesh, and desperate cries filled the air. Adam''s lips parted. "B-Backup¡­?" He muttered in a low voice. "Save me¡­ Please¡­ I can''t¡­ die here¡­" His vision darkened. His body felt like ice. He immediately tried to request for help through his livestream. [Streamer, Crimson Mage, begs for help!] But no viewer from the multiverse seemed to respond. "Adam!" A knight in gleaming armor sprinted toward him with his sword drawn and his mana surging with power. However... A blinding beam of fire descended from the heavens. It struck the knight before he could reach Adam, vaporizing him instantly. "Brother..." Adam weakly muttered in agony. His unfocused gaze drifted sideways. Through the haze of fire and blood, he saw it. A colossal dragon-like entity soared above, six massive wings blotting out the sky. Its maw pulsed with cosmic fire, its eyes glowing with ancient hunger. It was not alone... More creatures, titanic in size and apocalyptic in power, descended upon the world... Across the globe, disasters unfolded simultaneously. Tsunamis swallowed entire cities. Flaming tornadoes ripped through continents. Colossal beings crushed buildings beneath their feet. The end had come. ''God¡­ please¡­ Anyone¡­ help us¡­'' Adam''s final plea vanished into the void. His body grew still. His blood ran cold. And then... [A viewer from a very distant universe has entered your channel.] S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The system notification flickered in the air, its glow casting a faint light over Adam''s unmoving body. His mind was slipping, his consciousness fading... yet the moment those words appeared, something within him refused to let go. Time seemed to slow. The pain, the cold, the suffocating pressure of death... It all dulled into a distant hum as his thoughts barely clung to reality. And then, another message. [??? has subscribed.] [??? : I am not God, but I do find your situation quite entertaining... do you mind if my universe connects to your existence?] Adam''s thoughts scattered into confusion... ''What¡­?'' His mind, sluggish from impending death, barely processed the strange message. ''What the hell do they mean...'' The viewer''s name was even stranger... he had never seen a username with only question marks on it. [??? : In my universe, we don''t have grand and exciting things like the Tower of Yxthar. I would like to ask for your permission in allowing me to connect our universe to your existence... that way, we can also witness and join your fun livestreams!] ''A universe that doesn''t have the Tower of Yxthar¡­?'' Impossible. The Tower of Yxthar was everywhere. Every universe had its presence looming over them as every universe was destined to have its beings climb it! That was a fact... an undeniable truth that no one questioned. As if reading his thoughts, the viewer responded. [??? : I agree. Perhaps it is just because the Tower of Yxthar hasn''t reached us yet and is still on its way. However, in the meantime... we''re quite bored of our universe.] [??? : So will you agree to giving me permission? I can''t do anything without your consent.] [??? : It won''t be for free, of course! I''ll give you something in exchange...] Adam''s barely-beating heart thumped at those words. His fingers twitched. His lips, cold and pale, parted slightly, though no breath escaped. The system paused. A new notification popped up. [??? : I''ll give you a gift that can allow you to save your universe.] His mind trembled. His dying body refused to react, yet his thoughts surged forward. ''A gift to save my universe¡­ are you sure you''re not God?'' [??? is shaking their head.] [??? : If you find a way to destroy or defeat the Tower of Yxthar using the gift that my universe is about to give you... please come to our universe and save us.] [??? has sent you an ?-tier gift. Do you accept?] ''You''re not God, you say¡­ I don''t care! Even if you''re the devil, I will gladly accept it as long as you save us!'' Adam didn''t hesitate. He reached out... not with his hand, but with his will as he accepted the gift. A single notification awaited him. [Your Multiversal Livestreaming System has evolved.] And in that moment, the universe listened. The world around him cracked. Time itself trembled. Everything... every burning ember, every fallen ally, every drop of his own blood all began to move in reverse. The flaming meteor soared back into the sky. The blue fire retreated, vanishing as if it had never touched the land. The ancient being that had whispered death unraveled back into the depths of the darkness. Adam saw it all. Every moment played backward, like a film rewinding at an incomprehensible speed. And then... He gasped, eyes snapping open. Chapter 2 - 2: The Past Rewinds "What?" Adam''s eyes snapped open. His breathing was unsteady as he sat up, his gaze darting around the room. The familiar sight of worn-out wallpaper, wooden shelves packed with old books, and a slightly crooked desk met his eyes. This was his old room... The room he had grown up in. The same small space in the house where he had lived with his family... before everything changed. Adam''s hands trembled slightly as he touched the rough fabric of his bedsheets, as if making sure he wasn''t dreaming. But the warmth of the blanket and the distant sound of birds chirping outside the window told him otherwise. He was really back. "I really went back in time¡­ with all of my memories intact." His heart pounded in his chest. The last thing he remembered was the eerie notification from that unknown viewer. "Was that viewer really not a god...?" The idea was absurd, yet here he was... reliving a moment he had already experienced. "I wonder if..." He muttered under his breath, instinctively willing the system to activate. Nothing happened. No holographic interface. No notifications. No status screen. Silence. His expression darkened. "All my abilities are gone... and I haven''t awakened yet." The realization hit him like a weight in his chest. All of his progress....his skills, his powers, everything he had fought for had vanished. It was as if he had never stepped foot inside the Tower of Yxthar. But... A bitter smile tugged at his lips. "No, I shouldn''t think like that." He shook off his frustration. Being sent back in time was already an unbelievable miracle. He had been given a second chance. This was something he should be grateful for. Taking a deep breath, Adam stood up and reached for the phone charging on his nightstand. His fingers curled around the smooth familiar device, one he hadn''t seen in years. It was his old phone. One that had long been abandoned when he entered the Tower. He quickly unlocked it and checked the date. September 13, 2010. His grip tightened. Fifteen years before we challenged the Tower of Yxthar. And today was the exact day his father had taken him to the Guild of Stream Hunters to undergo his Streaming Resonance Test. His breath hitched slightly. "The resonance test¡­" Not everyone could become a Stream Hunter. To connect with the Multiversal Livestreaming System, a person needed an extremely rare trait. Streaming Resonance. This was the key to entering the Tower of Yxthar and the only way to awaken. Without it, no matter how talented or smart someone was, they would never receive the system. "Adam! Are you still not awake?!" A deep voice called from outside. His father. "Your resonance test is scheduled today! Get in the car!" Adam felt his chest tighten. "...I''m coming, Pa!" His voice wavered slightly. Memories rushed back... his father''s scolding and stern face... After Adam had entered the Tower of Yxthar, they had never spoken again. Not once. His father didn''t have Streaming Resonance, which meant he never awakened the Multiversal Livestreaming System. And once someone entered the Tower, the only way to communicate with someone who was far away was if both parties possessed the system. And even this was limited to people inside the tower... Which meant¡­ His father had been alone for years. Adam clenched his fists. He hurriedly changed his clothes, but the thought lingered in his mind. Dad must have suffered so much when the Tower fought back¡­ When the Tower of Yxthar descended upon their world, it had forced all awakened Stream Hunters to climb or die. Those left behind could only watch helplessly as their loved ones vanished into the unknown. His father had already lost his mother to the Tower. Now, his children had followed that same fate. For the first time, Adam saw things from his father''s perspective. At the time, he had been too focused on surviving the Tower''s brutal challenges. He had never truly thought about what it was like for the ones left behind. Their family had been a family of four. His father. His older brother, Raiden. His older sister, Miya. And himself, the youngest. Their mother had been one of the first Stream Hunters to awaken. She had entered the Tower before anyone fully understood what it was. And she had never come back... He could still hear his father''s cries from that night. The night he had learned his wife would never return. Years passed, and one by one, his siblings awakened. Raiden had been the first to awaken. His brother had always been strong, the type of person Adam had looked up to. The year after, Miya followed, inheriting their mother''s fierce determination. Their father, however, had never awakened. Despite that, he had never given up. Even though his Streaming Resonance never changed, he would constantly visit the Guild of Stream Hunters, hoping and praying that one day he might awaken. Because he wanted to go inside. Because he wanted to protect his family. Adam exhaled sharply as he went down. The car ride to the Guild of Stream Hunters was quiet. The only sounds were the occasional sounds of the car and the faint noise of the world outside. Adam sat in the passenger seat, gazing out the window, watching the familiar streets pass by. He didn''t feel the need to break the silence. He knew why his father wasn''t speaking much... This day was heavy for him. Fifteen years ago, Adam hadn''t thought much about it, but now... knowing what the future held, he understood. This test determined whether he would be bound to the same fate as the rest of their family. His father tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his fingers tensing for a moment before he finally spoke. "If you awaken¡­ you can contact your siblings for help." Adam turned his head slightly, listening. "They can''t directly help you once you''re inside since they''re on the higher floors, but they should still be able to give you some advice. Tips, guidance¡­ anything to help you survive." A pause. His father exhaled sharply, eyes still fixed on the road. "But if you don''t awaken¡­" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He scoffed, shaking his head. "That''s good too." Adam noticed the bitterness in his voice. "At the very least, someone can stay behind and take over the company with me." A company. A normal life. A future that didn''t involve risking his life inside the Tower of Yxthar. Adam lowered his gaze. He understood his father''s resentment. After losing his wife to the Tower, and then watching his other children follow the same path, he had been left behind. Alone. For him, an unawakened son meant at least one member of the family wouldn''t be stolen away by the Tower of Yxthar. Adam let the silence settle for a moment before finally speaking. "Dad¡­" His voice was softer this time. "If I do enter the Tower, make sure you take care of yourself." His father didn''t reply. Adam leaned back against the seat, then added. "And stop smoking. I saw the pack in the backseat just now." That got a reaction. His father''s fingers twitched slightly on the wheel, but he said nothing. Adam smiled faintly to himself. Some things really never changed. The rest of the drive continued in silence, but this time, it didn''t feel as heavy. Minutes later, the car rolled to a stop in front of the towering glass building of the Guild of Stream Hunters. They had arrived. Chapter 3 - 3: First Step to Awakening The Tower of Yxthar was not bound by the laws of a single country. Its influence stretched across the world, forcing governments to cooperate in ways they never had before. Nations that once stood divided came together under a single decree. The Unified Pact Law. Establishing strict regulations on who could enter the Tower and how they would be chosen. The first and most crucial step was the Resonance Test... Adam and his father had just parked in the lot of the Guild of Stream Hunters, the towering facility responsible for conducting the test. As they stepped out of the car, Adam''s eyes swept over the massive glass building. Its sleek exterior reflecting the bright sunlight. He had been here before... Fifteen years ago. And now, he was back... this time with all his memories intact. The Resonance Test¡­ He had already gone through it once before. The process was simple. Potential candidates would place their hand on a Stream Crystal, a glowing artifact capable of detecting an individual''s Streaming Resonance. If the crystal reacted, it meant they were compatible with the Multiversal Livestreaming System. If not, their journey as a Stream Hunter ended before it even began... Adam followed his father through the entrance, stepping into the grand reception hall. Large screens lined the walls, broadcasting live footage of famous Stream Hunters fighting inside the Tower. Some battled monstrous creatures, while others explored ancient ruins, uncovering artifacts long lost to time. Their Stream Codenames flashed across the displays. Infernal Phoenix ¨C A warrior engulfed in crimson flames. Seeker of Truth ¨C A robed figure deciphering a glowing relic. Nightwalker ¨C A shadowy figure slipping through the battlefield unnoticed. These names were more than just aliases. Every Stream Hunter who awakened was given a Unique Stream Codename, a name that would define them across all multiversal livestreams. And along with it came something even more important. A personalized ability. No two Stream Hunters shared the same power. Each ability was shaped by the user''s mental, physical, and emotional attributes. Some wielded fire, others bent space, and a rare few could even manipulate time itself. Adam clenched his fists slightly. I wonder if I''ll receive the same abilities as I did before traveling back in time¡­ His mind drifted to his past self, to the name he had once carried. Crimson Mage. That was the title he had been given after his awakening. His ability, Body Blood Magic, had been a terrifying force on the battlefield. It allowed him to connect with living beings through their bloodstreams. A skill that made him an exceptional leader. Through this connection, he could influence the flow of blood in both allies and enemies. He could force an opponent''s own blood to turn against them, stopping their movements, cutting off circulation, or even making them explode from the inside. But it wasn''t just a weapon. His ability also allowed him to heal. By restoring lost blood and coagulating wounds, he had saved countless lives during his time inside the Tower. It was because of this that he had often been chosen as a team captain. Adam exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of anticipation settle over him. After registering for a waiting ticket, he was guided by one of the workers through the designated waiting area. The space was nothing special... just rows of chairs lined up neatly, a few vending machines sitting in the corner, and a digital board displaying the numbers of those called for testing. The sounds of conversation filled the air as candidates sat around, waiting for their turn. Adam glanced at the ticket in his hand. F-42. Then, the waiting began. Four long, uneventful hours passed. He spent most of that time staring at the ceiling, tracing invisible patterns on its dull, tiled surface. Around him, other candidates whispered excitedly about what kind of abilities they hoped to awaken. Some were already celebrating, discussing their newfound powers with shining eyes. Adam, however, remained silent. He had no reason to speculate. He already knew what he was supposed to awaken. A speaker suddenly announced across the waiting area. "Testing Ticket F-42, please proceed to the Resonance Test." Finally... Standing up, he stretched his stiff limbs before heading toward the testing chamber. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The automatic doors slid open with a soft hiss, revealing a brightly lit room. At its center stood a large, crystalline structure... the Stream Crystal. A man in a crisp white lab coat stood beside the crystal, his posture straight and composed. He glanced up from his clipboard as Adam entered, adjusting his glasses with a practiced motion before giving a small nod of acknowledgment. "Welcome to the Resonance Testing Chamber." He began, his tone calm yet authoritative. "I am Dr. Elias Grayson, a certified Resonance Analyst for the Guild of Stream Hunters. My role is to ensure that all candidates undergo a proper and accurate assessment before taking their first step into the Tower of Yxthar." He gestured toward the crystal at the center of the room, its deep blue core pulsing faintly. "This is the Stream Crystal, an artifact refined and standardized through decades of research and multiversal cooperation. It serves as the primary medium for measuring an individual''s affinity with the Streaming Resonance." "When you make contact with the crystal, it will analyze your biological structure, mental resilience, and spiritual signature to determine whether you possess the qualifications to awaken." Dr. Grayson''s gaze was steady, his explanation methodical. "Should you possess the necessary compatibility, the crystal will trigger an awakening sequence. This will result in two immediate outcomes : the assignment of a Stream Codename, which will serve as your identity across all multiversal livestreams, and the manifestation of a Personalized Ability. "Which is a power unique to you, shaped by your mental, emotional, and physiological attributes. No two Stream Hunters will ever awaken identical abilities, as each power is deeply tied to an individual''s very essence." He paused briefly before continuing, his voice unwavering. "The process is painless, though some candidates have reported sensations ranging from warmth to pressure, depending on the nature of their awakening. Should any irregularities occur, the system will automatically log the anomaly, and we will conduct further analysis to ensure stability. Once the awakening process is complete, you will receive further instructions on how to proceed." Dr. Grayson made a slight motion with his hand, indicating the crystal. "Now then, step forward and place your palm firmly against the crystal''s surface. Remain still and allow the resonance to take effect. Do you have any questions before we proceed?" Adam gave a wordless nod and approached the crystal. The moment he neared, its glow seemed to pulse in anticipation, the deep blue light shimmering like ripples across water. He exhaled slowly, steadying himself, then pressed his palm against the cool, smooth surface. For a moment, nothing happened. Then... A golden glow surged from within the crystal, spreading outward in rhythmic pulses. [You have been awakened.] [You are now a Stream Hunter.] A familiar sense of relief washed over Adam. As expected, he had awakened. [Setting personalized identification... Setting Unique Stream Codename...] The crystal''s glow intensified. [Stream Codename and Personalized Ability have been confirmed.] [Obtained Codename: Crimson Mage] [Obtained Personalized Ability: Body Blood Magic] Adam nearly sighed in relief. It was the same as before. His ability to control blood, to form connections through the bloodstream, to heal and command in battle... it had all remained unchanged. But then- [Error! Error!] His breath hitched. ''What?'' His brows furrowed as the golden glow flickered erratically. He had never seen an error notification before. This was definitely not normal. [Interference detected.] The Stream Crystal began to tremble beneath his hand. A sharp, almost electric sensation crawled up his arm, and for the first time since returning to the past, a sliver of unease crept into his mind. [Rewriting...] [Your existence has been connected to a very distant universe.] [Resetting.] The glow surrounding the crystal shifted turning from gold to something far more ancient, a deep crimson laced with threads of black. Adam felt something unseen coil around him, as if countless eyes from an unfathomable distance were now watching. [Obtained Codename: The Chosen Conduit] [Abilities have been changed!] The glow abruptly vanished. Silence. Chapter 4 - 4: The Chosen Conduit Adam glanced back toward the workers and Dr. Grayson who were standing at the far side of the room. Their faces were as unreadable as always as they continued to check in on the condition of the crystal while he was using it. Their expressions were neutral as though nothing happened... They hadn''t reacted to the sudden change in the crystal! ''Was it an illusion...?'' Adam wondered briefly, but quickly dismissed the thought. ''No, it most likely wasn''t... They probably didn''t see the changes because the interference was only directed towards me. The crystal must have set it up that way... making it so that only I could respond to the shift.'' ''I wonder if their records will log this anomaly...'' As an experienced Team Captain who had roamed around the Tower of Yxthar for years, his mind had naturally developed the habit of analyzing the unexpected, especially when things didn''t go as planned. It was needed as the lives of his team members often depended on him and his ability to command them. ''This anomaly¡­ it definitely links to the fact that I''ve gone back in time and accepted that strange viewer''s deal...'' ''Just who was that viewer...?'' His attention snapped back to Dr. Grayson, who had noticed his gaze. The doctor stepped forward, breaking Adam''s chain of thought. "Congratulations!" Dr. Grayson said with a smile that seemed to radiate warmth. "You''ve passed the Resonance Test, you are now awakened." Adam nodded, though his mind was still partially elsewhere. "Thank you." Dr. Grayson''s smile broadened, clearly pleased with the results. Without another word, he motioned toward a door on the far side of the room. "Come, let''s move to the next area. There are some formalities to take care of. Nothing too complicated, but it''s needed." Adam followed Dr. Grayson through the door into a smaller, more sterile room. A desk sat against one wall, papers neatly stacked on its surface. Dr. Grayson handed Adam a stack of papers, his movements swift and practiced. "These are the documents you''ll need to fill out regarding your awakening." He explained. "Nothing too daunting. Just some basic information about your Stream Codename, your ability, and your personal details for the system." Adam took the papers with a nod. Dr. Grayson, seeming to anticipate his curiosity, added. "You can check your information by willing the system in your mind. It will show you your updated profile." Adam didn''t say much, pretending as though this was his first time knowing about these things. ? [User] Adam Codranel ? [Rank] Ember (Requires 50 Basic Soul Core points and max level for the next Rank) ? [Level] 1 ©¤ (Capped at level 100) ? [Soul Core] 0 ¡ô [Abilities] ©À©¤©¤ [Temporary Copy] (?-tier) ©¤ Temporarily copies an ability of a viewer (Copied Skill will be reduced to its F-tier version) ©À©¤©¤ [Permanent Copy] (?-tier) ©¤ 1 usage per rank increase. (Can only copy a viewer''s skill) ©¸©¤©¤ [Body Blood Magic] (D-tier) ©¤ Magic in relation to Blood Control. (10 Meter Limit) ¡ô [Stream Information] ©À©¤©¤ [Stream Codename] The Chosen Conduit ©À©¤©¤ [Sponsors] None ©À©¤©¤ [Average Viewers] 0/sec ©À©¤©¤ [Subscribers] 0 ©¸©¤©¤ [Pending Gifts] 0 ''Temporary Copy? Permanent Copy?'' Adam stood agape, to him these seemed like super high tiered abilities that only top Stream Hunters would probably have. ''I can only copy a viewer''s skills?'' Adam scrutinized that piece of information. He wasn''t disappointed in the fact that he couldn''t copy other Stream Hunter''s abilities... In fact he was more than shocked! Any viewer was a hundred and if not... a thousand times more powerful than any of Earth''s current Stream Hunters! Dr. Grayson noticed Adam staring at an empty spot beside him and raised an eyebrow before speaking. "Amazing, isn''t it?" He remarked, his voice calm yet expectant. "You can start filling out the forms now." He handed Adam a digital tablet, its screen glowing faintly with the registration interface. Then, with a more serious tone, he added. "Make sure everything is as accurate as possible. No falsifications. There will be a combat evaluation later to confirm all of this." "Got it¡­" Adam replied absentmindedly, already familiar with the process. He had gone through it before already. At that time, he got below the average assessment evaluations... The combat evaluation was designed to test an individual''s physical abilities and to confirm their awakened personalized ability. It wasn''t the only test, either. There was also a Knowledge Proficiency Test, which ensured that every Stream Hunter had at least a fundamental grasp of hunting and survival skills. After all, the Tower of Yxthar wasn''t a simple tower. Each floor was a vast, self-contained environment, ranging from scorching deserts to freezing tundras, labyrinthine ruins to monster-infested forests. Anyone without basic survival knowledge wouldn''t last long. Then there was the Psychological Evaluation, meant to assess a candidate''s mental stability. The government wasn''t about to let highly unstable individuals awaken unchecked, only for them to enter the tower and become a danger to others. Adam scrolled through the form, filling in his details while recalling another crucial part of the process... The background check. Every candidate had their personal records screened, including their criminal history. Of course, this didn''t mean the government could outright stop someone from entering the tower. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After all, one month after awakening, the Tower of Yxthar would forcefully teleport all awakened individuals to the first floor. It didn''t matter who they were. They could be a decorated war hero or a wanted criminal. If they were awakened, they would be sent in regardless. However, that didn''t mean people could do as they pleased. The government wasn''t just sitting back and watching. They had found a way to establish contact with those inside. Adam knew the details¡ª Stream Resonance Energy. The Stream Crystals used in the awakening process weren''t just for show. Their energy resonated across dimensions, forming a stable frequency link between the outside world and the tower itself. Using this, the government and certain authorized organizations could communicate with the awakened inside. Of course, this connection was strictly regulated. Outside of official personnel, no one else had access to it. This was why failing the tests had serious consequences. If someone failed the Knowledge Proficiency Test or the Combat Evaluation... The government would immediately send a notification to their personnel inside the tower which were awakened agents stationed on the first floor. Those who failed would then be forcibly trained, honing their combat skills and learning the necessary survival techniques before they were allowed to climb higher floors. As for those who failed the Psychological Evaluation? They weren''t simply ignored. The government ensured that those individuals were given mandatory psychological therapy and treatment on the first floor, monitored closely to prevent any potential dangers. And for criminals? Their fate was more straightforward. Jail cells. Constructed by those inside the tower awaited them. Those with serious offenses weren''t given the luxury of freedom. They were locked away, watched over by awakened law enforcement within the tower itself. Adam let out a quiet sigh. ''Even in the tower, it''s hard to escape the grasp of the government.'' Still, he wasn''t against it. If anything, it was a necessary measure. Regulating the awakened lowered the death rate, ensured cooperation, and reduced the risk of senseless crimes. Without this system in place, the first floor of the tower would have turned into a lawless battlefield long ago. And Adam had no intention of stepping into something like that. Chapter 5 - 5: A Promise He Cant Keep After confirming his personal details, Adam was once again directed to the waiting area. This time, it was for the Combat Evaluation. The room was filled with anticipation. Some people sat still, lost in thought, while others whispered to one another, discussing their awakening results or speculating about the upcoming test. The mixture of voices and the sound of footsteps filled the space, but Adam barely noticed any of it. His gaze drifted across the room until it landed on a familiar figure. His father. The older man was already standing, his eyes locked onto Adam with an expression that was difficult to read. There was no excitement, no anticipation... Only a quiet, heavy stare, as though he was waiting for an answer he wasn''t sure he wanted to hear. Adam hesitated. Then, after a long pause, he finally spoke. "I''ve become a Stream Hunter." The words felt heavier than he expected. His father straightened immediately. The movement was sharp, almost reflexive, as if a part of him had been bracing for this moment. But what followed was not the usual "congratulations"... Nor was it the bright, joyful reaction most families had when they learned their loved one had awakened. Instead, his father let out a slow, uneven breath. His shoulders trembled slightly before he reached out, placing a firm hand on Adam''s shoulder. No words. Just a strong grip, fingers pressing in as if trying to anchor something in place. Adam didn''t need to hear anything to understand what his father was feeling. His dad... Had once again lost another loved one to the tower. His father''s eyes glistened, though he refused to let the tears fall. Adam lowered his gaze. He knew there was nothing he could say to make it easier. There was no way to promise safety, no way to assure his father that he would return. Because in the history of the tower, so many had made those same promises... And so many had never come back. The silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating. But then, after a moment, his father gave his shoulder one last pat before letting go. "¡­Make sure you come back." He finally said, his voice rough and quiet. Adam nodded. It was a simple answer, but they both knew it was a promise he couldn''t guarantee. ... A clear, mechanical voice said through the waiting area. "Ticket F-42, please proceed to the Combat Evaluation Area." Adam exhaled slowly, pushing himself up from his seat. He could feel a few gazes shifting toward him, but he ignored them, making his way toward the designated area. The hallway leading there was quiet, lined with thick, reinforced walls. Every few meters, there were security cameras, their red lights blinking steadily as they monitored the flow of examinees. It was a reminder... this wasn''t just a formality. The Combat Evaluation was serious business. As Adam entered the evaluation room, he was greeted by the sharp scent of polished metal and sweat. The walls were lined with reinforced glass, and a combat ring sat in the center, surrounded by a few seated examiners. The floor was made of impact-resistant material, likely reinforced to withstand the abilities of awakened individuals. A man in military fatigues stood at the center of the ring. His stance was relaxed, but there was an unmistakable air of discipline in the way he held himself. "Adam, correct?" The man''s voice was steady, professional. Adam gave a curt nod. "I''m Sergeant Cain. I''ll be your opponent for this evaluation." He gestured to the ring. "Step in." Adam obeyed, stepping onto the mat. The cool material was firm beneath his feet, designed to absorb force. Sergeant Cain stood firm in the center of the training ring, arms crossed as he studied Adam with a critical gaze. "The purpose of this test is to evaluate your combat proficiency in terms of physical prowess. Do not use your abilities." Cain stated, his voice steady. "We''re not here to win or lose. We''re here to assess. Understood?" Adam nodded. "Understood." Cain gave a small nod in return. "Good. You can fight however you like, but remember, this is an evaluation. No unnecessary force." He rolled his shoulders, settling into a ready stance. "Whenever you''re ready, you may begin." Adam exhaled slowly. Then, he moved. Faster than Cain expected. Adam was not ordinary. Fifteen years inside the Tower of Yxthar had sharpened his instincts beyond what most people could comprehend. He had fought creatures far deadlier than any trained soldier. If he wanted to, he could end this fight in seconds. ...To which he planned to do right now. In the blink of an eye, Adam closed the distance between them, his footwork seamless. He launched a sharp front kick aimed at Cain''s ribs. The sergeant barely managed to block, his arms bracing against the impact as his feet slid back across the mat. Adam didn''t stop. The moment his kick was blocked, he twisted into a spinning elbow strike. Cain ducked, but Adam adjusted mid-motion, bringing his knee up in a brutal counter. Cain barely managed to shift his body in time. The knee grazed his shoulder, but the force alone was enough to break his stance. He staggered. Adam pressed forward, giving him no time to recover. His fist shot forward in a precise straight punch, striking Cain''s guard with a force that sent vibrations through his arms. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Cain grit his teeth, stepping back to create distance. But Adam didn''t let him. Instead, he surged forward, his attacks did not pause even for a second. His hands moved with practiced efficiency... Each strike calculated, each movement precise. There was no hesitation, no wasted energy. His blows struck with the weight of someone who had fought for survival countless times before. Cain tried to counter, launching a sharp jab. Adam weaved past it with ease, stepping inside Cain''s guard. He delivered a devastating hook to the ribs, followed by a sweeping leg kick that sent Cain off balance. The sergeant barely caught himself. Adam didn''t let him recover. His palm slammed into Cain''s chest, sending him stumbling back. Before Cain could react, Adam closed the distance again, pivoting on his heel and delivering a brutal spinning kick straight to Cain''s stomach. Cain hit the ground hard. Silence filled the room. The examiners exchanged glances. Some of them leaned forward slightly, as if unsure of what they had just witnessed. Adam stepped back, breathing steady, his stance still firm. Cain exhaled sharply, pushing himself up onto one knee. He placed a hand on his stomach where Adam''s kick had landed, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he let out a short chuckle. "Well... that was something." He rose to his feet, shaking off the tension in his muscles. Despite the decisive loss, his gaze held a newfound respect. Cain turned toward the examiners. "That concludes the evaluation." One of the examiners, an older man with sharp eyes, nodded. "We''ll finalize the results and notify you soon." Cain turned back to Adam. "For now, rest up. You''ve got more tests ahead of you." Adam gave a small nod. He hadn''t held back. He couldn''t hold back... His father would worry enough as it was. If he was going into the Tower of Yxthar, then he needed to prove that he was more than capable of surviving inside. Chapter 6 - 6: More Than Just A Fighter After the combat evaluation, Adam was given time to rest before the next test. He sat in the waiting area, arms crossed, thoughts lingering on his earlier performance. He had proven himself physically, but this next test required something else entirely. Knowledge, experience, and practical survival skills. The Knowledge Proficiency Test wasn''t just about answering theoretical questions... It was more on designed to ensure that every participant had at least a basic understanding of hunting, survival, and combat strategies within the Tower of Yxthar. Those who failed weren''t outright denied entry, but they would be marked for mandatory training on the first floor. Adam had no intention of being marked for anything. "Ticket F-42, please proceed to the testing hall.". The announcement came over the speakers, and Adam stood. He made his way down the hall, entering a large, sterile room lined with multiple rows of terminals. Several others were already seated, their faces tense as they stared at their screens. A proctor, a man in a dark uniform, gestured toward an empty seat. "Your station. The test will begin as soon as you log in. You have one hour." Adam sat down, placing his hand on the biometric scanner. The screen lit up, and the first question appeared. It was simple. "What is the safest way to set up camp in an unknown environment?" Adam''s fingers moved across the keyboard. He typed out a response without hesitation, outlining terrain assessment, shelter selection, and defensive positioning against potential threats. Next question. "You are low on supplies and come across an unfamiliar plant. How do you determine if it''s safe to eat?" He quickly detailed the universal edibility test, breaking it down into each necessary step. Checking for toxic signs, performing the contact test, and waiting for delayed reactions before consumption. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. More questions followed, covering first aid, emergency signal methods, weapon maintenance, stealth tactics, and even dealing with intelligent non-human species inside the tower. Adam moved through them with methodical precision. Then came the practical scenario questions. These weren''t multiple-choice. Instead, they presented realistic survival dilemma with no clear right answer, only better and worse decisions. One question described a scenario where Adam was trapped in an unfamiliar ruin with dwindling oxygen. His solution? Prioritize locating structural weaknesses, estimate time until suffocation, and conserve energy while searching for an escape route. Another question involved tracking a high-threat predator while minimizing risk. Adam laid out a detailed plan, covering wind direction, terrain utilization, and strategic retreat points in case of ambush. He didn''t hold back. By the time he reached the final question, the others were still sweating over their responses, some visibly frustrated. Adam, meanwhile, submitted his answers with time to spare. The moment he pressed confirm, his score appeared on the screen. [Final Score: 230/230] The highest possible result. Adam leaned back slightly, exhaling. Murmurs spread across the testing hall as the proctors noticed. One of them approached, glancing at his screen before raising an eyebrow. "Perfect score?" The man sounded almost amused. Another examiner checked the data, nodding slowly. "No errors. Every answer was correct, and his scenario solutions were the most optimal responses." The first proctor turned to Adam. "Most people barely scrape by with a passing score. Even trained soldiers miss a few." His tone was unreadable. "So studious... Are you a top student in your school I presume?" Adam met his gaze calmly. "Somewhat..." ''I''d probably fail if you gave me anything in relation to numbers though...'' He thought. In his mind, the only thing more formidable than the Tower of Yxthar was mathematics... The proctor studied him for a moment longer before shaking his head. "Impressive." He gestured toward the exit. "You''re done here. Move on to the next test." Adam stood, his expression unreadable. ... At last, there was only the Psychological Evaluation test left for today. The room was smaller than the others which was plain, quiet, and lacking the cold sterility of the previous test halls. No terminals, no machinery, just a desk, a chair, and a thick stack of papers waiting for him. Adam took a seat, his gaze sweeping over the questionnaire in front of him. Unlike the knowledge test, this wasn''t something he could breeze through with technical expertise. The psychological evaluation wasn''t about what he knew, it was about who he was. He picked up the pen and began. The first section focused on moral dilemmas, each scenario carefully designed to test his decision-making under pressure. "You and a group of survivors are trapped in a cave-in with limited oxygen. One person is gravely injured and unlikely to survive. Do you prioritize resources for them or conserve them for the group?" His answer was immediate. Conserve. "You are forced to kill one of two people. One is a known murderer, the other is an innocent civilian. However, the murderer has information that could save a hundred lives. Who do you choose?" His grip on the pen tightened slightly before he marked his answer. The murderer. The questions continued. Each forced him to make a choice, to weigh consequences against personal values. There was no "right" answer, only judgment. Then came the more invasive questions. He had to write about his childhood, his experiences with loss, his personal struggles. His medical history, his history with violence, his relationships... basically every detail laid out in ink. Some questions were direct. "Have you ever felt detached from humanity?" Adam hesitated, then wrote: Rarely. "Have you ever had thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation?" His pen hovered for a moment before he finally answered. No. Then the ones that felt almost irrelevant but were just as revealing. "What is your sexual orientation?" "Do you have a history with addiction?" "How do you process grief?" "How do you handle authority?" He answered each one, his expression calm, but his thoughts mildly irritated by how much they were prying into his mind. By the time he finished, the page was full. A voice called his name. He was led to a separate room, where a man in a gray coat sat behind a desk, flipping through his test papers with mild interest. He looked to be in his forties, his posture relaxed, but his gaze was sharp. "Adam, correct?" Adam nodded. "I''m Dr. Lenhardt. This won''t take long." The psychologist tapped his pen lightly against the table. "Do you consider yourself emotionally stable?" "Yes." "Even in life-or-death situations?" "Yes." Lenhardt watched him. "Do you trust people easily?" Adam''s mouth twitched slightly. "Sometimes..." "Do you think morality is absolute or situational?" "Situational." "Would you say you''re good at hiding your emotions?" "Yes." "Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?" "Not everyone." The questions continued, each one more precise than the last. Lenhardt''s tone was casual, but his eyes never left Adam''s face, studying his reactions, weighing his words. After a few more minutes, the psychologist finally nodded and made a note in his file. "Alright. That concludes the interview." Adam stood up, ready to leave, but his gaze flickered over the paper on the desk. At the bottom of the report, a final evaluation note stood out. "Awakened seems too mature, which deeply contrasts his background and history." His mouth twitched. ''Psychologists are scary¡­'' Chapter 7 - 7: Evaluation Scores Those who were awakened weren''t allowed to leave the area, hence Adam and his father were accommodated in one of their buildings. For two days, Adam and his father were confined to the government facility, unable to leave until the final combat evaluation was complete. The reason was standard, ensuring the safety of newly awakened individual... But in reality, it was more about monitoring them. Every awakened had a unique ability, and the government needed time to prepare specialized tests, both to evaluate and to help them familiarize themselves with their newfound powers. Adam sat on the bed of his assigned room, staring at the ceiling. ''I only wrote my Body Blood Magic in the forms¡­'' He didn''t add "Temporary Copy" or "Permanent Copy." Those weren''t just unusual... they were absurd! They didn''t even seem connected to his Body Blood Magic. If he had listed them, it would''ve raised too many questions, and worse, he''d be watched and monitored... No one wanted the government breathing down their neck, especially not someone with abilities like his. Of course, it was inevitable for them to find out eventually, however he had to ensure that he was atleast on floors that weren''t surrounded with too much Government Agents. A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. "Awakened Adam, please proceed to the Ability Testing Hall." ... The testing hall was different from the others. Unlike the combat and written exams, this area had no ring, no desks. Instead, the room was sleek, white, and lined with complex equipment. Several scientists and researchers stood near the walls, dressed in lab coats, their attention shifting to him the moment he entered. One of them, a middle-aged man with graying hair, stepped forward. His badge read Dr. Alden Voss. "Adam, correct?" His voice was measured, professional. "This evaluation is to test the limits of your ability and provide insights into how it can be further developed. We will observe and make suggestions, but ultimately, you are the one in control." Adam nodded. "Understood." Dr. Voss gestured toward the open space in the middle of the hall. "Then, let''s begin. Body Blood Magic, right? Show us what you can do." Adam extended his hand. A deep crimson glow spread across his palm, and the air around him shifted. His own blood responded instantly, rising in thin, twisting strands, as though gravity no longer held sway over it. One of the researchers murmured. "Fascinating¡­ blood manipulation without a medium." Dr. Voss, however, was more focused. "Can you shape it?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Adam willed the blood to move, forming a thin blade in his palm. The shape was crude but solid. Then, with a flick of his wrist, the blood darted forward, slashing through the air before retracting back into his control. "Hmm." Voss observed closely. "Your control is fluid, but your constructs lack stability. Have you tried reinforcing them by coagulating the structure?" Adam had already done so in his previous experiences in the tower, however he acted as though this was his first. Dr. Voss continued. "Blood naturally thickens when exposed to air. If you accelerate that process, you can create denser, more durable forms. Try it again, but focus on coagulation while shaping the blade." Adam nodded, concentrating. He guided the blood into a blade once more, this time compressing it as it formed. The edges sharpened, the shape solidified. When he moved it, it no longer wavered like before. The researchers exchanged glances, murmuring in interest. Voss smiled. "Much better. You can also consider using arterial pressure to increase speed or even shape projectiles." Adam absorbed the information. The test wasn''t just about assessing his power after all, it was more on giving him new ways to use it. The evaluation continued with more experiments. Can he control blood that isn''t his? The answer was yes, but with effort. How far could he extend his control? Around ten meters before precision declined. Could he sense blood movement in others? To a degree, though it was vague. By the time they were done, even the scientists seemed impressed. Dr. Voss made a final note in his tablet. "You''ve got remarkable potential, Adam. If developed properly, your ability could be lethal in combat or even invaluable in medical applications." Adam remained neutral, but inside, he was processing everything. ... For a full day, Adam and his father remained in the facility, confined to their assigned quarters, anticipating the final results. Everything had already been tested. His combat ability, knowledge proficiency, psychological stability, and even his awakened powers. Now, all that remained was the official evaluation and the permit that would grant him entry into the Tower of Yxthar. When the knock finally came, it was quiet but firm. Adam opened the door to find a uniformed official standing before him. Without much preamble, the man handed him a sealed envelope. "Your results and permit." Adam accepted it, nodding in thanks before closing the door. His father, who had been sitting by the window, stood up as Adam peeled open the envelope. The moment his eyes landed on the first page, he already knew. Combat Proficiency: Highest Evaluation Knowledge Proficiency: Highest Evaluation Psychological Stability: High Evaluation Awakened Ability Assessment: High Evaluation Adam wasn''t surprised, but his father¡­ The man stood agape, his eyes scanning the results over Adam''s shoulder, unable to find the words. Even after a long pause, he didn''t speak. Adam could already guess what he was thinking. ''Even my brother and older sister only received average and below-average evaluations, and yet they were already considered top-tier compared to most people¡­ he must be shocked.'' A moment later, his father exhaled, expression unreadable. Then, he finally spoke. "Good." That was all he said, but Adam could hear the subtle shift in his voice. The tension that had been sitting in his father''s chest was immediately relieved knowing that the youngest of their family could take care of himself inside the tower... Adam didn''t say anything at first. He just looked at his father, memorizing his face, the slight lines of worry that never truly went away. Then, with a breath, he said. "I''ll be fine, Pa." His father didn''t reply. He just placed a firm hand on Adam''s shoulder, gripping it briefly before stepping back. That was enough. With his results in hand, Adam proceeded to the final checkpoint. His permit was confirmed, his documents stamped, and soon, he was led by uniformed personnel toward a waiting aircraft. He wasn''t alone. Several other awakened stood near the boarding ramp, each carrying their own burdens, their own expectations. Some were anxious while others excited. As for Adam... He simply took one last glance at the world behind him, then stepped forward, boarding the plane. Today, he would enter the Tower of Yxthar. Chapter 8 - 8: Teams and Roles The sound of conversations filled the aircraft as the awakened inside talked among themselves. Some were tense, others excited. A few looked lost in thought, staring out the small windows as the ground slowly disappeared beneath them. "I heard you''re supposed to team up in groups of four when you first enter the Tower..." Someone said. "Yeah." Another replied. "It''s mandatory for the first floor. No solo attempts allowed." "Hopefully, we get teamed up together¡­" Adam sat quietly, listening but not joining in. His hands rested on his lap, fingers lightly tapping against the edge of his permit. Teaming up, huh. It was an obligatory rule. Every new awakened was required to form a four-person team before being allowed to freely explore the Tower of Yxthar. This wasn''t just a measure for safety. It was a way to train cooperation and teamwork early on. After all, Stream Hunters weren''t meant to work alone. It was more encouraged to work together to clear the floors. In Adam''s opinion, it was a good system. If only there weren''t so many ''protagonist wannabes'' who thought they could do everything on their own. He had seen their type before. The ones who believed they were different, special, and better. They would abandon their teams at the first chance they got, convinced they could carve their own path alone... Until they learned too late that the Tower didn''t favor reckless arrogance. Adam sighed softly and leaned back against his seat. ''I wonder if I''m a protagonist wannabe now...'' He thought. He had mocked those who let their abilities get to their heads, but now that he had undergone the evaluations... It was hard not to feel something stir within him. Confidence? Pride? He wasn''t sure... He pushed the thought away. It didn''t matter if he couldn''t survive till the end of the tower after all. Numerous geniuses have already fallen from trying to conquer it... Shifting his gaze to the window, Adam caught his first clear sight of the Tower of Yxthar. It was massive... Far larger than any structure built by human hands. A spiraling monolith that stretched far beyond the clouds, its form constantly shifting depending on where one looked. Some parts were jagged and fractured, like broken stone forced together, while others were impossibly smooth, as if molded by an unknown force. Runes glowed faintly along its surface, shifting in patterns that seemed almost alive, pulsating like the slow breath of some ancient being. Even after centuries of exploration, no one truly understood what the Tower was... Yet here they were... countless of awakened, standing at its doorstep... S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hoping to carve their own fate within its endless floors. Comments from other awakened took over the aircraft as the others caught sight of it. "¡­It looks unreal." Someone muttered. "Just looking at it gives me chills!" Another whispered. "This is where we''re going? We''re supposed to survive in that?" Despite the nervous murmurs, there was also a quiet excitement in the air. The Tower was terrifying, but it was also an opportunity. One that could either raise a person to greatness or crush them completely. Adam said nothing, simply watching as the aircraft began its descent. ... The landing was smooth. The moment the doors opened, government personnel were already waiting outside, their sharp eyes scanning the new arrivals. One by one, the awakened were led off the aircraft and into a strict inspection process. Bodies were checked, permits verified, and final medical scans conducted to ensure no one was entering the Tower in a weakened state. It was efficient and methodical. Adam went through the process without issue, though he noticed a few others fidgeting under the intense scrutiny. Once inspections were complete, they were escorted into a large facility near the Tower''s entrance. Inside, screens displayed real-time information about teams, current rankings, and mission requests. The entire building had a polished, high-tech atmosphere, designed to handle the endless stream of awakened passing through. Then came the grouping process. Awakened weren''t simply thrown together randomly. The government had developed an algorithm to determine compatibility. Making it so that individuals were matched based on skills, personality profiles, and overall battle potential. It was an attempt to reduce early casualties by ensuring teams could at least function together. Adam watched the screen as names and roles solidified, his own appearing alongside three others. [TEAM FG-42] Adam Codranel ¨C Tank/Healer (Body Blood Magic) Elara Novane ¨C Scout (Shadow Step, Night Vision) Rei Callum ¨C Melee DPS (Stone Fist) Nathaniel Graves ¨C Ranged Support/DPS (Wind Arrow, Keen Sight) His eyes flicked over the list. Their abilities weren''t anything shocking... they were low-tier and practical, but functional. Shadow magic for the scout, basic earth reinforcement for the fighter, and wind-based attacks for the archer. Around him, the newly formed teams murmured among themselves, some with excitement, others with hesitation. A voice spoke up from behind. "So, you''re Adam Codranel?" He turned to see a sharp-eyed young man with dark hair and a lean frame. His expression was neutral, but there was a quiet confidence in the way he carried himself. "Nathaniel Graves." The man introduced himself. "Ranged support." Adam gave a short nod. "Adam... Tank and healer." Before Nathaniel could reply, another voice cut in, a girl with short auburn hair and a relaxed smile. "Body Blood Magic, huh? Guess that makes you the one keeping us alive." "Elara Novane." She continued, adjusting the straps of her gear. "I specialize in scouting, quick movement, and not getting stabbed, haha." Adam glanced at her. Shadow Step was a weak skill, but useful for positioning. The last member of their team approached with a roll of his shoulders, sizing them up with an easygoing grin. He was tall and broad, built like someone who preferred to fight with his fists rather than weapons. "Rei Callum." He said. "I hit things hard, that''s all there is to me..." Adam stared at the broad-shouldered young man in front of him, rolling the name over in his mind. ''Rei Callum¡­ where have I heard that before?'' A sudden memory flashed through his mind. He remembered a name... Isaac Callum. One of the top rankers in his previous life. A man who had risen to fame as one of the first few to challenge the Tower''s deepest floors. His achievements had once been considered legendary... until they led to disaster. Adam''s fingers twitched slightly. Isaac Callum had been a name etched into history, not just as a prodigy, but as one of the people who conquered the first 30 floors of the tower... Who is this guy to Isaac Callum? His older brother? Father? The resemblance was there... The same last name... and even the annoyingly tall frame. It couldn''t just be a coincidence. Before he could think twice, the words were already leaving his mouth. "Do you know Isaac Callum?" Rei visibly flinched. It was subtle, but Adam caught the way his shoulders tensed for a fraction of a second before he forced a casual smile. "Ah, you know my older brother?" Rei scratched the back of his head. "That''s rare. Most people only bring him up if they''re trying to compare me to him." Adam didn''t reply immediately. He was still thinking about something. After all, in his last life... Isaac had died on the 31st floor. So this was his younger brother... Before the conversation could go any further, a firm voice cut through the air. "Team FG-42, you may now enter the tower." One of the soldiers in charge stood at the entrance, waiting. Chapter 9 - 9: The First Floor The moment they stepped toward the entrance of the Tower of Yxthar, Adam''s thoughts churned. ''Finally¡­ we''re entering.'' His gaze flickered to the massive structure before them. Unlike what most would expect, there was no grand door, no towering gate. Instead, at the base of the colossal tower, a massive symbol was etched into the obsidian-like surface. The pattern was intricate, pieced together like a puzzle of interlocking lines and unknown script. The entrance itself was nothing more than an abstract design, yet Adam knew better. ''Since it''s still the year 2010, that means we should still be within the tenth floor¡­'' That was crucial. The first ten floors were nothing more than an introduction... a tutorial for Earth. It was still challenging, but they were structured and predictable. But the moment they stepped onto the eleventh floor... Everything would change. It was at that point that their Tower of Yxthar would begin linking with other universes. Other challengers... and other civilizations. And as time passed, the higher they climbed, the more Towers would be drawn into the same network. That was the true danger of the Tower of Yxthar. And that was also why Adam believed it was a good thing that humanity had started promoting cooperation over solo play while it was still early. Elara exhaled beside him, staring at the symbol. "So, we just¡­ walk in?" Nathaniel hesitated. "There''s no door." Before anyone could respond, the air shifted. The symbol beneath their feet lit up. Golden light bled through the intricate carvings, forming a unique sequence of patterns that spread outward in waves. The light shone beneath their boots as though it was ancient and alive. Then, the world started twisting around them! In the blink of an eye, the ground beneath them disappeared. A weightless sensation gripped Adam''s body before reality snapped back into place. They were no longer at the Tower''s entrance. Instead, they stood in an entirely different world. [Welcome to the Tower of Yxthar!] [Welcome to the first floor!] The system notifications continued to pop in. [1st Floor] ¨C [The Settled Lands] Description : [Once a dangerous frontier, Floor 1 has been completely tamed by Stream Hunters. Now resembling a medieval kingdom, it is home to bustling cities, fortified villages, and training academies. Newcomers start here, learning the basics of combat, trade, and survival in the Tower. Despite its safety, remnants of the past still lurk in the wilds.] Common Monsters : [Goblins, Slimes, Wild Boars, Lesser Orcs] Boss Monster : [Hobgoblin Chieftain, Kravash the Club-Breaker] ¨C [A towering goblin overlord residing in the Ruined Goblin Fortress, a stronghold now turned into a raid dungeon.] Story ¨C [The Fall of the Goblin Lords] [Long before humanity arrived, goblins ruled this floor, thriving in warbands that waged endless skirmishes. However, with the arrival of Stream Hunters, their dominion crumbled. The surviving goblins fled underground, leaving only a handful of warlords in the wilds. Kravash, the last true Goblin Lord, still lingers in his ruined fortress, awaiting a worthy challenger to reclaim his lost kingdom.] Wide stone streets stretched out before them, lined with medieval-style buildings bustling with life. People moved through the roads, some dressed in armor, others in robes. Merchants called out from wooden stalls, advertising potions, weapons, and supplies. In the distance, fortified walls enclosed the city, standing tall as a reminder of the dangers beyond. This was Floor 1 of the Tower of Yxthar. Once a lawless frontier, now completely tamed by Stream Hunters. It resembled a medieval kingdom, its streets alive with a mix of adventurers, scholars, and traders. Fortified villages dotted the surrounding landscape, training academies stood tall, and everywhere he looked, there were people loitering around. Elara let out a low whistle as she took in the surroundings. "Didn''t expect it to look¡­ like this." The group stood at the distance of a bustling medieval-style city, the stone streets lively with merchants, armored guards, and fresh-faced newcomers just like them. Towering stone walls surrounded the settlement, watchtowers standing tall at each corner. A large central plaza stretched before them, where a statue of an unknown warrior loomed over the crowd. It was a strange sight... so ordinary yet completely detached from Earth''s modern world. Nathaniel adjusted his gloves, his gaze sweeping over the people moving about. "Feels too normal..." He muttered. Rei stretched, rolling his shoulders before looking around with an amused grin. "Well, it should be normal. The government did say the first floor is meant to be a home for beginners." He continued, gesturing at the city. "I also heard it''s designed to be secure so that one day, people who awaken but don''t want to climb the Tower can just settle here, living like normal citizens." Elara raised a brow. "So we''re basically colonizing the first floor?" Rei shrugged. "I mean, it''s not like the place was empty before we got here. There were people already living here before humanity arrived... NPCs, so to speak." Adam remained silent, his gaze trailing along the distant roads that stretched beyond the city. He vaguely remembered why this place had never advanced into the modern era. Resources like crude oil simply didn''t exist here. Magic and innate abilities took the place of technology, ensuring that no matter how many humans settled here, the first floor would always remain locked in its medieval state. ''Of course if someone awakened an ability that could produce crude oil¡­ they''d basically rule the first floor.'' Adam mused. For now, though, it remained a world of swords, magic, and simple survival. Just then a translucent system prompt appeared before his eyes. [Streaming is now available.] [Would you like to turn on your stream?] "Aha! We can stream now?!" Elara''s eyes lit up with excitement as she quickly navigated the system menu. This was it! This was the real reason she had been so eager to enter the Tower of Yxthar! She had always dreamed of being famous, of standing in the spotlight, of having people cheer her name! But back on Earth, she never got the chance.... Here, however, things were different! She wasted no time activating her stream, a confident smirk on her lips as she imagined the flood of viewers. Except¡­ nothing happened. Her excitement flickered, then died completely when she saw the empty viewer count. "¡­Huh?" She muttered, refreshing the screen. Still nothing... She had at least expected for some viewers to have been waiting for newcomers... Adam wasn''t surprised. He had expected this. Viewership in the lower floors was always low unless you already had a reputation. There weren''t many people willing to waste time watching an unknown beginner... Especially one who had yet to prove their worth. In the lower floors, there were typically two types of viewers. The first were those hoping to attach themselves to a rising Stream Hunter, taking advantage of the Stream Hunter''s attached feelings so that they could offer to be the stream hunter''s Main Sponsor. However, those kinds of viewers were usually weak, hence they tended to take advantage of a new Stream Hunter''s feelings hoping to ride along on their strength... The second type? They weren''t here to find talent... They were here for entertainment. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The worst kind. These were the ones who enjoyed watching new challengers struggle, fail, and, if things went poorly enough, die. Adam didn''t bother activating his stream. It was better to activate it during a fight... Just as he was thinking this, the clinking of metal armor caught his attention. A man approached, dressed in well-worn chainmail layered beneath a padded gambeson. A simple iron sword rested in a sheath at his hip, and a wooden badge with the Tower''s emblem was pinned to his chest. It was a sign that he was an official guide for newcomers. "Hey! You guys Team FG-42?" He called out, his voice gruff but not unkind. Elara sighed, closing her interface with a flick of her hand. "Yeah, that''s us." The man gave them a once-over before nodding. "Good. Follow me. I''ll explain how things work around here." Chapter 10 - 10: A Reckless Start The guide led them down the bustling stone streets. The city was alive with plenty of activity. There were merchants shouting out their wares, adventurers haggling over weapons, and armored figures moving in groups, discussing strategies. The scent of metal, sweat, and roasted meat lingered in the air, blending with the distant sound of hammering steel. "Alright, listen up." The guide began, glancing back at them. "First thing you need to know, is that this city runs on Gold Coins!" "No paper money, no credit cards, nothing from the outside world works here." Elara furrowed her brows. "How do we get Gold Coins?" The guide smirked. "Two ways!" "One, you can sell items, materials, or services to other players in exchange for it..." "And Two, you get donations from viewers watching your streams. If you''re entertaining enough, some rich sponsor might just throw coins at you." He shrugged. "Simple as that." Rei exchanged a glance with Nathaniel. That meant those with an audience had a serious advantage. If someone was already popular, they could practically fund their journey just by existing. Meanwhile, the unknowns? They''d have to scrape by the hard way... "Anyway..." The guide continued. "Let me show you around. First stop... we can go to the place that sells potions." He turned a corner, leading them toward a wooden shop with a bright red banner hanging above the entrance. The scent of herbs and something oddly sweet wafted from inside. A plump woman stood behind the counter, arranging small glass vials filled with shimmering liquids. "This is where you get your healing potions and other whatnots that you think you might need..." The guide said. "Basic ones stop bleeding and mend light injuries. The stronger stuff can save your life, but they''re expensive. You''ll need to be careful about how you use them." Elara picked up a vial and swirled the red liquid inside. "And if we run out?" "Then don''t get hurt... obviously." The guide sarcastically said before moving on. They walked further down the street, stopping in front of a blacksmith''s forge. Inside, sparks flew as a shirtless man hammered a glowing sword against an anvil. The heat from the forge made the air thick, almost suffocating. "This is where you buy weapons and armor. Repairs too, if your gear gets busted..." The guide explained. "Don''t bother asking for a discount, blacksmiths don''t care if you''re new or broke." Rei whistled, admiring the craftsmanship on display. "Can we commission custom weapons?" "If you''ve got the coins, sure. But it''ll cost you extra." After showing them a few more essential locations like the market square, the guild hall, and the training grounds, the guide finally stopped in front of the town''s exit. A massive stone archway marked the boundary between safety and the unknown. Beyond it, a dirt path stretched into a dense forest, where the sounds of distant roars and rustling leaves hinted at the dangers waiting outside. Unlike cities on Earth, there were no guards posted at the entrance... No one was there to stop them from walking straight into the wilderness. "This is where you head out if you want to start hunting!" The guide said. "There are no restrictions. No curfews. You can stay out for as long as you want." He crossed his arms. "But a word of advice, stay together. Don''t go wandering off alone..." Nathaniel frowned. "Monsters on the first floor are that dangerous?" The guide''s expression turned serious. "They''re monsters. They don''t care if you''re a newbie or a veteran. They don''t care if you have potential or if you''re a nobody. If you''re weak, you die. Simple as that." The air around them grew heavier. "Some people get cocky because it''s the first floor..." The guide continued. "They think they can solo everything because this place is ''easy.'' Then they go out there, thinking goblins are nothing more than dumb little creatures with sticks." He exhaled sharply. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Next thing you know, they''re getting dragged into a cave, screaming..." A tense silence followed his words. Adam understood the warning for what it was... The first floor might be controlled, structured¡­ but it was still a place filled with monsters. And such places never guaranteed survival. The guide clapped his hands together. "That''s all from me. You''re free to do whatever you want now." He turned to leave but then paused, glancing back at the group. "Actually, one last thing... get some rest tonight. I''ll personally lead you to your first hunt tomorrow." Rei blinked in surprise. "We''re not gonna go now?" The guide snorted, waving him off. "I''ve got a gambling session lined up tonight. That takes priority, you lot can wait!" Without another word, he walked away, disappearing into the crowd of adventurers and merchants. Adam, standing near the town''s entrance, watched him go before silently stepping toward the exit. Rei noticed immediately. "Eh? Adam? Where are you going?" Adam barely spared him a glance. "To level up." Nathaniel''s eyes widened. "E-eh? Didn''t you hear what he said? You shouldn''t go alone! It''s dangerous out there!" Adam stopped just long enough to tilt his head slightly. "Then come along if you don''t want me to die." Nathaniel and Rei were stunned into silence. His tone was calm, matter-of-fact, as if the idea of dying was nothing more than a minor inconvenience... Elara, on the other hand, brightened up. "Ooh! Count me in! The views are gonna be great for this!" Her eyes practically sparkled at the thought of livestreaming a real hunt. "I''m coming with you!" Adam ignored her and kept walking, his pace steady as he had already made a decision... ''I should get those items in the goblin caves first... I don''t think anyone on the first floor has discovered the purpose of THOSE items yet...'' Adam thought... If he could monopolize those items first... he reckoned he''d earn enough for good gear that he could use here in the first floor. Rei hesitated before glancing at Nathaniel. They both knew this was reckless... But if they didn''t go, Adam would end up hunting alone. And despite his confidence, this was still the Tower of Yxthar. Death wasn''t just a possibility... it was an expectation! Rei clenched his fists. ''I won''t be able to catch up with my brother if I keep being cowardly...'' Steeling himself, he ran after Adam. "Wait up!" Nathaniel groaned in frustration, raking a hand through his hair. "You know, this is exactly the kind of mindset that gets people killed!" He shouted after them. "You guys, come back here! Can''t we just wait for the guide tomorrow?!" But Adam didn''t stop. He wasn''t being arrogant.... He simply didn''t need a guide. He had already spent fifteen years inside the Tower of Yxthar. If anything, he''d probably end up guiding the guide himself. With a sigh, Nathaniel shook his head. "This is insane..." But despite his complaints, he found himself following after them anyway. Chapter 11 - 11: Fake Newbies The War Goblin Flute. Most adventurers saw it as junk, tossing it aside the moment they looted it from goblin corpses. The sound it made was awful, grating, and barely resembled music. But Adam knew better... In his past life in the Tower of Yxthar, he knew that flute was a lot more useful than it looked. As the group moved deeper into the forest, Nathaniel started questioning his life choices. ''Why did I follow them...?'' Shadows stretched across the damp ground making the path ahead feel more ominous than it had any right to be. Nathaniel sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I can''t believe we''re doing this. We should''ve waited for the guide¡­" "Too late to back out now." Adam walked ahead without looking back, his tone indifferent. Rei, still adjusting his grip on his weapon, hesitated before speaking. "Yeah, but still¡­ I mean, we don''t even know what kind of monsters are lurking here." Adam didn''t respond. He simply kept walking. Elara, on the other hand, had no such concerns. She was already tapping through her interface, activating her livestream once again. A transparent screen flickered to life in front of her, displaying her channel''s status. A few seconds passed. Silence... No viewers. Elara pouted. "Tch, why does no one want to watch a beauty like me..." But then, a soft chime echoed in her ears. A notification popped up. [A viewer from Green Swamp Universe has entered your livestream.] [Frog Eater is observing you.] Elara''s eyes lit up. "Oho, I''ve got a viewer!" She straightened up, quickly putting on her best enthusiastic voice. "Hello, Mr. Frog Eater! You''re just in time, our party is about to go hunting! Get ready for an action-packed adventure!" She gave a confident smile, adjusting the angle of her recording through the system function. She didn''t know much about this viewer''s universe, but judging by the name... They were probably some kind of weak swamp-dwelling universe... But in her mind that didn''t matter. A frog? A lizard? A moss-covered insect? Who cares as long as they watched and made her famous! Rei glanced at her. "You''re acting like this is some kind of show..." "It is a show!" Elara said proudly. "And if you want people to donate, you need to make it entertaining." Nathaniel groaned. "I''m surrounded by lunatics¡­" [Frog Eater : Are you newbies going on a hunt? Where''s your guide?] Elara replied with a smile. "Oh we left him, we''re quite adventorous so we''re going there without him!" [Frog Eater has donated 5 coins] [Frog Eater : A newbie team without a guide going on hunting? Haha, this will definitely be good.] Elara was a bit confused, however she quickly realized that the viewer was most likely mocking her. Adam remained silent, his gaze locked on the path ahead. Just then, he suddenly stopped in his tracks. His sharp gaze swept across the dense forest as he scanned the uneven terrain. Without a word, he turned to face the others. "Spread out..." He ordered, his voice steady, calm yet carrying a certain pressure that made none of them think to argue. "Look for a cave. It won''t be obvious. If it were, someone else would''ve found it by now." His three teammates paused as the sudden voice from Adam caught them off guard. Adam continued, his tone leaving no room for debate. "Elara, you''re our scout. Use [Night Vision] and check for any irregularities in the terrain... gaps in the rocks, unnatural shadows, anything that might be a disguised entrance." Elara blinked before moving, for some reason Adam''s tone of command reminded her a lot of her father who was always so commanding and decisive... "Got it..." She activated her ability, her pupils dilating slightly as the darkness around her became clearer. "Rei." Adam''s eyes shifted to him. "Use [Stone Fist] to tap the ground in different spots. If you find a section that sounds hollow, let me know immediately." Rei, despite usually being reckless, simply nodded. "Understood." He clenched his fist, the skin hardening into rough stone, and began methodically testing different parts of the forest floor. Adam turned to him last. "Nathaniel, Take higher ground and use [Keen Sight] to check for anything that looks off. Look for areas where the trees are thinner or clustered too tightly... anything that might be covering an entrance." Nathaniel took a sharp breath, then exhaled. His instincts screamed that he should argue, that they should at least discuss this first. But the way Adam spoke felt like he''d done this a thousand times before... It made Nathaniel made him feel like he was being commanded by a military officer like the one he had during his camp training... "¡­Alright." He took position, climbing up a sturdy branch before activating [Keen Sight]. His vision sharpened instantly, allowing him to pick out details from a much greater distance. Adam watched them work, arms crossed, calculating. He wasn''t just throwing out orders randomly... He was directing them with precision, playing to their strengths, assigning them roles like a commander leading a trained unit. It felt natural to him. After all, he had done this before. Many times. Fifteen years inside the Tower of Yxthar as team captain and a commander had burned this knowledge into his bones. A sudden notification popped up in Elara''s livestream. [Frog Eater is confused] [Frog Eater: Who is this guy? I thought you guys said you abandoned your guide?] Elara, still keeping an eye on the chat, huffed. "Hmph, I''m not lying to you! It was his idea to ditch the guide in the first place." She turned the angle of the livestream through the system function slightly as showed Adam, who stood at the center of their group, scanning their surroundings like a seasoned commander. His posture was calm, controlled, as if he had everything under control. Nathaniel suddenly called out from above. "I think I found something." Adam''s head turned toward him. Without hesitation, he moved. "Where?" Nathaniel pointed toward a cluster of thick trees. "There... between those roots." "There''s a strange gap in the rock. I wouldn''t have noticed it without Keen Sight, but the space behind it looks too dark to be natural." Adam was already moving. "Good work. Everyone, move in." The team rushed toward Nathaniel''s position. Adam crouched near the exposed opening, brushing away loose leaves and dirt with his hand. As Nathaniel had said, it was well-hidden... almost too well. The entrance blended perfectly with the terrain, looking like nothing more than another tangle of roots and moss-covered stone. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A normal team would''ve walked right past it. "Rei, break this part here, but don''t overdo it. We need natural light, not a cave-in." Adam called, pointing to the top left section of the rock. Rei cracked his knuckles, his right fist hardening into rough stone. "Got it." He took a step back before driving his [Stone Fist] into the rock with controlled force. A loud crack echoed as a portion of the cave''s ceiling crumbled away, allowing sunlight to pour into the entrance. Dust and debris scattered, revealing a deeper tunnel leading further underground. Adam nodded in satisfaction. "Good... No need for torches." Elara grinned as she adjusted her livestream''s angle. "How''s the livestream, dear viewer? We''re quite good as a team aren''t we?" [Frog Eater: ¡­Are you sure you guys are newbies? I have a feeling I''m being tricked...] Adam ignored them, already shifting his focus to the next step. "Elara, scout ahead. Use [Shadow Step] if needed. Don''t go too deep, just check if there are signs of movement inside." Elara smirked, her eyes glinting with excitement. "On it." With a faint shimmer, her body flickered and melted into the shadows, slipping into the cave without a sound. Nathaniel, meanwhile, exchanged a glance with Rei. He still wasn''t sure whether they were doing the right thing, but one thing was becoming increasingly clear... Adam really was serious about leveling up... Chapter 12 - 12: First Blood On The Livestream ''The sudden flood of light should have startled the goblins inside...'' Adam knew how they operated. The goblins on the first floor of the Tower of Yxthar preferred dark, sealed-off caves for breeding and multiplying, only venturing out when hunger forced them to. The sudden light and noise should''ve awoken all of them... Elara, using [Shadow Step], reappeared beside the group, her expression tense. "There''s movement inside..." She whispered. Nathaniel, his [Keen Sight] sharpening his vision, took a step back, his voice unsteady. "T-There''s a lot of movement inside... Fuck, there''s a shit ton of them!" His instincts screamed at him to turn around and reseal the entrance before they were overwhelmed. But just as he opened his mouth to suggest retreating, Adam stepped forward. His gaze swept over the cave''s entrance, calculating. ''It''s a small cave¡­ there should be about twenty or thirty goblins at most.'' ''It''s manageable...'' A thought crossed his mind. ''Ah, this is a good time to start my stream.'' A flick of his hand brought up the system''s interface. [You have activated your livestream.] For a moment, nothing happened. Adam wasn''t expecting much as he knew it would take awhile for a viewer to enter. But then, his screen flickered. [A viewer from a very distant universe has entered your livestream.] [TheIsekaiKing has shown curiosity.] Adam paused, eyes narrowing slightly. ''The Isekai King¡­?'' The title was strange... but the word isekai seemed familiar. Then, it clicked. Isekai meant reincarnation, didn''t it? A king of reincarnation had entered his livestream?! [TheIsekaiKing: What is this? This seems interesting¡­] Adam wanted to respond, but his attention snapped back to the cave. The goblins inside were growing restless. If he hesitated too long, they might scatter and become harder to contain. He had to act now. "Listen up!" Adam commanded, his voice cutting through the tension. His tone left no room for argument as the others instinctively straightened. "Elara, stay at the entrance. If any goblins try to flee, cut them down." Elara gave a lazy salute, but her eyes gleamed with focus. "Got it." "Nathaniel, find a higher vantage point. Use [Wind Arrow] to keep them from swarming me." Nathaniel swallowed hard but nodded, already looking for a position to shoot from. "Rei." Adam turned to him. "You''re with me on the front lines. Focus on any goblin that tries to flank me. Don''t let them surround us." Rei blinked. "Wait... are we really charging in!? There''s only four of us!" Adam unsheathed his blade, stepping forward without hesitation. "I''m going in first." Nathaniel paled. "Are you insane?!" [Frog Eater is excited for your inevitable demise.] Adam ignored the chat and kept walking. The light from above cast his shadow deep into the cave''s entrance, making it seem as though something much larger than a single man was about to descend upon the goblins. Inside, the sounds of guttural snarls and shifting bodies echoed. Adam''s grip tightened around his weapon. Time to hunt... Without hesitation, he stepped into the cave. The air was thick with the stench of damp stone and goblin filth. Beady red eyes flickered in the darkness as the creatures snarled, their twisted bodies shifting uneasily. The first goblin lunged. Adam moved faster. His blade flashed in a clean arc, severing the goblin''s head before it could even react. [Goblin has been slain.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] Another screeched and rushed him, jagged stone dagger raised high. Adam sidestepped with ease, twisting his wrist as he drove his blade through its throat. [Goblin has been slain.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] A third, a fourth... his movements were methodical, each strike precise. It was as though he had done this a thousand times before. Because he had. Compared to the shadow goblins and the demonic goblins on the upper floors, these guys were nothing to him! A goblin shrieked from the shadows, hurling a crude spear. Adam barely glanced at it before lifting his free hand. His veins pulsed. Dark red spikes shot out from his forearm. The blood hardened midair, impaling the goblin before it could take another breath. [Goblin has been slain.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] ''Hm... My Body Blood Magic is still too low-leveled...'' Adam exhaled, feeling the drain in his limbs. ''I still can''t control other living beings'' bodies yet...'' Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The most he could do was manipulate his own blood into spikes and projectiles. It wasn''t enough for him though... Outside the cave, Elara, Rei, and Nathaniel watched in stunned silence. At first, they wanted to help. But the moment Adam moved, the thought vanished. His fluid, decisive movements left them frozen. It wasn''t just skill... it was experience. An overwhelming, suffocating presence that made them hesitate. Elara swallowed hard. "What... what kind of job did he have outside the tower¡­? Is he really new like us?!" [Frog Eater is just as confused as you] A system notified in her livestream. [Frog Eater has transferred livestreams] The Frog Eater abandoned her as it went towards Adam''s livestream. Rei clenched his fists. He hated standing still... He needed to do something. Gritting his teeth, he charged in. A goblin leaped at him, snarling. Rei twisted his body, throwing a punch with [Stone Fist]. The impact sent the goblin crashing into the dirt. "I got one!-" Another goblin appeared behind him, knife raised. Too fast! And too close! Adam, who saw this, reacted in an instant. A sharp cracking noise was made as a blood spike shot forward, piercing the goblin''s chest before it could reach Rei. [Goblin has been slain.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] "Focus." Adam''s voice was calm as he parried a goblin''s spear. "These goblins don''t fight alone. They''re pack hunters. Always assume there''s another one behind you." Rei exhaled sharply, then nodded. He wasn''t about to argue... Using Adam''s warning, he pivoted, raising his fists just in time to slam them into the skull of the goblin beneath him, finishing it off. [Goblin has been slain.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] In Adam''s livestream, the chat flickered. [TheIsekaiKing is impressed by Adam''s combat skills and leadership.] [Frog Eater has entered your livestream] [Frog Eater : Hey are you really a newbie? Show me your level right now!] Adam barely paid it any attention. Another goblin snarled from the shadows. His blade was already moving. Rei had stepped in first, but he wasn''t alone for long. Seeing the two, Elara and Nathaniel exchanged a glance before surging forward. Elara flickered between the shadows, reappearing behind an unsuspecting goblin. With a swift movement, she plunged her dagger into its neck before vanishing again. The creature gurgled and collapsed. [Goblin has been slain.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] Nathaniel, standing at a distance, pulled back his bowstring. His [Wind Arrow] charged up with power as he loosed the shot, the projectile slicing through the air before embedding itself into a goblin''s skull. [Goblin has been slain.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] The battle was ending. The goblins, sensing their numbers dwindling, shrieked and scrambled to escape. But Adam was already there. With a final slash, his blade cut down the last goblin. The cavern fell into silence, the only sound remaining was their heavy breathing. [Goblin has been slain.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] A soft chime echoed in Adam''s mind. [You have leveled up!] [Level 1 ¡ú 2] Adam exhaled, lowering his blade as he took in the battlefield. The stone floor was slick with dark blood, goblin corpses littered the ground. He glanced toward his team. Rei wiped the back of his hand across his forehead. "Damn... we actually did that..." He muttered. Elara crossed her arms. "Adam, were you a serial killer before becoming a Stream Hunter?" Nathaniel adjusted his bow as he criticized Elara''s intelligence. "I don''t think serial killers are frontal fighters..." Before Adam could respond, more notifications appeared. [TheIsekaiKing: That was really cool! Was that blood that you were controlling?] [TheIsekaiKing: Does that mean you can control other people''s blood as well? Honestly, that kind of power has a lot of potential¡­] [TheIsekaiKing: Can you give people heart attacks by stopping their blood flow?] [The Isekai King : Can you also...] Adam paused. For a king of reincarnation, he was¡­ oddly curious. And talkative. Another notification came up. [TheIsekaiKing: Ah? What''s this button?] [TheIsekaiKing has donated 15 Coins.] Chapter 13 - 13: Temporary Copy! Adam barely had time to process the donation before another notification appeared. [You have received a donation. Would you like to open the system store?] The system store... "No." Adam already knew what it was. It was a place where he could purchase items, buffs, weapons, and even special effects, some of which were sold by the system and others by players. But right now, he had no intention of wasting money. Speaking of which, there was a certain item he had in mind... Elara clicked her tongue. "Man, goblin blood stinks..." Adam ignored her, his attention shifting back to the cave. The goblin corpses were still fresh, and if there was one thing he knew about dungeons, it was that leftover corpses always attracted something worse... "Nathaniel, any movement?" Adam asked. Nathaniel, still perched near the entrance, narrowed his eyes and activated [Keen Sight]. He scanned the deeper parts of the cave, his expression darkening. "Shit- movement from the back! I see something bigger!" A low growl echoed from within the depths of the cavern. The ground trembled slightly. Adam''s grip tightened around his weapon. He knew what that meant... Elara sighed, rolling her shoulders. "Of course. A boss monster. Because why not?" Rei exhaled sharply, adjusting his stance. "We''re barely level 2... I think we should retreat for now." He turned to Adam. "I mean uh... should we?" He asked as he knew Adam probably had the most say in the group considering how things have been happening. Adam didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he glanced at the livestream notifications. [TheIsekaiKing: Oho? A mini-boss fight already?] [TheIsekaiKing: Usually, in clich¨¦s like this, the one that should appear is either a goblin chief or a goblin mage...] [Frog Eater: Isekai King, what''s with your title? Why does it have no spaces?] Then, the shadows inside the cave shifted. A hulking figure emerged, its breath heavy, its red eyes burning with hunger. [Identified: Goblin Chief (Level 5)] It was nearly twice the size of the goblins they had just fought. Visible scars ran down its thick green hide, its muscular frame making it clear that this thing was leagues above the others. The rusted greatsword in its grip was chipped and worn, but in its hands, it might as well have been a guillotine... It let out an ear-splitting roar, shaking the cave walls. Rei stiffened. "I-I think we should retreat..." Nathaniel''s hands trembled slightly as he reached for another arrow. "No kidding..." Adam took a slow breath, exhaling as he lifted his sword. ''It''s level five... I wonder if our attacks can pierce it at our level.'' He thought as he immediately gave out commands. "Stay sharp." He said. "Attack and test its defenses first!" Nathaniel fired first. His arrow whistled through the air, striking the goblin''s chest... Only to bounce off with a dull thunk. The chief barely flinched. "What?" Nathaniel muttered, reaching for another arrow. Elara darted forward, her daggers flashing. She struck at the creature''s exposed side, aiming for the gaps in its defenses. Her blades scraped against its hide but failed to cut through. Adam frowned. That wasn''t normal. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Roll to the side!" He shouted to Elara. The Goblin Chief grunted, then swung its greatsword with terrifying speed. Elara barely twisted away in time, the blade carving into the stone floor where she had stood seconds before. Rei lunged next, his spear aiming for the creature''s gut. It hit... but didn''t pierce. Instead, it clanged off as if striking solid steel. Rei''s face paled. "No way." The Goblin Chief snarled, raising its sword again. Adam stepped forward, gripping his blade tightly. His eyes stayed locked on the Goblin Chief as he adjusted his stance. He had expected physical resistance... but this was something else... "It''s not just tough..." He muttered, dragging his blade across the creature''s thick green hide. The edge barely scratched the surface before skidding off. "Its skin is resisting damage..." Nathaniel swore under his breath, lowering his bow. "Then how do we kill it?" Before Adam could answer, the Goblin Chief let out a guttural roar. The force of its voice reverberated through the cavern, shaking loose bits of stone from above. Then, it charged. Each heavy step sent vibrations through the ground as the weight of its massive form caused it to shake. Adam narrowed his eyes. He had to act fast... Without hesitation, he activated [Body Blood Magic]. Channeling the crimson energy through his veins. The magic surged to his blade, causing it to glow faintly with a dark red sheen. With a sharp inhale, he lunged forward and slashed at the Chief''s side. The blade struck it precisely... But instead of piercing through, it stopped short, barely making a dent. The Goblin Chief''s flesh resisted, repelling the attack as if it were nothing more than a dull knife brushing against stone. Adam clicked his tongue. ''It''s even absorbing the impact of blood magic?'' Elara ran around the battlefield, looking for an opening with her daggers but hesitated after seeing Adam''s failure.... Rei, standing further back, gripped his staff tighter, uncertainty flashing in his eyes... Nathaniel pulled back an arrow but didn''t release it. "If even your magic isn''t working, then what the hell are we supposed to do?" [Frog Eater: Hah, Weaklings! If I were there, that monster would''ve been no big deal in front of my acidic spit, gahaha.] Adam''s brow twitched. ''Is that so...'' A thought clicked in his mind. Acid. Without wasting another second, he pulled up his system abilities, scanning through them quickly. ¡ô [Abilities] ©À©¤©¤ [Temporary Copy] (?-tier) ©¤ Temporarily copies an ability of a viewer (Copied Skill will be reduced to its F-tier version) ©À©¤©¤ [Permanent Copy] (?-tier) ©¤ 1 usage per rank increase. (Can only copy a viewer''s skill) ©¸©¤©¤ [Body Blood Magic] (D-tier) ©¤ Magic in relation to Blood Control. (10 Meter Limit) His eyes landed on [Temporary Copy]. He wasn''t about to waste a Permanent Copy on someone like Frog Eater, but for a quick solution, the temporary version would do just fine. Thinking fast, he selected Frog Eater as the target and activated the skill. [Temporary Copy has been activated...] A moment later, another notification popped up. [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] Adam''s fingers tightened around his weapon. "It really works..." He thought, he had doubts at first... but seeing it happen made him almost gasp and break his poker face. This was basically an overpowered skill! The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Acid Beam!] [Reducing Acid Beam to its F-tier version...] [Acid Beam has been reduced to Acidic Spray.] [Temporary Copy] : Acidic Spray (30 Second Duration) A grin tugged at Adam''s lips. "That''ll do." Chapter 14 - 14: Unanimously Voted Captain Adam didn''t hesitate. He tightened his grip on his sword and quickly assessed the situation. The Goblin Chief was too tough for regular attacks... But now that he had [Acidic Spray], they had a chance. "Everyone, listen up!" He commanded, his voice sharp. "The moment I hit it with my skill, go all out! Attack in sequence!" "Rei, hit its legs! Nathaniel, aim for its eyes! Elara, go for the joints!" The team tensed, nodding in understanding. The Goblin Chief growled, its red eyes burning with hunger. It was already preparing to charge again. Adam activated [Acidic Spray]. A burst of greenish fluid shot from his hand, hitting the Goblin Chief square in the chest. The effect was immediate! Its thick hide began to sizzle, darkening as patches of flesh turned soft and mushy. The acidic fumes filled the air with a sharp, biting scent. The Goblin Chief let out a guttural roar, stumbling backward as steam rose from its body. [Frog Eater: An acid attack?! How do you have blood powers and acid powers at the same time?!] [TheIsekaiKing has donated 5 coins] [TheIsekaiKing : What kind of acid is that?] [TheIsekaiKing : Why is it''s corrosion effect so fast...] Adam ignored the chat the Isekai King''s numerous chattering and the Frog Eater''s disbelief as his eyes locked on the monster. The acid had weakened it its skin, making its defenses become soft! But they had only seconds before the acid would weaken... "Now!" Adam shouted. Rei lunged first, slashing at the Goblin Chief''s weakened legs. His blade bit deeper than before, cutting through the softened flesh. The monster howled in pain, staggering. Nathaniel released an arrow, the projectile piercing one of its bloodshot eyes. The Goblin Chief jerked its head back, snarling in agony. Elara moved like a shadow, spinning around the beast and driving her daggers into the exposed joints, twisting the blades for maximum damage. The Goblin Chief swayed, its massive frame trembling under the relentless assault. Deep wounds covered its once-impenetrable body, acidic steam still rising from the patches where Adam''s skill had melted its thick hide. "Good!" Adam called out, eyes sharp as he analyzed the state of the battle. His team was coordinating in a very good way, he liked it! This was why government assessments weren''t for nothing! They didn''t just throw people together randomly. They carefully selected teams based on combat compatibility, ensuring that each member could complement the others in battle. And right now, that system of grouping was paying off... He didn''t need to worry about the combat affinity with his team members! The Goblin Chief let out a furious, ragged roar. Despite its injuries, it wasn''t dead yet. Its remaining eye locked onto Adam, pure hatred burning within it. With a final, desperate effort, the beast raised its massive rusted greatsword and lunged forward. Adam didn''t flinch. He exhaled, activating [Body Blood Magic]. A deep red glow pulsed around his arm, and in an instant, his blood shifted as it started flowing, twisting, reshaping. Thin tendrils of crimson stretched from his fingertips, solidifying into razor-sharp spikes. With a flick of his wrist, they shot forward like spears. The first spike pierced straight through the Goblin Chief''s damaged chest, sinking deep into its flesh. Another tore through its shoulder, while the third impaled its throat. The monster staggered, its body convulsing as dark blood gushed from the fresh wounds. It tried to let out another roar, but only a weak gurgle escaped as its body finally gave out. With a loud thud, the Goblin Chief collapsed to the ground. [Goblin Chief has been slain.] [Splitting rewards...] A notification flashed before Adam''s eyes. Unlike the regular goblins they had slain earlier, where each person claimed their own loot, this time the system split the rewards among them, distributing them based on their individual contributions. [+60 Exp, +0.022 Basic Soul Core.] [+1 Gold] Adam''s gaze landed on the gold coin in his inventory. ''One gold¡­'' It made sense... In this world, monsters only dropped gold once their Soul Core exceeded 0.01. No one knew exactly why this happened, but in his previous life, the leading theory was that a Soul Core''s value had to reach a certain threshold before it could convert into something tangible. Once a monster''s core exceeded that base limit, it started producing gold. And at even higher levels, it could drop valuable items. As the battle ended, the tension in the air finally broke. Nathaniel, Rei, and Elara practically collapsed to the ground, exhaustion hitting them all at once. They had been moving nonstop since entering the tower, and now that the adrenaline was wearing off, the fatigue settled in like a heavy weight on their bodies. Elara groaned, lying flat on the cold stone floor. "Captain... can we go back?" Her voice carried a mix of frustration and pleading, and to Adam''s surprise, neither Nathaniel nor Rei objected. Instead, they both nodded in silent agreement. None of them even questioned the fact that Elara had just called Adam Captain. It felt natural. He had been leading them from the start after all... Giving commands, scouting ahead, setting up their positions when fighting¡ª everything had been so well-organized that it only made sense to put him in the position of the team leader. Adam didn''t respond immediately. He took a moment to scan their surroundings. The cave was still dark, the only light coming from the faint glow of the system notifications hovering in the air. He exhaled, sheathing his weapon. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We''ve only been fighting for an hour and twenty minutes." He finally said sternly. Elara groaned again, dragging herself upright. "Come on, Adam, we''ve been fighting non-stop. Just one short break?" Nathaniel wiped the sweat off his forehead. "She''s got a point. At our level, mana runs out fast... I feel like I can only cast one more spell on my arrow before I pass out..." Rei leaned back against a rock, exhaling as he closed his eyes for a brief moment. "I think we should rest for a bit before continuing..." Adam crossed his arms, thinking. They were still inside the goblin-infested cave, but after the battle, there weren''t any immediate threats. It wouldn''t hurt to take a short break. ''Hm. I should get used to the fact that my new team are newbies who don''t know how to properly conserve their energy...'' ''I''ll teach them a lesson on this later...'' He gave a small nod. "Hm. Wait here for ten minutes." Elara let out a dramatic sigh of relief, flopping onto her back as if she had just collapsed from exhaustion. "Finally..." She groaned. Nathaniel sat down beside her, stretching his arms with a satisfied grunt. Rei, as always, remained against the rock, silent and unmoving. Adam, however, didn''t sit down. Instead, he stepped forward, moving deeper into the cave. His boots crunched over the remains of goblins as he scanned the ground, searching for something specific. He knew he had seen it earlier... One of the goblins had been wearing a necklace, a crude ornament made of bone. Then, he spotted it. A thin, jagged flute dangled from a severed goblin''s neck. Its surface was rough, old, and marked with tiny carvings. Adam crouched down, carefully prying it from the corpse before holding it up to the dim light. The War Goblin Flute. His grip tightened around the artifact. ''This is exactly what I needed.'' With this, they could probably move on to hunting lesser orcs now... However, his team was definitely not ready yet. ''We need better equipment first...'' Lesser Orcs weren''t like goblins. They were bigger, stronger, and, more importantly, smarter. Unlike goblins, who fought in chaotic swarms, orcs had actual tactics. And their greatest advantage was their sharp sense of smell... stealthily attacking them one by one wouldn''t be easy. If they wanted to fight them efficiently, they needed better equipment. They would need scent-masking powder to hide their presence, stronger weapons to pierce orc hide, and light armor that wouldn''t slow them down but could still take a hit. Potions were also a necessity... stamina recovery, healing, anything that could keep them standing in a prolonged fight. Adam exhaled, slipping the flute into his inventory. He had a plan, and now they just needed to prepare for it. They needed to return to town. He turned back to his team and called out, "Stand up. We''re heading back." For a moment, none of them moved. Then... "Finally!" Elara shot up, looking like she had just been given a second life. Nathaniel silently cheered in his heart as he stood up as well. Rei simply nodded, pushing himself off the rock. [Frog Eater : No... seriously, are you guys new to the tower or not?!] Chapter 15 - 15: Strange Usernames Adam leaned against a wooden stall, his sharp eyes scanning the various supplies laid out before him. The town was alive with activity, adventurers moving between shops, merchants shouting deals, and the faint clang of blacksmiths hammering away at new gear. Before making any purchases, he mentally pulled up his system interface. [Gold: 21] It wasn''t much... But for a first dive into the tower, it was a solid amount. Most first-timers barely walked away with 2 gold... Let alone 21 gold. Still, he needed to be careful. Lesser orcs weren''t like goblins. If they pushed themselves too hard, running out of mana or stamina in the middle of a fight could be fatal. His first priority was ensuring they had what they needed to keep going. At a nearby alchemist''s shop, he picked up several vials of Stamina Recovery Elixir A cheap but effective potion that could keep them moving in prolonged fights. He also bought a few Lesser Mana Restoration Potions, which wouldn''t fully replenish their reserves but would give them enough energy to cast a few more spells when needed. The alchemist, a short, wiry man with ink-stained fingers, smirked as he packed the bottles. "Stocking up for another round in the tower? That''s good. Most newbies run themselves dry and end up getting carried back half-dead." Adam simply nodded, handing over the gold without a word. Next, he made his way to the general store, where he grabbed Scent-Masking Powder. A fine gray dust that could suppress their natural scent, making it harder for orcs to track them. It wasn''t foolproof, but combined with careful movement, it would buy them time before being detected. After securing those, he stopped by an armorer''s stall, eyeing a set of light reinforced bracers. They were made from a mix of treated leather and iron plating, offering just enough protection without adding too much weight. Elara needed something like this... Her fighting style relied on speed, but she also needed a way to deflect attacks if she couldn''t dodge in time. He tested the flexibility, then nodded at the blacksmith. Adam adjusted the strap of his pack, glancing around the bustling market. With most of the essentials taken care of, he weighed his remaining options. The stalls were filled with adventurers bartering, merchants shouting deals, and blacksmiths hammering away at fresh equipment. The air smelled of metal, leather, and faint traces of alchemical ingredients. His gaze settled on a small, well-kept shop nestled between a weapon smithy and a general goods store... The magic supply shop. If there was one thing that could turn a bad situation around, it was a single-use Barrier Scroll. An emergency defense could mean the difference between life and death, especially against unpredictable orc ambushes. He stepped inside. The scent of parchment and old magic filled the air. Shelves were lined with enchanted trinkets, spell-infused gems, and aged tomes. Behind the counter, a tired-looking man in deep-blue robes flicked through a ledger, barely looking up. "Need something?" The shopkeeper muttered, not bothering with formalities. Adam walked up to the counter, his fingers drumming lightly against the wood. "How much for a Barrier Scroll?" The shopkeeper sighed and turned the ledger toward Adam, pointing at a neatly written price tag. 15 Gold. Adam exhaled sharply. " That''s... a lot." The price was reasonable though. Magic-infused items weren''t cheap, especially defensive ones. But he had just spent the last of his gold... He glanced at the empty spot in his system''s balance. [Gold: 0] Well, that was unfortunate. As he considered his options, a notification popped up in the corner of his vision. [TheIsekaiKing: 15 gold? I don''t have much right now... but here, have this.] [TheIsekaiKing has donated 5 gold.] [NLE_immortal is observing your actions.] Adam blinked. He had nearly forgotten the livestream was still running. He tapped open the chat window briefly, watching as comments scrolled past. ''For someone with the title King of Reincarnation, you sure have little gold reserves...'' He chuckled at the thought but sent a quick message back. [Streamer, The Chosen Conduit, appreciates the donation] Still, even with the donation, he was short... He needed ten more gold. His gaze shifted to the other notification¡ª NLE_immortal is observing your actions. He frowned slightly. The Isekai King and this NLe_immortal''s usernames were quite odd... Adam scrolled back through the chat logs. He hadn''t noticed before, but when TheIsekaiKing and NLE_immortal joined, the system mentioned something peculiar. [Viewer "TheIsekaiKing" has joined from a very distant universe.] [Viewer "NLE_immortal" has joined from a very distant universe.] That was strange. Normally, when a viewer joined, the system would list a specific universe. For example, one of his frequent viewers, FrogEater, always appeared with a tag: [FrogEater has joined from the Green Swamp Universe.] But these two? No universe was named. Just a vague description... ''First a king of reincarnation... now an immortal.'' Adam found himself rubbing his chin, thinking it over. And what was with the way their usernames were placed in? NLE_immortal... Underscores, no spaces. That wasn''t a common format... He''d never seen that before, not even in his past life. Most usernames in the system had normal spacing... Like [Knight of Rose], or [Inheritor of Dust]... But underscores? That was new... Not to mention, NLE¡ªwhat did that even mean? Some kind of abbreviation? A small shiver ran down his spine. He wasn''t sure why, but something about this felt... off. Still, he had much more important things to do right now... Adam exhaled, his gaze drifting back to the barrier Scroll resting on the merchant''s display stand. He was still short on gold... A single-use spell of that caliber could be a lifesaver, but the price was steep. He checked his system balance again, as if hoping the numbers would miraculously change. [Gold Balance: 5] No luck. He was still short. Just as he was considering giving up on it, a notification flashed across his vision. [NLE_immortal pities you.] [NLE_immortal has donated 15 gold coins.] Adam''s lips twitched at the wording. ''Pities?'' The donation was generous, sure, but did they really have to phrase it like that? A message quickly followed in the livestream chat. [Frog Eater: What''s with your title... a-are you actually an immortal?] [NLE_immortal ignores Frog Eater.] [TheIsekaiKing: I personally think it''s better to be a normal human being than to be an immortal...] [TheIsekaiKing: At the very least, I won''t have to worry about constantly making new identification cards while living.] Adam blinked. One strange viewer didn''t like talking, while the other rambled too much about so many things... These odd usernamed viewers sure had personality... He tapped his fingers against his arm, debating whether or not to use his [Permanent Copy] ability on them. It was a rare skill, one that could permanently replicate an ability from a viewer, but only if he chose carefully. The idea was tempting. If NLE_immortal was truly immortal... And if TheIsekaiKing was truly a king of reincarnation, these kinds of power could be invaluable... But he quickly shook the thought away. ''I don''t know anything about them or their abilities¡­'' He reminded himself. ''Plus, I already have some target viewers in mind. I know they''re still here on the first floor...'' He wasn''t about to waste an ability on someone he barely understood. Even in his past life, reckless decisions had never led to good outcomes. With a sigh, he reached forward and picked up the Barrier Scroll, handing over the gold. Whatever the case, at least he had what he came for. And if those two strange viewers kept watching... S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He might just figure out what they really were. Chapter 16 - 16: A Dead Man Adam strode back to their meeting spot, the newly purchased supplies secured in his pack. The others were gathered near the town''s outer gates, resting on a wooden bench while chatting idly. As he approached, their conversation died down, eyes shifting toward the small bundle in his hands. He didn''t waste time. "Here." He tossed a pair of reinforced bracers to Elara. She caught them, blinking in surprise. "These should help with deflecting attacks." Her fingers traced the iron plating, testing the flexibility. "Aww captain, you didn''t have to¡ª" "Just wear them." Adam cut her off. She nodded, strapping them on without another word. Next, he pulled out Stamina Recovery Elixirs and Mana Restoration Potions, handing them out. Each of them received their share, murmuring thanks as they examined the vials. "How did you get so many gold to buy these things..." Nathaniel muttered, tucking the potions into his belt pouch. "At this rate, we won''t have to buy anything ourselves..." "Yeah..." Rei added with a thankful smile. "I''ll make sure to earn enough to pay you back..." Adam ignored them. "No need, We''re heading out." The easy atmosphere vanished. "Already?" Elara frowned. "We just got back." "And now we''re going back in." Adam adjusted the strap of his pack. "We''re hunting Lesser Orcs." A pause. "...What?" Nathaniel''s voice carried disbelief. "We barely managed goblins. Now you want us to hunt Lesser Orcs?" "I heard orcs actually know how to fight..." Rei muttered. "It''s also late in the afternoon right now..." Nathaniel rubbed his temples. "It''ll be dark soon. You want us fighting Lesser Orcs at night?" Adam''s gaze turned cold. "We''ll be back before eleven. If things don''t go as planned, we camp in the forest." The group exchanged glances. Then Adam looked at them. A piercing, unreadable stare that sent a chill down their spines. Their complaints died in their throats. For some reason they felt as though arguing against Adam would be scarier than fighting lesser orcs... Without further argument, they followed him... The forest loomed ahead, dark and dense even in the fading afternoon light. Adam led the way as the others followed, their earlier reluctance was now just filled with alertness for their surroundings. The forest was dangerous after all... As they ventured deeper, voices carried through the trees. "Alright, guys! Today we''re testing the most efficient way to kill Lesser Orcs!" Adam slowed his steps, ears sharpening at the words. A group of Stream Hunters stood in a clearing ahead, setting up their gears as they looked towards their own streaming systems. Several of them adjusted their equipment. While their leader, a young man clad in reinforced armor, gestured enthusiastically at an unseen audience. Adam had no interest in unnecessary interaction. He strode past the group without a glance, but one of the streamers caught sight of them and tilted his head. "Hm? I''ve never seen your faces before... are you new here?" The man''s voice carried a mix of curiosity and amusement. His armor was polished, his equipment well-maintained... Clearly, someone who had spent a fair amount of time in the Tower. His team stood behind him, adjusting their equipment as their attention briefly shifting to Adam''s group. Elara, who had been walking beside Adam, slowed down and answered. "Yes, we just got in the Tower today." The leader raised an eyebrow. "Ah? Newbies? Then why are you in this area? Go back further. The goblin hunting grounds are behind you. Also, why are there only four of you? Who''s your guide?" Elara smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Ah, don''t worry. We don''t need a guide, and we''re already Level 2!" The words hung in the air for a second. The leader''s expression stiffened. His teammates exchanged looks, a few of them outright scoffing. "Level 2?" He stared at them as if they had just claimed they could fly. "You should turn back. Lesser Orcs aren''t something to mess with. You should be at least Level 8 before hunting them." Adam didn''t slow down. His tone was firm as he disturbed their conversation. "Goodbye, we''re heading now." That was it. No hesitation, no argument. To Adam, he didn''t really care much about what these people thought. Nathaniel however, was panicking. ''Level 8?! We have to be level 8 to face lesser orcs?!'' ''What am I doing here.. I should just head back!'' He thought as he tried to speak up. "Hey, maybe we should listen to..." However, as he looked towards the scary cold and stern expression that Adam had in his face. He immediately quieted down and silently followed. The leader frowned as he watched them disappear into the trees. "They''re going to die..." He muttered. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One of his teammates shifted uneasily. "Should we stop them?" The leader exhaled, shaking his head. "If they don''t listen, it''s their problem. Just focus on our stream." He turned back, ready to continue, but something was off. His viewer count had dropped. "Huh?" He blinked. A few moments ago, they had a solid audience. Now, numbers were vanishing. Where were they going? ... Meanwhile, as Adam and his group pressed deeper into the forest, an alert popped up in his vision. His livestream, which had been mostly quiet, suddenly surged with activity. [A viewer from 45th Level Martial world universe has entered your livestream...] [A viewer from Combat Initiators universe has entered your livestream...] [A viewer from...] The notifications kept coming in until new messages popped up. [5th Style Sword Master is warning you to reconsider your decisions.] [Experienced Old Knight] : Human, there''s no shame in retreating. I''ve seen higher-level teams fall to these monsters. [Bird Hunter] : A Level 2 squad attempting this? Brave or just stupid? Place your bets! [Prankster of Kingdoms finds amusement in your actions] The messages kept coming, some urging caution, others skeptical of their chances. [TheIsekaiKing has donated 5 coins] [TheIsekaiKing] : So many new viewers... Hey bird hunter, I''m lacking in gold right now... I could definitely make a bet with you. The new viewers, seeing this comment immediately reacted. [Experienced Old Knight] : TheIsekaiKing? You have an odd title... [TheIsekaiKing] : Why? What''s wrong with being the king of reincarnation? [Bird Hunter] : W-what? you''re the king of reincarnation? [NLE_immortal has donated 15 coins] [NLE_immortal greets the new viewers] [Bird Hunter] : Ah?! An immortal?! [Frog Eater] : Finally, normal viewers... I''ve been saying the same thing! These viewers are strange! Adam barely spared a glance at the chat, skimming past the flood of messages... Until one username caught his attention. ''Prankster of Kingdoms...'' His fingers twitched. That name. He knew it... almost everyone on Earth did. The Prankster of Kingdoms wasn''t known for strength or influence. He wasn''t a top player or a legendary figure. He was infamous for one reason... He was the first Viewer to be killed by a Stream Hunter on Earth. And the one who killed him was the Vessel Devourer. No one knew who the Vessel Devourer truly was. Not even the other Stream Hunters. His abilities weren''t recorded, and those who encountered him never spoke about it. Or perhaps, they couldn''t.... The only thing certain was that he was feared, by everyone. Viewers, who once thought themselves untouchable, learned otherwise the day the Prankster of Kingdoms died. It was a turning point. Proof that Stream Hunters could kill beyond the battlefield. That the so-called invincible spectators weren''t beyond reach. Adam didn''t know much beyond that. He was on the lower floors when it happened, far from the chaos. But even from there, rumors of the Vessel Devourer spread. Some said he didn''t just kill the Prankster of Kingdoms and that he erased him, something no one thought possible. Adam''s gaze lingered on the name. Prankster of Kingdoms... A dead man was watching his stream. Just then, another system notification came up. [A Viewer from a very distant viewer has joined your livestream] [Iseeyoudoyouseeme has donated 15 coins] [Iseeyoudoyouseeme] : Hello! Can you guys see me? I''m new here! Please treat me well! ^^ The Frog Eater silently cursed. Ah. Another fucking weird viewer... Chapter 17 - 17: Avoidance The tavern was alive with laughter and the clatter of dice against wooden tables. A haze of smoke hung in the air, mixing with the scent of cheap ale and roasted meat. It was the kind of place where men came to gamble away their earnings, drown their troubles, or scheme in the dimly lit corners... At a secluded table near the back, two men sat facing each other. One wore armor, its metal scratched and worn from use. While the other was dressed in a fine yet modest outfit blending in with the wealthier patrons of the establishment. The armored man, Levi, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. It was Adam and his team''s supposed guide. His fingers tapped against the wooden table, the rhythmic sound barely audible over the rowdy crowd. Across from him, the well-dressed man leaned forward, voice low but firm. "You''ve been assigned as a guide to a new team, is that correct, Levi?" Levi tensed.... Despite his usual confidence, his voice stuttered slightly as he answered "A-ah, yes, sir. I told them I''d guide them to their first battle tomorrow in the morning..." The man nodded, swirling the drink in his cup before taking a slow sip. "Good. Take them to the orc area. My men will be waiting there. Make sure no one follows you." Levi swallowed, his throat dry. "Understood." The man''s expression darkened. He set his cup down with a soft clink and leaned in even closer. "If even one screw-up is made, that woman is going to kill us. You do understand that, don''t you?" Levi forced out a chuckle, though it lacked his usual bravado. "Don''t worry, sir. Newbies are easy to trick. They wouldn''t doubt a guide who helped show them around town just a while ago." The man studied him for a moment before nodding in satisfaction. "You better not let anyone else find out. As long as we can deliver more empty vessels to the upper floors through that woman''s magic... she''ll reward us handsomely." Levi nodded quickly, eager to end the conversation. The man leaned back, his sharp eyes never leaving him. "Good. Now go. Make sure everything goes smoothly." Levi stood, straightening his armor. His heart pounded, but he forced a smile onto his face as he walked away. ''It''s not like I haven''t done this before... but for some reason I can''t help but feel a bit nervous...'' Levi thought to himself. Tomorrow morning, Adam and his team would walk straight into a trap. ... Adam and his team stood on an elevated ridge, overlooking a clearing below where a group of lesser orcs roamed. The creatures moved in loose numbers. Some were sharpening crude weapons against rocks, while others scavenged through the trees. "There''s around fifteen of them, Captain..." Nathaniel murmured, completely accepting at the fact that he had just called Adam "captain" His eyes glowed faintly as he was activating [Keen Sight]. "I don''t think we can handle this much lesser orcs." Rei adjusted his grip on his weapon, frowning. "I think we should find a smaller group... I think it''d be better to hunt them..." Adam considered their words but shook his head. "No, this will do." He scanned the terrain, his mind already breaking it down into key tactical points. The scattered boulders and uneven ground would make movement tricky, but with the right positioning, they could use it to their advantage. Thanks to the Scent-Masking Powder, they wouldn''t be detected as long as they remained careful. ''With my current team, we could probably take them on, however...'' Adam thought. ''Fifteen enemies¡­ there''s no way to avoid injuries, maybe even casualties. I need something that lets me move more efficiently.'' A thought crossed his mind, and he pulled up the system interface, checking the live chat from his stream viewers. [TheIsekaiKing has donated 5 coins] [TheIsekaiKing] : That''s a lot of orcs... Why do they all look male? How do they even reproduce? Do they just not care about appearances and breed regardless? [Experienced Old Knight] : Why is your mind filled with such strange questions... [NLE_immortal has donated 15 coins] [NLE_immortal is also curious about the question.] [Bird Hunter]: Such stupid questions... [Prankster of Kingdoms is amused by the other viewers.] Adam sighed, ignoring the absurd discussion. ''Let''s see... who could possibly have a movement skill I can copy?'' He scrolled past the usernames, making quick judgments. ''I''ll cross out the ones with strange names. Something tells me that copying a skill from them would be a mistake...'' His eyes landed on a familiar name. [5th Style Sword Master is telling you that it''s not too late to retreat.] ''A sword master¡­'' He narrowed his eyes. He didn''t know what the "5th Style" meant, but he did know about a similar username. Original Style Sword Master. He''s familiar with it, not because they were universally known... But because they were the main sponsor of his older sister, Miya... In his memories, his older sister was the best at physical combat, to a point that she could even challenge top Stream Hunters that existed on Earth. Her moves were always unpredictable, and even in a space where there was only vacuum, she could still adapt to it and be able to incorporate her fighting style. If this person followed a similar path, their skills would be useful... Adam took a deep breath and made his decision. He chose the 5th Style Sword Master! Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Temporary Copy has been activated...] A moment later, another notification popped up. [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: 5th Style Absolute Untouchable!] [Reducing 5th Style Absolute Untouchable to its F-tier version...] [5th Style Absolute Untouchable has been reduced to Quick Avoidance.] [Temporary Copy] : Quick Avoidance (30 Second Duration) ''Quick Avoidance?'' Adam thought to himself as he expanded to skill to obtain the description. [Quick Avoidance] : Allows the user to heighten their senses and automatically perform the basic steps of the 5th Style Sword Arts to avoid incoming attacks. ''A movement skill... but not exactly what I was hoping for.'' He thought. Still, it was better than nothing. With a skill that could help him dodge effectively, he could handle more aggressive maneuvers. He dismissed his interface and turned to his team. "Alright, listen up." Adam said, keeping his voice low. "We''re going in." Elara, their scout, nodded as she asked. "Where should we position ourselves??" "Nathaniel, stay up here. You''ll cover us from above with [Wind Arrow] and call out any movement. Make sure none of them break away." Nathaniel nodded without complaints. Although a bit doubtful at the question if this would be their tomb or not... "Rei, you''re with me on the front. Use [Stone Fist] to target their legs. We''ll focus on breaking their formation." "Elara, you''ll move in and out of the fight. Use [Shadow Step] to disorient them, pick off any stragglers. Keep an eye on the surroundings in case there are more of them hidden." Elara gave a firm nod. "Understood." Adam scanned his team one last time, making sure they were all in position. The orcs below remained unaware of their presence... The scent-masking powder was working perfectly. "We move out when I sound the flute." Adam said. Nathaniel furrowed his brows. "The what?" Before he could ask further, Adam reached into his pouch and pulled out a small, crude-looking instrument. The War Goblin Flute. The moment he pressed it to his lips and blew, a sharp, grating sound filled the air. It wasn''t music... It was pure, ear-piercing agony. The reaction was instant. The orcs below howled in pain, clutching their heads as if their skulls were about to split open. Some fell to their knees, writhing in agony, while others staggered around in confusion. The stronger ones, overcome with desperation, lashed out blindly, swinging their weapons at anything within reach. The chaos spread like wildfire. One orc, unable to endure the unbearable noise, drove its rusted axe into the back of another. A second later, a third orc tackled the first, biting and clawing at its face. In mere moments, the entire horde had turned against itself, driven mad by the unnatural sound. Adam smiled to himself. This was the real purpose of the War Goblin Flute. Chapter 18 - 18: Confused Viewers Elara and the others froze for a second. The orcs were attacking each other... why? They didn''t have time to think. Adam had already charged in! He moved fast, weaving through the chaos while keeping the War Goblin Flute in his mouth. A sharp, ear-piercing whistle continued to ring out. The orcs were still disoriented, but some were starting to recover. Adam didn''t give them the chance. He focused on the ones already wounded by their own kind. His blade cut into a lesser orc''s exposed back. [Lesser Orc has been slain.] [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] Another orc staggered nearby, holding its bleeding shoulder. Adam kicked its knee in and slashed its throat before it could react. [Lesser Orc has been slain.] [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] The constant whistling was exhausting. His lungs burned, and his jaw ached, but he didn''t stop. The moment the flute''s sound faded, the orcs would turn their aggression back on him. A sharp movement from his side sounded as an orc lunged at him. It had recovered faster than the others, its eyes filled with rage. Adam barely ducked under its swing, but another came from behind him. He twisted his body, barely avoiding the blow. ''They''re adapting...'' The orcs weren''t stupid. Their senses were sharp, and they were already learning to fight despite the noise. Suddenly, he felt something wrong behind him. A corpse? His instincts screamed. Adam activated [Quick Avoidance]. His body moved on its own. He leaped forward just as a heavy axe slammed down where he had been. One of the orcs were faking themselves to be a "corpse". [5th Style Sword Master] : Huh? That movement just now seemed similar to a basic swordsmanship movement I have... Without hesitation, Adam spun around and activated [Body Blood Magic]. A sharp spike of hardened blood burst from his palm and pierced the orc''s skull. [Lesser Orc has been slain.] [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] Seeing Adam''s killing spree, his team immediately began positioning themselves according to how Adam instructed them. Elara moved swiftly, her [Shadow Step] letting her slip between the orcs without being seen. A dagger flashed, cutting an orc''s throat before it could react. Another turned to face her, but she disappeared into the darkness, reappearing behind it to stab deep into its spine. Then, a loud crack sounded in the air. Rei charged in, his fist coated in hardened stone. He smashed it into an orc''s chest, sending the massive creature flying. The orc hit the ground hard, ribs shattered. Before it could recover, Rei stomped down, crushing its skull. Nathaniel wasn''t far behind. From a distance, he raised his bow. His eyes glowed faintly while [Keen Sight] was activating. He locked onto an orc about to swing at Adam. [Wind Arrow.] A sharp gust howled as an arrow shot through the air. It struck the orc''s temple with pinpoint accuracy. The creature staggered, dead before it hit the ground. [Lesser Orc has been slain.] [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] Adam finally let himself breathe as he tossed the Goblin War Flute towards Nathaniel. "Don''t stop blowing on it!" He said. Nathaniel nodded and did exactly as he was instructed to. Adam then turned his gaze towards his system notification [Experienced Old Knight is applauding the team''s cooperation] [NLE_Immortal has donated 15 coins] [NLE_Immortal] : Keep it up! [Bird Hunter] : How are these people doing this at level 2? After taking a second to decide, he activated [Temporary Copy] once again. This time, directed towards the Experienced Old Knight! [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: A Thousand Sword Strike!] [Reducing A Thousand Strike to its F-tier version...] [A Thousand Sword Strike has been reduced to Double Strike.] [Temporary Copy] : Double Strike (30 Second Duration) [Double Strike] : A single strike from your attacks brings an illusory attack that deals 50% of the damage you dealt! ''Good!'' Adam didn''t waste a second. As soon as the system confirmed the copied skill, he dashed forward, targeting the orcs that were trying to escape. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Double Strike ¨C Activated.] A surge of energy rushed through his body. He raised his hand, blood swirling around his fingers. [Body Blood Magic.] Crimson spikes burst from his palm, shooting toward the fleeing orcs. The moment they pierced flesh¡ª A second set of spikes, barely visible and tinged with an eerie glow, followed right after! One orc screeched as the first spike tore through its back. It stumbled, only for the illusory spike to slam into the same wound, punching straight through its chest. Blood splattered onto the ground as it collapsed. [Lesser Orc has been slain.] [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] [Experienced Old Knight is bewildered] [Experienced Old Knight] : Hey! That skill you used just now! Isn''t that mine?! Another orc turned, eyes wide with fear. It barely had time to react before a spike impaled its leg. It howled, falling to its knees... then the second strike came, this one going straight through its skull. [Lesser Orc has been slain.] [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] Adam grinned. This skill was good... More orcs tried to scatter, realizing they were outmatched. But with Double Strike active, he wasn''t letting them get far. He sent another round of [Body Blood Magic] flying, watching as the illusory strikes followed, doubling the carnage. [You have leveled up!] [Level 2 ¡ú 3] [Mana Capacity has been increased accordingly] Adam exhaled sharply, feeling the lingering tension in his muscles. The battlefield was quiet now, aside from the occasional groan of a dying orc. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and glanced at the system notifications. Unlike video games where you could assign stat points however you wanted, leveling in the Tower of Yxthar was different. Your stats improved automatically, based on your existence, codename, and personalized ability. ''It''d be nice if I could adjust my own stats¡­'' Adam thought to himself. Right now, his biggest issue was stamina. As a mage, keeping distance was key, but enemies kept forcing him into close combat. More stamina would help counter that. "H-How are we doing this¡­?" Nathaniel muttered, his voice shaky. He stared at the fallen orcs, some still twitching as their bodies failed to accept death. His grip tightened on his bow as if unsure of himself. Adam turned to him. "What were your test score evaluations before this?" Nathaniel blinked, caught off guard by the question. "I¡ªuh. Got High Evaluation on all of them¡­ except Psychological Stability." Adam nodded. That made sense. Despite his sharpshooting, Nathaniel was clearly the type to be rattled and shook easily... "What about you two?" Adam glanced at Rei and Elara. Rei scratched the back of his head before answering. "I got an Average evaluation in Awakened Ability Assessment and Psychological Stability¡­ but my Combat Proficiency and Knowledge Proficiency were High Evaluation." Elara, who had been quietly wiping blood off her daggers, finally spoke up. "All of my evaluations were Average." She smiled softly. "But my Combat Proficiency was the Highest Evaluation." Adam raised an eyebrow. "Highest?" Elara simply nodded, sheathing her daggers with a practiced motion. "Fighting has always come naturally to me." Chapter 19 - 19: Advanced Students ''What a bunch of geniuses¡­'' Adam thought to himself as he glanced at his team. Although he had received the highest evaluation scores in most areas, that was only because he had spent fifteen years inside the Tower. When he first took the evaluation, his results were far from impressive. Everything was marked as average, and his psychological stability was so low that he was forced into a month of therapy on the first floor. Even his siblings, who were already climbing the upper floors, had mostly gotten average evaluations. And compared to others their age, they were considered skilled. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yet, these three standing before him? They were in a different league altogether. ''Rei''s older brother is a well-known top Stream Hunter¡­ so it makes sense that Rei himself would be hardworking and talented.'' Adam''s gaze shifted to Nathaniel. ''Nathaniel''s shooting is insane. Every arrow lands exactly where it needs to. Whether it''s because of his abilities or sheer skill, I don''t know¡­ but he''s using his talents to their full potential.'' Finally, his eyes landed on Elara. ''Her combat ability is almost on par with mine despite my years in the Tower¡­ That''s not normal. She''s too much of a natural at this...'' Adam''s mind worked fast, analyzing and assessing his team. As an experienced team captain, he knew it was essential to understand his teammates'' strengths and weaknesses. If he failed to do so, it could cost them their lives in future battles. But the real question was... Why was he grouped with them? Adam thought as he quickly knew why. The government must have classified him as a "genius" as well. It made sense. To everyone else, Adam was just another highly talented rookie who had passed the evaluations with top scores. They had no idea about his past experiences inside the Tower... ''Well¡­ I won''t complain. Having strong teammates is a blessing.'' If he had been placed in an ordinary team with low evaluation scores, things would have been much harder. He would have had to spend days training them just to get them strong enough to fight lesser orcs. Not to mention, he''d have to teach them how teamwork actually worked. Adam felt a sense of relief. With these three, he had nothing to worry about. They could fight, they could adapt, and most importantly, they could work together. All he had to do was give them the right commands to maximize their strengths. No need for excessive explanations or hand-holding... ''If I raise them right... I can probably make our team stand out as top Stream Hunters.'' He glanced up at the sky. The once bright horizon was darkening. They had been fighting all day, and exhaustion was beginning to set in. "Hm. It''s getting late... Let''s head back to town for now." Adam said. None of them protested. They had been pushing themselves nonstop, and rest was long overdue. As they walked back, Adam checked his system notifications. His interface was in a frenzy, messages popping up rapidly. [5th Style Sword Master has donated 50 coins] [5th Style Sword Master] : Does your planet incorporate the 5th Style Sword Art invented by my master as well? [5th Style Sword Master] : Tell me, where did you learn such a technique of movement? [Experienced Old Knight] : Hey! How did you do that attack? It looked similar to my Thousand Sword Strike just now... [Experienced Old Knight] : Who are you? [Frog Eater] : I knew I wasn''t imagining things! Just this morning, he also launched an attack that was similar to my Acid Beam! [Frog Eater] : Not only are some of this guy''s viewers strange, this guy is just as strange! [Prankster of Kingdoms] : Pfft. Aren''t we technically his viewers too? Adam read past through but didn''t bother responding. He had no reason to explain himself. Since he was already inside the tower, there was no need to hide his ability to copy the skills of his viewers. In fact, the more attention he got, the better. More viewers meant more skills to copy. More skills meant his fighting style would be even more unpredictable. Speaking of which... He still hadn''t decided on a target for [Permanent Copy]. There was no rush. He would wait until a famous viewer¡ªone he knew from his past life¡ªshowed up. After all, he could only use [Permanent Copy] once per rank. Right now, he was at Amber Rank. The next step was Stone Rank, which required both 50 Core Soul Points and reaching level 100. Which would take a bit of time and grinding... "Huh? You guys are still alive?" A familiar voice pulled Adam from his thoughts. A man clad in worn-out armor stood ahead, arms crossed. It was the leader of the other team... the one who had warned them to retreat earlier. "It''s good that you''re still alive," The man said as he glanced towards his livestream which only had few viewers left... ''The viewers that left me just now were probably curious about how these newbies are gonna deal with orcs at their level...'' ''Since they retreated and didn''t fight lesser orcs, those viewers should come back after being bored...'' The man thought, reassuring himself. ''However... how come they''re not coming back yet...'' "Thank you." Adam said, his tone firm and uninterested. Without another word, he gestured for his team to keep moving. They had more important things to focus on. ... After a night''s rest, Adam and his team were already making their way toward the town''s exit, ready to head out and level up again. The streets were quiet, with only a few early risers preparing for the day ahead. Just as they neared the gate, a voice called out to them. "Oh, there you guys are!" Turning, they saw a man approaching with a short sword strapped to his waist. His casual grin and easygoing stride made it clear he wasn''t in a rush. It was Levi... The guide who had promised to take them out for their first monster hunt yesterday, only to ditch them because of ''more important things.'' "How was your rest? You sure woke up early. Are you that excited for your first battle experience?" Levi joked, flashing a knowing smile. Rei opened his mouth, ready to correct him. They had already fought yesterday. Not just goblins, but lesser orcs... more than ten of them. And the only reason they were up this early was because Adam had threatened to put them into ''eternal sleep'' if they dared to rest even a minute longer. But as he glanced at Adam, who didn''t even spare Levi a reaction, Rei decided to stay quiet. If their leader didn''t care to explain, why should he? Elara and Nathaniel seemed to share the same thought. Besides, it wasn''t a bad thing to play along. Maybe Levi had something useful to teach them.... something even Adam hadn''t covered. "Well? You ready to head out?" Levi asked, stretching his arms. "I''ll teach you everything you need to know about handling monsters." Adam finally turned to him, his expression unreadable. "Sure. Lead the way." Levi grinned, completely unaware that his ''students'' were already ahead of schedule. Chapter 20 - 20: Danger in the Dark As the group walked through the bustling streets toward the town''s exit, Levi took the lead, glancing back at them with an easygoing smile. "As you know, the common monsters in the first floor are Goblins, Slimes, Wild Boars, and Lesser Orcs." He explained, his tone casual but informative. "Of course, ''common'' doesn''t mean they''re the only monsters you''ll run into..." He gestured toward the forest in the distance. "You''ll run into what we call ''unique monsters'' as well." "For example, sometimes, a goblin''s soul core develops well enough, and they evolve into a Goblin Chief." He smirked. "If you ever encounter one, just pray to whatever deity you believe in.... and run. Fast." Levi chuckled at his own joke, but behind him, Rei, Nathaniel, and Elara exchanged knowing glances. They wanted to tell him that not only had they already faced a Goblin Chief, but they had also beaten it to a pulp. Yet, since Adam didn''t say anything, neither did they. After all, it was Adam who had planned everything and carried most of the fight, ensuring their victory. If he didn''t feel the need to boast, neither would they. Levi continued walking, completely unaware of their silent exchange. "Now, let''s talk about something important¡ª soul cores." His expression grew slightly more serious. "Everyone has a soul core. It''s what determines a living being''s worth. The stronger and more refined your soul core is, the more valuable your existence becomes." He turned his gaze toward them. "For monsters, soul cores naturally improve based on their bloodline, age, and experiences. A goblin that''s survived for years and fought hundreds of battles will have a much stronger soul core than one that just got out of its nest. That''s why evolution happens. The stronger their core gets, the closer they are to transforming into a higher form." Rei frowned slightly. "And for Stream Hunters?" Levi nodded. "For us, it''s different. We don''t evolve like monsters, but we do refine our soul cores by killing them. Every time a Stream Hunter slays a monster, a portion of the monster''s soul core is absorbed into their own. This strengthens us, allowing us to improve our abilities and rank up." Nathaniel folded his arms. "So it''s basically survival of the fittest." Levi grinned. "Exactly. Kill or be killed. That''s the law of the Tower." He then added, "And here''s the best part..." "When you kill a monster, part of their soul core doesn''t just go to strengthening yours. Some of it converts into gold coins. And if you''re lucky, it might even transform into a useful item or artifact." Elara''s eyes lit up. "So that''s how people get weapons and gear without having to buy them?" "Bingo." Levi smirked. "The stronger the monster, the better the loot. That''s why Stream Hunters chase after powerful creatures, even if it''s risky. One good drop could change your entire career." [TheIsekaiKing has donated 5 coins] [TheIsekaiKing] : That''s interesting! I wonder if I have a soul core as well... [Experienced Old Knight] : Dear King, aren''t you a viewer? Your soul core should be a lot more powerful than any of these guys... [TheIsekaiKing expresses confusion] Adam listened quietly, nodding occasionally as Levi continued to explain the basics of the Tower and the monsters in the area. To anyone else, Levi''s words would''ve seemed like valuable information, but to Adam, it was nothing new. After all, he had been through the Tower''s trials for 15 years already. Still, he found it useful to hear how it was explained to newcomers. As Levi talked about the different monsters in the forest, Adam couldn''t help but notice the direction they were heading. They''d already passed the usual goblin areas, and now they were veering toward a familiar part of the forest. It was one that Adam had seen countless times. [Frog Eater] : "This guide is fishy. Why is he leading you to another lesser orc part of the forest?" [NLE_immortal has donated 15 coins] [NLE_immortal warns the streamer to be careful!] Adam barely flinched at the notification, though he did glance at it for a brief moment. It confirmed what he had suspected. He''d been around long enough to know the patterns of the Tower.... And this guide was definitely taking them to a place they weren''t supposed to be. Levi seemed unaware of the danger, happily chatting about various monsters and their soul cores, but Adam wasn''t fooled. He''d seen this happen before, in his past life. A guide leading an unsuspecting group of rookies into a trap, and he had a feeling that was what was happening now. ''He probably doesn''t know that I''ve already got 15 years of experience in the Tower... or that I have viewers who can keep me informed.'' Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Adam thought, barely keeping his attention on the guide''s chatter. But he wasn''t just watching out of curiosity. There was a deeper reason for his wariness. In his previous life, the Tower of Yxthar had wiped out his entire universe when humanity dared to fight back. But Adam didn''t know the specifics... He didn''t know what had sparked the revolution or what made humanity cross the line. All he knew was that he needed answers... And the only way to get them was to dig deeper into the Tower''s operations in this life. So in this life, and in every possible chance he could get... Adam had already planned to get himself involved deeper in things. He wanted to get to the bottom of this entire thing before their doom 15 years later... ''Hm... to avoid being unexpectedly ambushed, I should try to get that skill [Quick Avoidance] again...'' Adam thought to himself as he activated [Temporary Copy], directed towards the 5th Style Sword Master again. [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Flow Piercing!] [Reducing Flow Piercing to its F-tier version...] [Flow Piercing has been reduced to Smooth Cut.] [Temporary Copy] : Smooth Cut (30 Second Duration) ''Ah? It''s not [Quick Avoidance...]'' Adam thought to himself, a bit disappointed before glancing towards the description. [Smooth Cut] : All blade attacks will have their sharpness increased by 200% ''An attack boost skill...'' Adam analyzed. Since he didn''t get the [Quick Avoidance] skill, it was best to make use of what he currently had. Adam''s gaze remained steady as they walked deeper into the forest. Levi led the way, his movements relaxed, his voice still casual as he explained more about soul cores and evolution. But Adam wasn''t listening anymore. His focus was on the subtle noises in the environment. The slight rustle of leaves... The faint crunch of footsteps that didn''t belong to their group.... They weren''t alone. Chapter 21 - 21: Surrounded Adam and his team walked with steady steps, his expression neutral as Levi led the way deeper into the forest. The path they followed was narrow, surrounded by thick trees and uneven terrain. The air smelled of damp leaves and distant moss, yet something felt off... [Frog Eater]: "I knew it! There''s a group hiding in the trees. Four... maybe five? I can''t tell. It''s hard to make a deduction when I''m watching from a livestream." Adam didn''t react outwardly, but internally, he clicked his tongue. Five people. That meant Levi wasn''t working alone... He had backup. It was an ambush! Why would they need this many people just to ambush supposed "newbies" who had just entered the tower? Were they individually weak? That wouldn''t make sense... If they were weak, they wouldn''t have the gall to conduct operations like this... Especially not on the first floor, where there were Stream Hunters who worked for the Government. That meant these Stream Hunters weren''t weak, they were just very careful and cautious... Even so, their sloppiness really showed... The rustling of leaves, the faint crunch of hurried footsteps... they were trying to be stealthy but failing. Adam could hear them, which meant any other skilled individual could probably hear them too... These ambushers really weren''t professional... just careless opportunists. A small tap on his shoulder pulled him from his thoughts. Adam glanced back. It was Nathaniel. Nathaniel didn''t say anything, but his eyes flicked toward the trees behind them. It was as though he was warning Adam about something. ''He noticed too?'' Among his teammates, Nathaniel probably had the sharpest senses.... Adam made a mental note of it, re-evaluating his abilities. If even Nathaniel picked up on their stalkers, then the ambushers were either sloppier than he thought... Or Nathaniel was just good at observation. He gave a small nod in response, acknowledging the silent message. Nathaniel didn''t press further. Instead, he kept walking, pretending nothing was wrong. ''I see, Adam already noticed the group that''s secretly hiding¡­'' Nathaniel thought. ''As expected of our team leader.'' Adam glanced towards his other team mates. Rei and Elara walked behind him, still unsuspecting. They trusted Levi enough not to think twice about the path they were taking... ''I''ll have to teach these two a thing or two about keeping vigilance later...'' Adam silently planned... If Elara and Rei were to hear his thoughts, they would probably shiver. Then, Levi''s voice broke the silence. "Well, I think we''re far enough now." He said, stopping in his tracks. He turned around, his easygoing smile still in place, but his eyes had changed. No more fake friendliness¡ª only cold calculation! Adam didn''t move. "Far enough for what?" Levi chuckled. "You''re sharp, I''ll give you that." He raised a hand, and in an instant, shadows burst from the trees. Five figures in dark cloaks leaped forward, moving fast. Adam vaguely felt that there was no killing intent behind their actions... They weren''t trying to kill them! They were trying to knock them out! One of the attackers lunged at Rei first, swinging a blunt iron rod straight for his head. Another rushed Nathaniel, aiming a strike at the back of his neck. A third closed in on Elara with a cloth soaked in something¡ªprobably some kind of sleeping agent. Adam''s eyes flickered. He had seen enough. ''They''re slow...'' His body moved before the first strike could land. He stepped forward, twisting his wrist as he activated [Smooth Cut]. His blade flashed, slicing through the air with unnatural sharpness. The attacker going for Rei barely had time to register the movement before Adam''s sword met his wrist. A shallow cut just enough to force him back with a hiss of pain. Nathaniel reacted next. He spun around, raising his arm just in time to block a strike aimed at his side. The impact sent a dull shock through his bones, but he grit his teeth and shoved the attacker back. Elara, quick on her feet, dodged sideways, avoiding the cloth that whipped toward her. A dagger was already in her grasp, and she slashed at her assailant, forcing the cloaked figure to stumble away. But the fight didn''t stop there. The enemies pressed forward with coordinated attacks. Despite their lack of individual skill, their sheer numbers allowed them to overwhelm Adam''s team. Nathaniel parried another strike but failed to react in time when a second assailant swept his legs out from under him. He hit the ground with a grunt, rolling just in time to avoid a dagger aimed at his chest. Rei wasn''t faring much better. He dodged two incoming blows but was soon cornered by three enemies working together. A well-aimed kick sent her sprawling backward. Elara fought fiercely, her dagger dancing in her hands, but against multiple attackers, even she struggled. A cloth wrapped around her wrist, yanking her off balance, and a sharp knee slammed into her stomach, knocking the air out of her lungs. Adam clicked his tongue. Although his teammates were geniuses, talent alone couldn''t overcome the gap in levels. Not to mention, they were also outnumbered. ''Not good... At this rate, we''ll lose.'' His grip tightened around his sword. Then, crimson energy pulsed from his fingertips. [Body Blood Magic] surged through his veins, strengthening his muscles, hardening his skin. His movements sharpened even further! He barely managed to deflect an incoming strike, his sword moving just fast enough to keep up. Then, the system chimed in. [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] Another chime followed. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: One Man Army!] [Reducing One Man Army to its F-tier version...] [One Man Army has been reduced to Group Fighter.] [Temporary Copy] : Group Fighter (30 Second Duration) [Group Fighter] : The more enemies you face, and the stronger they are, all your stats attributes are temporarily increased by 2 each! ''Ah? That was lucky...'' S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Adam thought, but he didn''t have time to celebrate. ''However, I only have thirty seconds left...'' Without hesitation, he reached into his inventory and pulled out the Goblin War Flute. The enemies hesitated at the sight of it, confused for a moment. Then, Adam brought it to his lips, but this time, he covered two of the flute''s holes with his fingers before blowing. A piercing screech rang out! The sound was unbearable. His enemies flinched, their faces contorting in pain. Even his own teammates grimaced, gripping their heads as the noise rattled through their skulls. That was right. The Goblin War Flute had two functions. Depending on which holes were covered, not only could it drive lesser orcs into a frenzy, but it could also damage people''s eardrums with its sheer intensity! This function wasn''t supposed to be discovered for another two years. But Adam had already known about it due to his experiences! Normally, he would have suffered the effects too. However, after hearing the flute over a thousand times at the hands of Stream Hunters who abused it... He had developed a countermeasure! Thickened blood covered his ears, dulling the worst of the sound. The pain was still there, but compared to those who heard it directly? He was fine. He did not stop blowing the flute. With it still in his mouth, he dashed forward, activating [Group Fighter]. His stat attributes immediately increased. The enemies, still disoriented from the sound, were caught off guard. Adam moved like quite swiftly due to his improve stats, cutting through their defenses with newfound speed and strength. ''If only I could copy two temporary skills at once...'' Adam thought. The potential for his ability was limitless... But first, he needed to survive long enough to level up. Chapter 22 - 22: Red Named Adam didn''t hesitate. The moment his enemies were affected from the Goblin War Flute''s piercing screech, he activated [Body Blood Magic]. Blood started pouring out of his wrist, hardening into a crimson scythe. The ambushers, still dazed from the sound, staggered back while trying to regain their footing. Some clutched their ears, their faces twisted in pain, while others gritted their teeth, forcing themselves to move despite the ringing in their heads. One of them, a man in a dark robe, barely managed to react. His eyes widened as Adam lunged forward, his enhanced speed making it impossible to retreat in time. The blood scythe slashed through the air, too fast to avoid completely. "Ghkk¡ª!" The ambusher tried to twist away, but the blade still bit into his arm, leaving a deep wound. He stumbled, blood dripping down his sleeve. The others fared no better. Those who attempted to dodge were met with precise slashes, giving them shallow wounds that were enough to slow them down. Adam didn''t give them a breather. The temporary stat boost from [Group Fighter] made him faster faster and stronger. Every movement he made and every swing he did aimed to keep the ambushers on the defensive. But then¡ª BOOM! A sudden quake shook the ground beneath him. One of the ambushers, a hooded figure, had pressed his hands to the earth. Numerous stone spikes erupted from the ground, rushing toward Adam like spears. ''Tch¡ª!'' Adam reacted instantly, pushing off his foot to dodge. He dashed to the side, narrowly avoiding the spikes that tore through the air where he had just been. Dust and debris flew as they crashed into the forest floor, leaving deep cracks. Before he could counterattack, a chilling sensation ran down his spine. Danger! His instincts screamed at him. [NLE_immortal has donated 15 coins] [NLE_immortal] : Behind you! Adam''s gaze snapped toward Levi. Despite the pain from the flute, Levi''s expression remained focused. A glowing blue orb had formed between his hands, pulsating with raw energy. Without hesitation, he hurled it straight at Adam. Adam''s heart pounded. That thing was dangerous! Without thinking, he reached into his pocket, his fingers closing around a thin piece of paper. Barrier Scroll! Pouring mana into it, he activated the scroll just in time. A blinding white barrier engulfed his body the moment the orb exploded against him. BOOM! The impact shook the forest. The ground beneath Adam cracked, forming a small crater. Smoke and dust billowed in the air, obscuring his figure. For a brief moment, silence filled the battlefield. Then... Slice! Blood-red blades tore through the smoke, cutting through the air toward the ambushers. Adam had already recovered! His [Body Blood Magic] activated again as he launched multiple blood blades, forcing his enemies to scatter. "Tch!" One of the attackers barely managed to roll away, his cloak getting sliced in the process. Another raised a barrier just in time, but the sheer force of the impact sent him stepping backwards. Adam didn''t stop. He pressed forward as he tried to keep them on edge. Just then... A shadow flickered past him. One of the ambushers, with a dagger in his hand, leaped toward Adam. His movements were swift, his blade aimed straight for Adam''s throat. SHING! A sudden blur intercepted him. A silver dagger slashed through the air, nearly cutting through the attacker''s wrist. He yelped, twisting away just in time to avoid losing his hand. Adam''s eyes flickered. It was Elara... She had already recovered from the flute''s effects! She landed gracefully, her stance sharp, her grip on her dagger steady. There was no hesitation in her movements... only slight anger at the thought of being ambushed! ''Good.'' Adam''s eyes flickered toward Elara. She had recovered fast... Her combat evaluation wasn''t set at the highest point for no reason... But there was no time to admire her skill. He activated the system. This time, the target for his ability wasn''t the Experienced Old Knight, nor was it 5th Style Sword Master... He activated it towards the Prankster of Kingdoms! [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] Another chime followed. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Surreal Creation!] [Reducing Surreal Creation to its F-tier version...] [Surreal Creation has been reduced to Minor Illusion.] S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Temporary Copy] : Minor Illusion (30 Second Duration) [Minor Illusion] : Deceive the senses of other living beings by casting minor illusions! ''An illusion ability¡­ quite fitting for someone with the title of [Prankster of Kingdoms].'' Adam thought, he pondered for a second over how to use it. ''They''re trying to group together to fend us off...'' He analyzed as he saw the enemies try to stick near to each other. [Minor Illusion activated] From the perspective of his enemies... Adam had reached into his coat, his movements quick and precise. His fingers curled around something unseen, and as he pulled it free¡ª A gun appeared in his hand. A fucking gun. His ambushers froze. Their eyes widened in shock, their bodies tensing in instinctive panic. "What the hell?!" Their instincts screamed at them to react as they immediately scattered themselves to avoid the gunshots! They scrambled for cover, ducking behind debris, bracing themselves for the deafening crack of gunfire. But no shots came... Instead¡ª Adam sliced his wrist. Dark red liquid flowed out, twisting unnaturally as it formed into a crimson blade. [Body Blood Magic]. Before the ambushers could process what was happening, he launched the blood blade at one of them. The man snapped out of his panic, his body reacting on instinct. He twisted to the side, trying to dodge¡ª Thwip! An arrow struck his leg! A sharp gasp escaped him as his footing crumbled. He stumbled forward, barely catching himself before collapsing to one knee. Adam''s gaze flicked behind him. This time, it was Nathaniel. He stood firm, bow still raised, his fingers tight around the string. His expression wore a grimace as it twisted in pain... But luckily he had already recovered from the piercing sound of the Goblin War Flute! The injured ambusher tried to scream¡ª But the moment his mouth opened, Adam''s blood blade pierced through his throat. [Ember Ranked Stream Hunter has been slain.] [+320 Exp, +0.1 Basic Soul Core.] [+80 Gold.] Adam barely spared the glowing notification a glance. He already knew that Stream Hunters gave far greater rewards than normal monsters. Their soul cores developed faster after all, which made them even more valuable prey. But then¡ªanother message flashed before him. [Warning! You have killed a White-Named Stream Hunter.] [You are now a Red-Named Stream Hunter.]* [Infamy: 1] Adam frowned. ''White-Named?'' ''These guys aren''t red named already?'' His thoughts churned as he immediately thought of something. ''It''s definitely related to the reason why they were only aiming to knock us out at the start and not really kill us...'' His gaze swept over the fallen enemies, their attacks from earlier suddenly making more sense. The way they fought wasn''t reckless... It wasn''t the usual bloodthirsty aggression of people aiming for soul cores... No, they had been careful. Because they were avoiding suspicion... ''They didn''t want to get caught by government officials inside the tower by being a red name¡­'' But then¡ª Why attack us at all? Adam''s grip tightened around his blade. If their goal wasn''t to kill and gain higher cores, then... ''What the hell were they after?'' His eyes flicked toward his team. No time to think... They needed answers! "Don''t kill all of them!" Adam yelled. "Leave one alive!" As soon as the words left his mouth, he activated [Body Blood Magic] once more, surging forward toward the nearest enemy. The man barely had time to react before Adam was upon him. With a sharp movement, the enemy raised his arms in a defensive stance as an ethereal-looking shield flickered was summoned before him. ''A barrier ability...'' Adam''s eyes narrowed. He adjusted his attack instantly, shifting his stance. Instead of striking directly, he let his blood de-coagulate, transforming into liquid. The crimson tendrils travelled beneath the enemy''s shield unnoticeably until Adam clenched his fist. SHLICK! The blood hardened inside the man''s legs. A sharp cry of pain tore from his throat as scarlet spikes erupted from his flesh. He collapsed onto one knee, shaking from the sudden agony. A second figure rushed forward, his teammate who was wielding a spear, appeared in an instant. The man lunged, his weapon aiming for Adam''s heart... But before the strike could land, something grabbed his foot. A fist. A massive, rock-hard fist. CRACK! The man barely had time to look down before he was yanked off his feet and slammed into the ground. SMASH! Dirt and debris scattered as the spear-wielder gasped, dazed... then suddenly, a shadow loomed over him. Rei was the last to recover from the Goblin War Flute... His eyes were burning with fury. And then¡ª SMACK! A fist collided with the man''s face. SMACK! Another blow, harder this time. Blood splattered. The enemy tried to regain control, his hands twitching, but¡ª SMACK! SMACK! Rei didn''t stop at all as he kept pounding at the man''s fast with his solid fists. The rage on his face was unmistakable. He was furious! As someone who had been sheltered his entire life... As someone who bore the name Callum... He would never let trash like this injure him and think they could get away with it! Chapter 23 - 23: Governments Responsibility Adam didn''t slow down... The moment Rei sent the spear-wielder crashing into the dirt, Adam grabbed his blood scythe as he went to the next enemy! The ambushers were already losing.. The shock of the Goblin War Flute, the illusions, and the relentless assault had shattered their coordination. The ambushers fought to regroup, but Adam wouldn''t let them. A man to his right lifted a staff, his lips moving in rapid incantation. Adam''s eyes narrowed. A caster... He didn''t wait to find out what spell the man was casting. With a flick of his wrist, his blood scythe disintegrated, shifting into thin, whip-like tendrils that shot forward. The tendrils wrapped around the caster''s arm just as a bright sigil formed in the air. Adam yanked. The man screamed as his arm was twisted at an unnatural angle, the sigil shattering as his concentration broke. Before he could recover, Adam was already on him. His free hand shot forward, fingers curling into a spear-like shape, and plunged directly into the man''s throat. A sickening gurgle. Then silence. [Ember Ranked Stream Hunter has been slain.] [+400 Exp, +0.1 Basic Soul Core.] [+80 Gold.] [Infamy : 2] Another notification sounded. [You have leveled up!] [Level 3 ¡ú 4] [Physical Attributes have been improved!] Adam barely glanced at the notification before spinning on his heel. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The fight wasn''t over... To his left, Nathaniel fired another arrow, the projectile whistling through the air before embedding itself in an enemy''s shoulder. The man recoiled, his grip on his sword faltering. Elara was on him in an instant, her dagger flashing. She struck twice! Once to sever his tendons, the second to slice his throat. One by one, the ambushers fell. The spear-wielder, still struggling beneath Rei''s grip, let out a choked gasp. "Wait¡ª!" Rei''s fist crashed into his jaw. Crack. The man''s body twitched before going limp. [5th Sword Style Master has donated 20 coins] [Prankster of Kingdoms displays curiosity over the illusion magic the streamer had caster earlier] [Frog Eater] : I think I might have an idea over what this streamer''s ability is. Adam ignored the livestream notifications as he scanned the battlefield. Six bodies... Blood soaking into the forest floor. Only one person remained standing... Levi. The young man had retreated to a safer distance, his fingers twitching as he clutched his staff. His breathing was ragged, sweat dripping down his forehead. He had seen everything, he knew how this fight would end... Adam took a step forward. Levi flinched. His knuckles turned white around his weapon. "D-Don''t think you''ve won." Adam didn''t respond. Instead, he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out another Barrier Scroll. He activated it silently. A thin, translucent shield shimmered around him for a brief moment before fading into invisibility. Levi''s eyes darted around. His mind was racing. His comrades were dead, and escape was nearly impossible. However, he didn''t want to just accept dying here... Adam observed him for a second before clutching the blood blade in his hand. In a blink, he closed the distance. Levi''s reaction was immediate! He swung his staff forward, a pulse of magic surging from its tip. Adam twisted mid-step, narrowly avoiding the burst of energy. The moment his foot touched the ground, he lunged, his blood forming into a thin, needle-like spike. He thrust forward! Levi barely managed to react. He staggered back, raising his staff in a defensive motion. The blood spike scraped against the wood, deflecting slightly... but not enough! The tip pierced his shoulder. "AGH¡ª!" Levi staggered, his face contorting in pain. He clutched his wound, his breaths shallow. Adam pulled back, his blood weapon dissolving into thin air. He tilted his head slightly. "You''re the only one left." Levi''s throat tightened. His allies were gone. It was just him now, surrounded by people he didn''t understand. He forced a shaky breath. "W-Who¡­ Who are you people? You''re not newbies¡­" Adam stared at him blankly. "We are." Levi let out a weak, bitter laugh. "Liar¡­ It doesn''t matter. I won''t say anything. Just kill me and get it over with." Adam didn''t respond right away. Instead, he crouched down, as he coagulated blood to die down Levi''s arms and legs. Levi winced. "I know." Adam said finally. "But I won''t kill you." Levi flinched at the certainty in his voice. He swallowed hard, but the dryness in his throat made it painful. Adam watched him closely. "I''m not good at interrogations, but I know the government has their ways." Levi stiffened. His fingers twitched against the ropes, his shoulders tensing. Adam noticed. "Seems like you''re more afraid of them than you are of death." Adam continued, his voice calm. Levi''s lips pressed together, his breath shallow. "You don''t get it¡­" Adam leaned in slightly. "I know, the Government has ways to keep your soul alive. They can technically torture you for years without killing you." [Mads_1401 has donated 20 coins] [Mads_1401] : New here! This streamer has a good personality. [Experienced Old Knight] : Another strange viewer... from which universe are you from? [Bird Hunter] : Since when was threatening someone considered having a good personality? [Mads_1401] : It''s good when you''re not the one being threatened. Silence stretched between them. Levi''s gaze darted to the side, like he was searching for an answer he didn''t want to say. His fingers clenched. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he exhaled. "We¡­ We weren''t trying to kill you." His voice was barely above a whisper. "We were trying to send you to the upper floors..." Adam''s eyes narrowed. "How is that any different from trying to kill us?" Levi''s breathing turned unsteady. "I-I don''t know¡­ I didn''t want to be a part of this! I was ordered to do it because I can''t afford to mess with the people behind this!" Nathaniel, who had been standing silently nearby, finally spoke. "You do have a choice. Reporting this to the government officials who work inside the tower is always an option." Levi let out a dry, humorless laugh. "You don''t understand¡­" Adam was patient as he calmly asked. "Then, who were the people who ordered you to do this?" Levi opened his mouth, his brows knitting together like he was trying to recall something. A second passed. His breath hitched. His face paled. "I¡­ I forgot." Adam frowned. Rei, who had been watching silently, scoffed. "Bullshit." "I swear!" Levi''s voice rose in panic. "I really don''t remember¡­!" Adam had heard enough. His arm moved in a swift motion. Smack! Levi''s head snapped to the side. His body slumped forward, completely unconscious. Adam exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulder back. "That''s enough from him." Nathaniel glanced down at Levi before shifting his gaze back to Adam. "What now?" Adam turned away, his voice even. "This event seems to be related to a large scale operation since it''s something that involves the upper floors." "It''s better to let the Government handle it.." Chapter 24 - 24: Noisy Chatter Of course, Adam had no intention of simply handing over Levi without gaining anything in return. The reason he hadn''t called out Levi''s ambush earlier was simple... he wanted to get involved. Something was bound to happen in the tower of Yxthar in the future, and he wasn''t going to let it unfold without understanding it firsthand. And for that to happen, he had to start with the little things like this. He already had someone in mind to turn Levi over to... A government official and an old friend who he treated like family. Someone who had accompanied him in the tower for years in his past life. ''I hope she''s still somewhat the same as before¡­'' The thought lingered as he exhaled quietly. Memories of the past flickered in his mind, but he pushed them aside. Right now, he had work to do. "Carry him. We''re heading back." Nathaniel paused, glancing at Levi''s unconscious body before shifting his gaze to Adam. "Won''t we be implicated for having red names?" It was a fair question. Under normal circumstances, red names were considered criminals... They were stream hunters who had killed white-named individuals. Once someone''s name turned red, they were immediately marked for death, either by green-name enforcers or by bounty seekers looking for an easy reward. Red names were hunted. White names were protected. Green names were celebrated as heroes. That was the system. Nathaniel wasn''t wrong to be concerned. Adam, however, remained unfazed. "Don''t worry, we''ll be fine." He wasn''t just saying that to reassure Nathaniel... he truly wasn''t worried. After all, his livestream had been running the entire time. One of the most useful features of the Tower''s livestream system was the ability to send specific scenes to another Stream Hunter. That alone made it a powerful tool, not just for entertainment but for survival. And Adam wasn''t new to this. After spending fifteen years inside the Tower of Yxthar, he knew that experienced hunters rarely ever turned their livestreams off. It wasn''t just about avoiding situations like this, where red-name accusations could easily turn into a death sentence¡­ It was about visibility. Stream Hunters who kept their livestreams on for longer periods built stronger connections with their viewers. Even viewers could get attached. After all, they weren''t just passive spectators.... they could get invest too. The more they watched you struggle and celebrated every victory as if it were their own, the more attached they became. Viewers didn''t only watch to see who was the strongest. They watched to see someone they could root for. Someone whose journey they felt a part of. The moments of triumph, the struggles, the close calls¡­ those were the things that would make viewers constantly donate money and gifts to you. A fanbase, a following, and a reason to be remembered. And in this world, where strength alone wasn''t always enough¡­ popularity was power. Of course, there were moments when he had to turn the livestream off¡ªprivacy was still a necessity! But beyond that, it was always in his best interest to keep it running. ... As Adam and his team walked toward the entrance of the town, the crowd began to murmur towards each other. Stream Hunters whispered among themselves, throwing glances their way. Others quietly pulled out their weapons as though wanting to attack... And some quickly rushed off to report the red-named Stream Hunters to the officials! This was how badly red-names were treated. But they weren''t the only ones being noisy. Adam''s livestream chat was going crazy. Messages flooded in one after another. [Bird Hunter] : Hey, do you actually have the ability to copy our abilities? [5th Style Sword Master] : I don''t think it''s an exact copy¡­ It looks like he can only use a weaker version for a short time. [Experienced Old Knight] : I agree, Sword Master. My Thousand Sword Strike is way stronger than whatever he pulled off back there! [NLE_immortal has donated 15 coins.] [NLE_immortal tempts the livestreamer to try and copy his ability.] [Frog Eater] : What an unfair ability¡­ As long as he keeps climbing the Tower, he''s bound to be someone powerful. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Experienced Old Knight] : I agree¡­ but why isn''t he copying the abilities of the people around him? [5th Style Sword Master] : That''s the weird part. It''s strong, but it doesn''t seem like he can use it whenever he wants¡­ [Mads_1401 has donated 10 coins] [Mads_1401] : I wonder what would happen if he tried to copy mine... [Frog Eater] : What do you mean by that... do you not know your own abilities? Also what do the numbers in your username represent... Adam scrolled through the chat messages, his expression unreadable. He wasn''t bothered enough to hide his abilities. So what if people thought they were overpowered? It wasn''t like the Government could just lock him away forever. Even if they wanted to, it would be nearly impossible. Adam knew far too much about the Tower for them to deal with him so easily. Besides, this was the Tower of Yxthar, not the outside world. Laws didn''t work the same way here... Not to mention, he was still only on the first floor. Despite being slightly under-leveled compared to some of the others right now, he was confident in his strength. Most of the Stream Hunters here were still at Ember rank, the lowest ranking tier. He could handle them easily. ''Then again¡­ it''s best not to underestimate people.'' Adam thought, narrowing his eyes slightly. ''There might be players who purposely stay on the first floor to grind. Government officials could already have a Stone-ranked player stationed here, using their position to control the flow of power.'' That kind of thing wasn''t rare. In his past life, people abused the system all the time. Some would intentionally stay on lower floors, farming weaker players to maintain control. With no restrictions forcing them to climb, they could build up power and influence without risking the dangers of higher floors. And nobody could stop them. After all, the Tower had a rule: once you ascended a floor, you couldn''t go back down. At least, that''s what everyone believed. But Adam knew the truth. ''Since we''re still in the early stages, no one has discovered the existence of True Bodies yet¡­'' That was the Tower''s biggest secret. Every floor boss in the Tower of Yxthar had something called a [True Body]. Most Stream Hunters only faced the fake version of a floor boss... the one generated by the system to allow people to progress. But the real version, the one that existed before the Tower digitalized them... was far stronger! Normally, after defeating a floor boss, a player could move on to the next floor but would never be able to return. However, there was one exception: If someone managed to defeat a boss''s [True Body], the restrictions on that floor would break, allowing players from the upper levels to return. The catch? The only way to trigger a boss''s [True Body] was to uncover the entire history of the floor. In his past life, there had been one Stream Hunter on the sixth floor who was obsessed with lore. Instead of climbing higher, they spent three whole years exploring every inch of the floor, piecing together its story. The moment they had finally uncovered everything, something changed. When they attempted to challenge the boss, it wasn''t the usual fight. They had triggered the [True Body] battle. And when they somehow managed to win, an announcement echoed across the entire Tower of Yxthar: [The restriction on the Sixth Floor has been lifted. Players from the upper floors may now return.] That revelation had changed everything. ''I have full knowledge of almost every floor''s story from my past life...'' Adam thought, his fingers twitching slightly. ''Triggering [True Body] fights won''t be a problem for me.'' It was only natural. As a Team Captain, it had been his responsibility to research every floor. If he hadn''t done that much, he wouldn''t have been worthy of his position. Still, he knew his knowledge wasn''t perfect. There were gaps and holes in the information he had collected. ''Once I reach the floors above the tenth, I''ll have to fill in those gaps myself.'' Just then, another system notification sounded. [Prankster of Kingdoms has donated 500 coins] [Prankster of Kingdoms] : Dear livestreamer, you don''t have a sponsor yet, correct? Chapter 25 - 25: A Stern Friend The moment Adam and his team reached the entrance of the town, a squad of armed officials blocked their path. Their uniforms bore the insignia of the Tower''s Enforcement Unit, and their weapons seemed modified for both physical and mana-based combat which remained firmly in their grip. The leader of the squad, a tall woman with a disciplined posture, narrowed her eyes the moment she saw Adam''s red name hovering above his head. "Please do not resist and come with us." She said, her voice calm but firm. "Considering you walked into town voluntarily, I assume you have a proper explanation for why you and your group are red-named." Her gaze swept over Adam''s teammates, analyzing them for any sign of hostility. Some of the other officials adjusted their stances, ready to act at the first sign of aggression. Adam let the silence stretch for a few moments before exhaling through his nose. He barely spared the woman a glance before slipping his hands into his pockets, his posture relaxed, almost dismissive. "Lead the way." he said. The woman''s expression remained unreadable, but she gave a slight nod. With a swift hand motion, her squad repositioned themselves, surrounding Adam''s group before guiding them through the town''s streets. [TheIsekaiKing has donated 5 coins] [TheIsekaiKing] : I wonder if they''ll execute you on the spot... [NLE_immortal has sent 15 coins] [NLE_immortal is saddened by the streamer''s sudden upcoming execution.] [Frog Eater] : Morons... "..." While walking, Adam didn''t say much about their mocking comments as a sudden idea popped up in his head. He was quite curious about what would happen if he tried to copy a skill from these strange viewers... Glancing towards the system, he acitvated [Temporary Copy]. This time, it was directed to the viewer with the username of [NLE_immortal]... [Temporary Copy has been activated...] A notification popped up, but what happened next weren''t from the usual. [Temporary Copy failed] [Due to target''s higher dimensionality, Temporary Copy cannot be used] Adam''s stride faltered for half a second. ''Higher dimensionality?'' His mind raced through possibilities, but he had no time to dwell on it. T he group finally arrived at their destination. The Judgment Hall. A fortress-like structure loomed before them, built from blackened stone and lined with metallic reinforcements. Tall banners bearing the insignia of the Tower''s Authority hung from its walls, marking it as the seat of justice... or execution for those deemed threats to the system. Adam had been here before. In his past life, he had seen red-named challengers dragged into this place, some never walking out again. The Judgment Hall was where criminals, rebels, and potential recruits were sorted. Some were executed, some imprisoned, and others... if deemed useful enough, were forcibly conscripted. His grip tightened slightly. ''She should be working here...'' The squad led them through the main entrance, where more officials stood guard. A brief exchange between their escorts and the hall''s gatekeepers confirmed their arrival. The heavy doors groaned open, revealing a long corridor lined with prison cells. Adam''s group was guided forward, passing by several red-named prisoners. Some slumped against the walls, their bodies battered from recent fights, while others stared at him with dull, empty eyes. One of them, a man with a scar running down his cheek, lifted his head at the sight of Adam. "New guys?" he muttered. Another prisoner snorted. "Hey look, one''s a female... hopefully we end up in the same cell, hehe." "The one in front is quite good looking for a man, he''d do pretty well too..." They taunted. Elara and the others wore disgusted looks on their face. Adam ignored them, he knew that this was the prisoners way of putting up authority just in case they ended up in the same jail cell. Then, just as he was about to ask for the person he was trying to find¡ª She walked in. Evelyn Roth. Her arrival was immediate and commanding. A stark contrast to the dark, oppressive interior of the Judgment Hall. She wore a crisp white coat over her uniform, marking her as someone far above the lower-ranking officials. Her silver eyes swept the room with the same analytical sharpness Adam remembered from his past life. Cold, precise, and unreadable... For a brief moment, Adam searched her face, looking for something familiar. A trace of the woman who had once fought by his side, who had trusted him, laughed with him. The one who had been like family. But when she finally turned her attention to him, there was no recognition. No warmth. Just duty... "Report." sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She ordered, not even addressing Adam directly. The squad leader straightened. "These red names entered the town without resistance. No other information as of yet¡ª" Evelyn raised a hand, cutting her off. She studied Adam for a moment, then finally spoke to him directly. "You walked in on your own." She said. "That means you have a reason for being here. Explain." Adam tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. ''Straight to business just like always...'' His voice was relaxed when he answered. "I have someone I''d like to turn in. Him and the people who he worked with to ambush us told us something interesting..." He paused, letting his words settle, before adding, "It involves the upper floors." That caught her attention. For the first time, Evelyn''s eyes narrowed slightly. He could tell she was already running through the implications, considering the weight of his claim. The Evelyn he knew had always been meticulous, breaking down information in seconds, evaluating every possible angle before making a move. Of course, that wasn''t all. Adam knew Evelyn well. The reason the Government had worked so hard to keep her within their ranks wasn''t just because of her tactical brilliance. It was because of her B-tier skill.... [Oathkeeper]! A skill that granted her an innate ability to detect lies. Whenever someone spoke, she instinctively knew whether their words were true or false. The more direct the statement, the clearer her detection. It was an ability that made interrogations effortless, negotiations precise, and deception nearly impossible. Of course, there were ways around it. Vague wording, omissions, and half-truths could blur her perception... But Adam wasn''t lying. He had stated his words deliberately, knowing she would sense their truth. He did have information. And it did, in fact, involve the upper floors. That meant, despite whatever personal feelings she might have harbored, Evelyn had no choice but to acknowledge the legitimacy of his claim. Her silver eyes locked onto his. A silent war played out in that brief exchange. Adam could almost hear the gears turning in her mind. Weighing options... Calculating risks.... Then, she made her decision. "Take them to an interrogation room." She ordered, her voice carrying no hesitation. "I''ll handle this personally." Her subordinates moved immediately, tightening their formation around Adam''s group. Nathaniel mumbled to himself in complaint. "Man it''s barely been two days since we got here and we''re already getting arrested..." Chapter 26 - 26: Arrogance Adam didn''t resist as the officials tightened their formation around him and his team. There was no need to. The group was led deeper into the Judgment Hall, past towering pillars of dark stone and rows of cold metal doors. The air smelled faintly of damp iron and something antiseptic, a mix of blood and sterility. The corridor they walked through was lined with cells. Some were empty, others were not. Scarred men and women sat in corners, their red names glowing faintly in the dim light. Some glared, some ignored them entirely. A few pressed against the iron bars, whispering indecipherable words as Adam passed. His team moved cautiously, but Adam? He walked without concern, hands still tucked in his pockets and his gaze steady. The group finally stopped in front of a heavy steel door. One of the guards stepped forward, entering a code into a keypad before pulling the door open with a low metallic groan. Evelyn entered first. Adam followed without hesitation, stepping into a dimly lit room with a single metal table and two chairs. His team was led away. The door shut behind him, locking with a solid click. He turned to find Evelyn already seated, hands clasped together on the table. A single overhead light cast sharp shadows across her face, highlighting the cold expression she wore so well. "Sit." She said simply. Adam pulled out the chair opposite her, lowering himself into it at a leisurely pace. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes never left hers. For a moment, neither spoke. Then Evelyn exhaled, tilting her head slightly as she studied him. "You may tell me everything now." She said evenly. "Depending on your words, the things you lie about, and the value of the information you provide..." "We can provide you a chance to get rid of your red-names." She then added. "There''ll be an execution for other red-names with heinous crimes in two days. We will let you people be the executioners so you can get rid of your own red-names." Adam''s lips quirked slightly at the bluntness. He appreciated her efficiency. "The unconscious guy outside is our supposed guide." He began, tone calm and measured. "We entered the Tower just two days ago." Evelyn didn''t react, but he could tell she was absorbing every word. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The day he was meant to take us on our first hunt, he told us he had more important matters to attend to and told us to wait until morning. Naturally, my team and I were eager to level up quickly, so we ignored his instructions." There was a slight pause before he continued. "The guide didn''t know we had already begun leveling on our own. That was his first mistake. His second mistake was leading a group of Stream Hunters to ambush us, assuming we were still fresh recruits who wouldn''t fight back." [Mads_1401 has donated 10 coins] [Mads_1401] : Their third mistake was not bringing more people... [Bird Hunter] : No, that''s their fourth mistake. Their third mistake was assuming these people were right in the head... Evelyn''s expression didn''t change, but Adam knew she had already reached her own conclusions. "In the end, we defeated them. Took them by surprise and turned the ambush on them instead. We kept the guide alive for interrogation." "After interrogating him, he said he was forced to by people he couldn''t afford to mess with..." "When we tried asking him who ordered him to do so, he wouldn''t tell us and just kept saying that he forgot." Her [Oathkeeper] ability told her that he wasn''t lying. And yet, something about the story didn''t sit right with her. "You said you''ve only been in the Tower for two days..." She said slowly, eyes narrowing. "How exactly did you manage to overpower a group of Stream Hunters and a guide who''s supposed to be at least level ten?" Adam didn''t flinch at the skepticism. "You can verify our records with the government outside." He said. "Our names are... Adam Codranel, Elara Novane, Rei Callum, and Nathaniel Graves." Evelyn arched a brow. "And what does that have to do with anything?" Adam leaned back slightly. "All of our evaluation assessments have high or highest on them." He didn''t pause before adding. "In simple terms, we''re geniuses." Arrogant... Evelyn thought instantly. Yet, [Oathkeeper] didn''t indicate a lie. Which meant that, despite his tone, he was telling the truth. Still, she wasn''t convinced. "That alone wouldn''t bridge the level gap. As you know, in the Tower, levels and abilities dictate survival. So how exactly did you manage to kill them?" Adam raised an eyebrow. "Is that even a question?" Evelyn frowned slightly. "What do you mean?" A small smirk tugged at Adam''s lips. "It''s simple... I''m just strong." A silence settled between them. [5th Style Sword Master has donated 50 coins] [5th Style Sword Master approves of the livestreamer''s arrogance.] He let the words linger before reaching into his system interface. With a few taps, he sent over a short clip. It was footage of the ambush, the battle, and the way his team had torn through the Stream Hunters with ruthless efficiency. Evelyn''s eyes flicked over the projection, her expression remaining impassive even as she absorbed every detail. She watched as Adam and his team fought. Although their fighting style was a bit crude, their coordination far beyond what any newly arrived group should have been capable of. The footage spoke for itself. Adam wasn''t lying. And Evelyn found herself momentarily stunned by the sheer precision and combat prowess she was witnessing. Especially by Adam... She sighed, tapping a few fingers against the desk before finally speaking. "I''ll process the legal documentation to clear your red-name status. In two days, you''ll be officially registered as executioners for the upcoming red-name purge." She paused, her voice crisp and professional. "Make sure you receive the papers from the officers handling your case¡ª" She stopped mid-sentence. Then, after a moment of thought, she changed her mind. "Never mind. I''ll handle it myself." Adam watched as she reached into the drawer beneath her desk, pulling out a stack of official documents. She flipped through them with practiced ease before selecting the one she needed. In a few swift motions, she signed it, stamping it with the necessary seal. Just like that, it was done. She slid the paper across the table toward him. "For the next forty-eight hours, you and your team will be considered temporary red-names under legal immunity. You''re free to continue hunting. However¡ª" She tapped a finger against the document. "Make sure you''re back here two days from now, in the afternoon. Understood?" Adam took the paper, glancing over the details as he nodded. Evelyn leaned back slightly, folding her arms as she studied him. Then, as if something had been bothering her, she suddenly asked, "Say¡­ have I seen you before?" Adam stilled for a fraction of a second. She wasn''t just making idle conversation... he could hear the scrutiny behind her words. "Your body language tells me you''re familiar with me..." She added, tilting her head ever so slightly. Adam''s expression didn''t change, as a certain sad thought popped in his head. Then, finally, he gave a simple response. "You''re overthinking it." The room fell silent. Evelyn watched him carefully, but if she had any suspicions, she kept them to herself. After a moment, she exhaled through her nose and shook her head. "You''re dismissed." Adam didn''t need to be told twice. He stood, pocketing the document before turning toward the door. Before stepping out, he glanced back briefly, his expression unreadable. Evelyn hadn''t changed much. Still meticulous, still sharp... Still dangerous... Chapter 27 - 27: Purchases After receiving permission to continue hunting despite their red-name status, Adam wasted no time making a decision. He ordered his team to rest for the night, ensuring they''d be fully prepared to hunt the entire next day. The others didn''t argue. They were just as eager to level up after everything that had happened. If Adam hadn''t been there today, all of them would have died... That was a fact none of them could deny. A quiet sense of gratitude settled over the group. They hadn''t said it out loud, but in their hearts, they acknowledged it... Adam was definitely a good leader. His decisions had kept them alive, and his strength had turned the tides in their favor. As much as they wanted to keep pushing forward, they knew recovery was necessary. One by one, they split off, heading to their respective inns and taverns. The city''s dim, artificial lights cast long shadows as they walked, exhaustion creeping into their steps. Life in the Tower of Yxthar was ruthless, and every moment of rest was a luxury they couldn''t afford to waste. But for Adam... Rest was the last thing on his mind. The night air was cool as he made his way toward an empty alley, ensuring he wasn''t being followed. He leaned against the rough stone wall, his hands in his pockets, gaze lifting toward the dark expanse above. Somewhere beyond this artificial sky, the real world continued on. Did it even matter anymore? With a small sigh, he pulled up his system interface. ? [User] Adam Codranel ? [Rank] Ember (Requires 50 Soul Core points and max level for the next Rank) ? [Level] 4 ©¤ (Capped at level 100) ? [Soul Core] 0.802 ? [Infamy] 2 ¡ô [Abilities] ©À©¤©¤ [Temporary Copy] (?-tier) ©À©¤©¤ [Permanent Copy] (?-tier) ©¸©¤©¤ [Body Blood Magic] (D-tier) ¡ô [Stream Information] ©À©¤©¤ [Stream Codename] The Chosen Conduit ©À©¤©¤ [Sponsors] None ©À©¤©¤ [Average Viewers] 8/sec ©À©¤©¤ [Subscribers] 6 ©À©¤©¤ [Gold] 1015 Gold ©¸©¤©¤ [Pending Gifts] 0 His eyes lingered on his abilities. [Body Blood Magic]. While sleep was essential for clearing metabolic waste from the brain, Adam had discovered a workaround with his abilities after being helped by the government during the testing of his skills. By using his ability to enhance blood circulation, he could accelerate the process while remaining awake. With precise control over his own bloodstream, he could optimize oxygen and nutrient delivery to his brain and muscles, significantly reducing fatigue. For others, exhaustion was an unavoidable limitation. For him, it was just another hurdle he could bypass. Of course, he could only do this for a couple of days... Sleep was still essential for the current him. He exhaled, dragging his gaze to another part of the system screen. Adam tapped a finger against the wooden table, his expression unreadable. A thousand gold. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite his pitiful viewership numbers, it was a solid amount... He let out a scoff, shaking his head slightly. In his past life, when he first entered the Tower, he hadn''t even managed to attract a single viewer until he reached the second floor. His only source of income had been monster drops, and it had taken him four grueling months just to clear the first floor. But this time, things were different. This time, he wasn''t going to waste a single moment. ''I''ll leave the first floor within a week.'' He wanted to reach the tenth floor before the eleventh floor opened up. That was his goal. If he could do that... he''d maximize his rewards, gain more visibility, and set himself up for long-term dominance. ''And while I''m at it... I''ll speedrun defeating the [True Body] versions of these boss monsters.'' Adam''s thoughts sharpened as he shifted his focus. ''The first floor boss... Hobgoblin Chieftain Kravash. Level 35.'' Kravash was no ordinary boss. He was a named monster, making him far stronger than the generic creatures populating the dungeon. And if Adam fought him in his [True Body] state, he''d be even more dangerous. But Adam hadn''t fought a single boss with an intact [True Body] before. Not because he was weak, but because in his previous life, by the time he got to any of them, other players had already taken them down. By then, those bosses had lost their original strength, leaving behind only weakened remnants. This time, it would be different. ''If I fight him at level 25, I can probably win.'' It wasn''t arrogance... it was a calculated judgment. Adam had fought Kravash before. Even if it wasn''t the full-strength version, he knew the boss''s habits, skills, and attack patterns. Combined with his experience, that knowledge was more than enough to cover for his current lack of power. He just needed the right preparation. "Open system store." A translucent interface materialized before him, filling his vision with neatly categorized sections. ? [System Store] [Weapons] ©À©¤©¤ Iron Shortsword (35 Gold) ¨C A reliable, well-balanced blade. Suitable for beginners. ©À©¤©¤ Serrated Dagger (50 Gold) ¨C Lightweight and sharp. Inflicts deep wounds over time. ©À©¤©¤ Steel Greatsword (120 Gold) ¨C A heavy, two-handed weapon for high-damage swings. ©¸©¤©¤ Bloodfang Rapier (600 Gold) ¨C A thin, vampiric blade that absorbs a portion of the damage dealt. [Armor] ©À©¤©¤ Leather Vest (40 Gold) ¨C Basic protection, offers slight resistance against slashing attacks. ©À©¤©¤ Chainmail Shirt (90 Gold) ¨C Heavier but durable. Reduces physical damage taken. ©¸©¤©¤ Runed Iron Plate (700 Gold) ¨C A full-body suit of armor engraved with minor enchantments. "Go to accessory section." The list shifted, displaying an array of items designed to enhance a player''s attributes. ? [Accessories] [Rings] ©À©¤©¤ Ring of Minor Strength (250 Gold) ¨C Grants a slight boost to physical strength. ©À©¤©¤ Ring of Fleetfoot (320 Gold) ¨C Enhances movement speed. ©¸©¤©¤ Oxygen Band (600 Gold) ¨C Strengthens breathing circulation, enhancing endurance and focus. "Search up Blood Stones. Price range... 500-1000 gold." The screen flickered, then displayed the results. ? [Blood Stones] [Bloodstone Shard] (550 Gold) ¨C A small fragment that passively increases blood regeneration rate. [Lesser Crimson Core] (780 Gold) ¨C A condensed bloodstone that enhances vitality and minor healing abilities. [Bloodforged Crystal] (990 Gold) ¨C A high-tier stone that significantly boosts blood-based magic and resistance. Adam tapped his chin. The Bloodforged Crystal was tempting, but it would drain nearly all his funds. ''Do I go all in, or play it safe?'' His eyes darkened slightly. In his past life, he had played things safe... and it had cost him. This time, he had no intention of making the same mistake. Without hesitation, he reached out and made his selection. "Purchase Bloodforged Crystal." The system chimed in confirmation. A second later, a small, deep-red gem materialized in front of him, pulsing with power. Adam smiled to himself. Time to grind... Chapter 28 - 28: Bloodforged Crystal Adam held the Bloodforged Crystal in his palm, feeling its faint pulse against his skin. The crimson gem throbbed rhythmically, almost like a heartbeat... Its surface shimmered with veins of deep red light, tracing intricate patterns that seemed to crawl and shift like living threads. "Absorb." Adam commanded quietly. The crystal shattered in his hand, breaking into countless tiny shards that dissolved into a thick, red mist. The mist clung to his skin, seeping into his pores like smoke drawn into a flame. Adam clenched his teeth as a sudden burning sensation flared through his veins. His heart pounded harder, racing as if he''d just finished a sprint. His blood surged, moving faster and faster with each pulse. He staggered back a step, bracing himself against the alley wall. The sensation wasn''t painful... In fact it was just very overwhelming. His body felt heavier, his limbs strangely dense, as though his muscles had been reinforced with molten iron. His vision sharpened, and he could hear his own heartbeat echoing in his ears, steady and powerful. A system notification appeared before him: [Body Blood Magic has improved by 20% permanently] [Your control over internal blood flow has strengthened] [Your blood regeneration rate has increased] Adam exhaled slowly, curling his fingers into a fist and focusing on the blood coursing through his body. He felt the difference almost immediately. His blood no longer flowed with simple rhythm... Now, it moved like a powerful current under his command. He could accelerate it with ease, pushing nutrients and oxygen faster to his muscles. His fatigue was already fading, and his mind felt sharper, clearer. ''This is more than I expected...'' Adam thought, flexing his fingers. He could now manipulate his blood with far greater precision... From guiding it to specific muscles, to forcing toxins out faster, or reinforcing his limbs during combat. "Good..." Adam muttered to himself, his voice steady. Adam adjusted his grip on his dagger, its blade still slick with goblin blood. The creatures'' mangled bodies lay sprawled across the forest floor, lifeless and still. Their dark green skin glistened beneath the pale moonlight, and the air smelled faintly of iron. [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] [You have leveled up!] [Level 4 ¡ú 5] [Mana Circulation has been improved] The system notifications flickered across his vision. Three goblins down, each one adding another fraction of a Soul Core to his progress. He barely paused before moving on. [Mads_1401 has donated 10 coins] [Mads_1401 approves of this solo hunting!] [Experienced Old Knight] : Hm. Hopefully you don''t abandon your team mates, you work quite well together... Adam advanced deeper into the woods, his senses sharp. He controlled his breathing, slowing his pulse while enhancing his blood flow. The heightened circulation kept his muscles charged and his focus razor-sharp. Thanks to the Bloodforged Crystal''s effect, his stamina recovered far faster than before, allowing him to maintain peak performance with minimal rest. Moments later, he spotted a group of goblins ahead... six of them. They gathered around a campfire. They were noisily gnawing on scraps of roasted meat, their crude weapons stacked lazily nearby. Adam crouched low, shifting his weight carefully with each step. He tightened his grip on his dagger, guiding his blood to his arms and legs to boost his strength and speed. ''Fast and precise...'' Adam thought. In one swift motion, he lunged forward. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His dagger plunged into the back of the first goblin''s neck, silencing it before it could make a sound. Adam pivoted, driving his blade into the second goblin''s chest. The remaining four jumped to their feet, startled and reaching for their weapons. "Too slow..." Adam muttered. His blood surged, muscles tightening like steel cords as he shot forward. He drove his foot into one goblin''s knee, snapping it with a sharp crack. The creature shrieked, only for Adam to silence it with a quick jab to the throat. The remaining goblins turned to flee, but Adam''s enhanced speed made escape impossible. He cut them down one by one. [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] Wiping his blade clean, Adam exhaled through his nose. He was barely tired... His blood control had kept his body in prime condition throughout the fight. [TheIsekaiKing has donated 5 coins] [TheIsekaiKing] : Body Blood Magic is overpowered... he doesn''t even get tired! How the hell is it a D-tier skill? [5th Style Sword Master has donated 10 coins] [5th Style Sword Master] : King of reincarnation, that''s quite the arrogant joke... you shouldn''t make fun of people with weak skills. [TheIsekaiKing is confused] [NLE_immortal thinks that the streamer just uses it really well] [Frog Eater] : Do you people never run out of coin reserves? Why do you keep donating randomly! [Prankster of Kingdoms has donated 100 coins] [Prankster of Kingdoms asks if the Frog Eater is poor...] Adam glanced a bit at the chat as thoughts churned up in his head. ''I''m pretty sure Body Blood Magic isn''t that strong...'' He thought. Although it was efficient and stronger than other D-tier skills, it still belong to the D-tier category... After all, Adam had seen what B-tiers, A-tiers, and S-tier skills were capable of... Overpowered was an understatement for it! He quickly shook his head as he thought of more important things. ''I''ll need to start focusing on lesser orcs soon.'' Hours later, Adam stood at the entrance of a rocky outcrop where a band of lesser orcs had made their camp. He counted at least nine of them. Lesser orcs were bulkier than goblins but stronger and more resilient... Adam rolled his shoulders and forced his blood to gather in his arms, reinforcing his muscles for the incoming clash. He attacked fast and with no hesitation. His dagger pierced the throat of the closest orc before the others even realized he was there. As the rest roared in alarm, Adam surged forward, weaving between their lumbering strikes. A lesser orc swung a rusted axe at him. Adam twisted his body, narrowly dodging the strike before ramming his dagger under the orc''s ribs. Blood sprayed as the creature stumbled back. Another orc charged, raising a massive club above its head. Adam clenched his fist, forcing his blood to rush into his legs. His muscles tensed like springs as he shot forward, slashing the orc''s side in a brutal arc. The creature collapsed, clutching the gaping wound. The remaining orcs hesitated, wary now. Adam didn''t give them a chance to regroup. With his blood-enhanced strength, he cut through the last of them swiftly and efficiently. [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] [You have leveled up!] [Level 7 ¡ú 8] [Body Blood Magic has increased control power by 1%] Adam stood amid the bodies, his breathing heavy but steady. He glanced at his system screen. [Soul Core: 2.00] ''Good.'' He allowed his blood flow to stabilize, slowly returning his body to its normal state. His muscles relaxed, and the faint ache of fatigue set in, but it was nothing he couldn''t handle. Adam was pleased. ''Level 8... Almost halfway to 25.'' Chapter 29 - 29: Solo Grinding Adam wiped the blood off his blade, his breath steadying as he surveyed the carnage. Lesser orc bodies lay scattered around him, their weapons still clutched in stiffening fingers. The air was heavy with the coppery scent of blood. "My leveling is getting slower..." Adam muttered under his breath. Just as he turned to leave... Only to stop as a low growl echoed from deeper within the rocky outcrop. Emerging from the shadows was a massive figure... a very large orc. Its hulking body stood nearly two heads taller than the others, its muscles thick and corded beneath crude armor plates. Jagged scars crossed its chest, and in its hand was a heavy, spiked club wrapped in iron bands. The creature''s red eyes locked onto Adam with murderous intent. [Identified: Elite Orc (Level 16)] The orc snarled, dragging its club along the stone, sparks scraping up from the surface. Adam instinctively shifted his stance, feeling the tension build in his limbs. ''Level 16...'' Adam exhaled, flexing his fingers. The orc roared and charged forward, swinging its massive club in a brutal arc. Adam barely sidestepped the attack, feeling the wind whip past his face as the weapon smashed into the ground, splintering stone. ''Damn... That would''ve killed me.'' "[Temporary Copy]!" Adam called out, activating his skill. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] Experienced Old Knight. [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: A Thousand Sword Strike!] [Reducing A Thousand Strike to its F-tier version...] [A Thousand Sword Strike has been reduced to Double Strike.] [Temporary Copy] : Double Strike (30 Second Duration) [Double Strike] : A single strike from your attacks brings an illusory attack that deals 50% of the damage you dealt! Adam shifted his stance and rushed forward. The elite orc swung down again, but Adam twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the strike. As the club struck the ground, Adam darted in low, slashing his dagger across the orc''s side. A faint shimmer followed his strike, and an illusory blade mirrored his attack, cutting the same wound even deeper. The orc howled in rage, staggering back as dark blood poured from its side. [Experienced Old Knight has donated 20 coins] [Experienced Old Knight] : Good good! Although it''s a weaker version of my skill, you''re using it nicely which doesn''t bring me shame! [5th Style Sword Master says it''s a pretty basic sword technique] [NLE_immortal agrees saying that it can''t even one hit kill] [Experienced Old Knight curses the both of you] ''Tough hide... I need more than just strength for this.'' "Copy another skill!" Adam said. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] Frog Eater. [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Acid Beam!] [Reducing Acid Beam to its F-tier version...] [Acid Beam has been reduced to Acidic Spray.] [Temporary Copy] : Acidic Spray (30 Second Duration) Adam''s palm tingled as greenish energy gathered in his hand. The elite orc lunged forward, its club smashing into a nearby tree, splintering wood and sending shards flying. "Take this!" Adam thrust his hand forward, releasing a cloud of burning acid. The acidic spray splattered across the orc''s chest and face. The creature let out a loud roar, thrashing as smoke rose from its searing flesh. The acid hissed and bubbled, eating through the orc''s armor and scorching deep into its skin. [Frog Eater has donated 5 coins] [Frog Eater] : Look look! That''s mine! Pretty awesome right?! [Mads_1401] : Yeah... acidic pee is pretty cool I guess... [Bird Hunter has donated 10 coins] [Bird Hunter] : Streamer! Can you try to copy mine?! It''s a lot more useful than what these fellows have! [Prankster of Kingdoms is mocking you saying that the livestreamer isn''t hunting birds.] The orc staggered, but its bloodshot eyes never wavered. It charged again, wild with rage. "Tch... stubborn thing." Adam coughed, forcing himself back to his feet. His blood control kicked in, accelerating his body''s recovery. His muscles tightened as he forced more blood to his limbs, pushing past the pain. The orc''s breathing was ragged, but its fury remained undiminished. Adam clenched his burning dagger tightly, feeling the weapon''s heat radiate against his palm. "Got you..." Adam muttered. With a burst of speed, he dashed low, slicing the orc''s Achilles tendon. The creature bellowed in agony, toppling to one knee. Adam didn''t hesitate! He immediately drove his burning dagger straight through the orc''s throat. The steel pierced deep, and the flames scorched the wound shut before blood could spill. The orc let out a final, gurgling breath before collapsing. [Elite Orc Defeated] [+420 Exp, +0.1 Basic Soul Core.] [+10 Gold] [You have leveled up!] [Level 8 ¡ú Level 9] [Natural Magical Defenses have been slightly improved] Adam stood over the corpse, breathing heavily. His body ached, but victory felt satisfying. The copied skills faded, his skin returning to normal and his dagger cooling in his hand. "Not bad..." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Adam muttered, rolling his shoulder to ease the stiffness. ''However, I''ll still definitely need to be at level 25 before I challenge this floor''s boss..'' He wiped the blood from his blade, turned away from the corpse, and stepped deeper into the forest, ready to continue his hunt. ... The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a pale glow through the scattered trees. The blood-soaked battlefield, littered with goblin corpses and the fallen elite orc, was silent. Adam sat on a nearby rock, resting his aching muscles. His clothes were stained, his arms throbbed with dull pain, and faint traces of smoke still rose from his scorched dagger. "Finally..." Adam muttered, feeling the tension in his body start to fade. He reached into his pouch, pulled out a flask of water, and took a long drink. The cool liquid soothed his dry throat and washed away the bitter taste of blood. He leaned back, opening his system interface. ? [User] Adam Codranel ? [Rank] Ember (Requires 50 Soul Core points and max level for the next Rank) ? [Level] 9 ©¤ (Capped at level 100) ? [Soul Core] 2.76 ? [Infamy] 2 ¡ô [Abilities] ©À©¤©¤ [Temporary Copy] (?-tier) ©¤ Temporarily copies an ability of a viewer (Copied Skill will be reduced to its F-tier version) ©À©¤©¤ [Permanent Copy] (?-tier) ©¤ 1 usage per rank increase. (Can only copy a viewer''s skill) ©¸©¤©¤ [Body Blood Magic] (D-tier) ©¤ Magic in relation to Blood Control. (15 Meter Limit) ¡ô [Stream Information] ©À©¤©¤ [Stream Codename] The Chosen Conduit ©À©¤©¤ [Sponsors] None ©À©¤©¤ [Average Viewers] 8/sec ©À©¤©¤ [Subscribers] 6 ©À©¤©¤ [Gold] 210.2 Gold ©¸©¤©¤ [Pending Gifts] 0 "Level 9... and 2.76 Soul Cores." Adam closed his eyes for a moment, letting out a breath of relief. "That''s progress." He flexed his fingers, feeling the improved control in his blood flow. The Bloodforged Crystal''s effects had clearly paid off. His stamina had lasted longer, his reactions had sharpened, and his body felt stronger than before. ''At this rate... I should be able to reach level 25 soon.'' Adam thought. ''Once I hit that threshold... the Hobgoblin Chieftain is mine.'' Chapter 30 - 30: Team Criticism Morning light bathed the town in soft gold as Adam walked through the quiet streets. His muscles still ached from the previous night''s battle, but fatigue no longer weighed him down. The enhanced blood flow in his body kept his strength steady, and his mind was sharp. His destination was the town''s west gate, where he intended to gather his team. The air was crisp, and a faint breeze stirred dust along the cobbled streets. Adam assumed he''d be the first to arrive, but as he turned the corner, he stopped in surprise. Nathaniel, Elara, and Rei were already waiting by the gate, leaning casually against the wooden fence. Their packs were secured, weapons sheathed, and expressions calm as if they have only been waiting for him to arrive. Seeing his team members, Adam suddenly had a thought. ''Aren''t these guys geniuses? How come I don''t know who these guys are in my past life?'' From what he remembered, he''d never seen these three rise to prominence.... Nathaniel''s talent was undeniable, he was a skilled shooter with sharp instincts. Elara''s combat style had always been highly impressive... And Rei... well, the fact that Isaac Callum, a known rising star, even had a brother had been news to him when they first met. Yet in his previous timeline, these three had never been remembered as key players. ''All their evaluations are high... they should''ve climbed to a decent floor in the Tower of Yxthar with good achievements...'' Adam thought. ''And yet... how come I never knew of them before?'' His thoughts drifted back to the ambush yesterday¡ª the one he''d narrowly prevented. ''Could it be... that the same ambush happened in my past life too? If I wasn''t there to stop it... did they die back then?'' The grim possibility tightened his chest. If they had been captured and sent to the 10th floor... then their endings were quite obvious... Then that means they truly had died there in his past life... Adam''s face darkened as he clenched his fist. Nathaniel, noticing Adam approaching, instinctively raised a hand to wave. But when he caught sight of Adam''s cold, grim expression, his fingers froze mid-air. His smile faltered, and he awkwardly lowered his hand back down. "Morning..." Nathaniel muttered, forcing an uneasy smile. Elara, however, didn''t seem fazed. She waved with both hands, smiling brightly. "Good morning, Captain!" She called out cheerfully. Her voice broke the tension like a hammer striking glass, and Nathaniel relaxed slightly, relieved that someone else had filled the silence. Adam''s grim thoughts faded as he focused on Elara''s carefree greeting. He managed a faint smile, nodding in response. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Morning." Adam replied, his voice low but steady. Rei stepped forward next, his expression sharp and inquisitive. "We thought you overslept..." He said with a slight grin. "Don''t tell me you were already out hunting without us." Adam paused. If he could train these three before he advanced to the second floor... it would be good for humanity to have more skilled fighters. These three had potential... a lot of it. Although, it seems that in his past life, they''d likely been killed before they could ever prove themselves... "Yeah." Adam admitted with a shrug. "Had some things to take care of." Elara butted in, slinging her pack over her shoulder. "Ah?! What level are you now captain?!" "Take a guess." Adam replied, he said expressionlessly. "Anyway... let''s move. We''ve got a long day ahead." ... The morning sun had climbed high by the time Adam regrouped with his team. They spent little time on greetings and immediately set out toward the forest''s edge, determined to make progress. "Alright, let''s make today productive..." Adam said as they entered the hunting grounds. The air smelled damp, and faint growls echoed from deeper in the woods. Goblin corpses from Adam''s earlier hunt still littered parts of the path. They pressed on, and soon enough, a pack of lesser orcs came into view, five of them. Crude axes in hand and thick muscles rippling beneath their ragged armor. "Same plan as before." Adam ordered. "Elara, you''re on scouting. Nathaniel, find a vantage point. Rei, stay with me... we''ll hold the front." "Got it." Elara whispered, her form flickering as she activated [Shadow Step], vanishing into the undergrowth. Nathaniel climbed a nearby boulder, bow already drawn, while Rei shifted into a combat stance, his fists clenching tightly as faint stone-like patterns crawled across his knuckles¡ª the effect of his [Stone Fist] ability. The fight began. Elara struck first, emerging from the shadows behind an orc and slashing her dagger across its hamstring. The creature staggered with a roar, and before it could recover, Nathaniel''s arrow whistled through the air and struck it clean through the eye. It dropped instantly. "Nice shot!" Rei called, rushing forward. His stone-coated fists slammed into an orc''s ribs, cracking bone with a sickening crunch. Adam moved in beside him, his dagger flashing as he cut another down. Blood sprayed across the dirt, and the remaining orcs turned to flee... Only to be cut down by a combination of Nathaniel''s precise arrows and Elara''s swift strikes. [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] [Level 9 ¡ú Level 10] [Magic Power have been slightly improved] The team continued hunting through the day, taking down orc after orc. ''My leveling progress is getting slow...'' Adam thought. By the time the sun had begun to dip below the horizon, they had collected enough cores to mark a productive outing. As they rested in a clearing, Adam wiped the sweat from his brow and turned to his team. "You''re all strong..." He began. "But there''s still room for improvement." Nathaniel glanced up, raising a brow. "What do you mean?" Adam gestured toward Elara. "Your [Shadow Step] is great, but your dagger doesn''t hit hard enough. I recommend saving for the [Venomfang Dagger] in the system shop. It applies poison with every cut, which will boost your kills significantly." Elara''s eyes lit up. "I''ve heard of that one. It''s pricey though." "That''s why you should keep your livestream on." Adam added. "Viewers donate more when they see you winning fights, and they''ll pay even more if you entertain them." Nathaniel asked in doubt. "So you''re suggesting we start putting on a show?" "More or less." Adam said. "Nathaniel, you should save for [Mana Flow Armband]. It''ll boost your mana regeneration. Your [Wind Arrow] eats too much energy right now... you''ll burn out fast during longer fights." Nathaniel nodded as he glanced towards the system shop to see its price. 500 gold... His eyes twitched as he glanced towards the 25 gold sitting on his inventory... "What about me?" Rei asked in curiosity. "Your strength is good, but you''re not tough enough to take multiple hits yet. The [Ironhide Pendant] is perfect for you. It boosts your constitution, making you tankier. It''ll let you stay in the fight longer without relying on me to patch you up." "More defense? Sounds boring..." Rei muttered, though he was clearly considering it. "Trust me." Adam said firmly. "It''s better to survive longer and keep fighting than to go all-out and collapse halfway through." "And remember." Adam added. "Your livestreams are key. The more viewers we gather, the faster we''ll earn system currency. Donations, gifts... it all adds up. Even if we aren''t sponsored yet, building an audience now will pay off later." "Hm, I guess it is time to start gaining viewers..." Elara muttered. "Don''t worry about it too much." Adam said with a faint smile. "Just show them what you''re good at... the rest comes naturally." As the evening drew closer, they began their trek back to town. The day''s progress had left their clothes stained with dirt and blood, but their spirits were high. Each member seemed a little more confident in themselves. Of course, that was thanks to Adam''s positive criticisms in their battles. Adam glanced back at the path behind them. Lesser orc corpses dotted the trail which served as proof of their steady improvement. ''They''ll need this growth...'' Adam thought. ''Because things are only going to get harder from here.'' Chapter 31 - 31: Streamer Mentality The team reached the town gates as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and violet. One by one, they exchanged brief goodbyes before heading their separate ways. Nathaniel slung his bow over his shoulder and walked off without much fuss, and Elara stretched her arms with a satisfied grin before disappearing down the street. Adam turned to leave as well, but he paused when he noticed Rei lingering a few steps behind him. The younger fighter seemed hesitant, his hand clenching and unclenching at his side. Adam arched a brow. "Something wrong?" Rei shifted his weight, still hesitating. He opened his mouth, closed it, then exhaled deeply. "Adam... are we holding you back?" Adam''s brow furrowed. "What?" "I mean..." Rei scratched his head, struggling to find the words. "You could''ve probably reached a much higher level by now if you weren''t wasting time guiding us. I¡­ I just can''t shake the feeling that you''re slowing yourself down because of us." For someone as confident as Rei usually was, there was an unusual tension in his voice. His shoulders were stiff, his gaze low. "It''s the first time I''ve felt like I''m... dragging someone down." Rei admitted quietly. "I''ve always been able to keep up before." "You''re overthinking it..." Adam said simply. "If I thought you were a waste of time, I wouldn''t be here." Rei smiled faintly at that, but his eyes still held doubt. "Even so..." He paused, taking a deep breath. "If there ever comes a time where you want to outgrow us, you definitely should." Adam didn''t answer right away. He stared at Rei for a moment, then sighed softly. "It''s not like I''m doing this because I''m forced to..." Adam said at last. "Just like you, I don''t know much about this tower... but I do know one thing." He turned slightly, gazing down the darkening street. "I have a good heart." Adam continued, his voice a bit quiter. "But I can''t save everyone. After all, I''m only one person." Rei frowned, unsure where Adam was going with this. "That''s why..." Adam said, turning back to him. "If there''s a chance to grow people who could potentially save others in places where I can''t... then I''m bound to take that chance." It''s not that he was a goodie-two-shoes who wanted to save everyone. But there would be no point in going back in time with the goal to save people, only to travel the tower alone while pushing everyone else away. That was like begging for a lonely journey to self isolation... Not to mention, it was better to be a Stream Hunter with viewers who liked watching streamer''s with good morals and attitude rather than being a Stream Hunter whose viewers wanted them to kill everyone in their path... [Experienced Old Knight has donated 20 coins] [Experienced Old Knight approves of the streamer''s mentality.] [Prankster of Kingdoms is chuckling at the savior complex mentality] [NLE_immortal has donated 15 coins] [NLE_immortal hushes you not to corrupt the livestreamer!] Rei didn''t reply right away. He stood still, his fingers flexing tightly against his palm. Finally, he gave a faint nod before walking away. For some reason, Rei couldn''t help but think about his older brother Isaac. ''If only he thought the same...'' ... The forest greeted Adam with familiar silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves and distant howls. Shadows stretched between the trees, and the faint gleam of distant torchlight marked the borders of safer paths. Adam ignored them. He wasn''t here for safe routes... he needed the places where monsters roamed freely. By the time he reached the rocky outcroppings, the scent of iron lingered faintly in the air. Lesser orcs roamed the area, their guttural grunts echoing through the trees. Adam could make out their silhouettes... twisted forms with crude weapons and thick muscles as they lumbered near the clearing. Five of them. Adam exhaled. "Good enough..." He stepped forward, his movements steady and deliberate. A twig snapped beneath his boot. One of the orcs turned, its yellow eyes narrowing as it let out a guttural bark. The rest followed, gripping their jagged axes and worn blades. "Come on¡­" Adam muttered, his fingers curling tightly around his dagger. The orcs charged. The first one lunged, raising its axe high... But Adam shot forward, dashing past the strike with precise footwork. His dagger slashed low, carving a deep gash across the orc''s leg. The creature staggered, and before it could recover... Adam''s other hand struck forward as crimson energy surged from his palm! [Body Blood Magic]. Blood shifted and coiled like tendrils, lashing out and wrapping around the injured orc''s limbs. Adam clenched his fist, and the tendrils constricted violently, crushing the creature''s joints with sickening cracks. The orc howled and dropped, its weapon clattering to the ground. Another charged in from the side. Adam spun, dragging the captured orc''s body with him. The second orc''s blade struck its ally instead, carving into its shoulder. Before the second orc could react, Adam''s dagger flashed again, plunging into its exposed side. The creature sputtered and collapsed. [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] The remaining three hesitated, snarling as they circled him. Adam''s muscles tensed as his blood magic continued to flow. The dull ache in his limbs was manageable, but his stamina was draining fast. ''End this quickly.'' He darted forward, feinting a strike toward one orc before pivoting sharply toward another. His blade flashed upward, cutting across its throat. The orc staggered back, gurgling as blood poured from the wound. Another leapt in, its axe swinging down hard... But Adam twisted his arm, and a tendril of blood snapped forward, seizing the orc''s wrist. With a yank, Adam wrenched the creature off balance and drove his blade into its ribs. [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] The last orc, larger than the others, roared in rage and swung wide. Adam barely ducked under the strike, the wind from the swing brushing past his face. He stepped in close, too close for the orc''s weapon to swing again. His dagger struck precisely... Once, twice, then a third time, each cut deeper than the last. The orc''s movements slowed, its strength fading as blood soaked the earth. With one final thrust, Adam drove his blade into the creature''s chest. It stumbled, then dropped with a heavy thud. [+45 Exp, +0.02 Basic Soul Core.] [+0.5 Gold] [Level 10 ¡ú Level 11] [Vitality has slightly improved.] Adam let out a breath, wiping his blade clean against his sleeve. His muscles ached, and the throb of exhaustion gnawed at his limbs... but the steady increase in strength kept him going. ''It''s working... but it''s still too slow.'' ''Leveling in the early floors is always so arduous...'' He sighed. He moved deeper into the forest. Lesser orcs patrolled the paths in small groups and Adam hunted them relentlessly. Each encounter was swift and brutal... Quick strikes, precise cuts, and bursts of blood magic that turned their own injuries against them. Hours passed. The moon climbed high above the trees, and the distant cries of beasts stirred in the night. Adam pressed on, his steps growing heavier with each kill. By the time he stopped, his clothes were stained with blood. Some his own, but most from the bodies littering the path behind him. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His chest rose and fell steadily as he sat on a fallen log, catching his breath. [Level 11 ¡ú Level 12] [Magic Potency has been slightly improved] [Soul Core: 2.91] Just as Adam was about to continue his grinding, he heard the sound of leaves crunching as if being stepped on behind him. Alerted, his fingers instinctively curled around his dagger as he turned, muscles tense and senses heightened. As he looked behind him, he turned to see a woman clad in a white coat that seemed too clean for the bloodstained wilderness. Her silver eyes caught the moonlight, gleaming like polished steel. It was Evelyn. Chapter 32 - 32: Curse or Assassination "You''re still out here?" Evelyn''s voice was calm, but her gaze flicked to the trail of orc corpses littering the path behind him. "You''ve been busy..." Adam exhaled through his nose, leaning back against the log. "Didn''t know you were the type to follow people..." "I wasn''t." Evelyn stepped closer, her boots crunching softly against the dirt. "I was passing through when I noticed the mess, you''re quite diligent at leveling up..." Adam arched a brow. "Is there something you want to say?" "Yes." Evelyn said. "It''s about the investigation... regarding that guide you knocked unconscious. Follow me." ... The walk back to the Judgment Room was quiet. The streets were dim, only the faint glow of torchlights lining the walls guiding their way. Adam had been here once before, but the atmosphere tonight felt colder... like the air itself was holding its breath. When they arrived, Evelyn pushed open the heavy wooden door. The scent hit Adam first. The sharp, coppery tang of blood. His gaze shifted immediately to the figure on the floor. The guide''s lifeless body lay sprawled against the wall. His eyes were wide and hollow, his expression frozen in a silent scream. A gaping hole was torn open in the center of his chest, jagged and unnatural, like something had forced its way out from within. The floor beneath him was soaked with dark, dried blood. "What... happened here?" Adam muttered, his voice low. "I was hoping you could tell me." Evelyn said, her tone sharp. "Since you were the one who captured him." Adam stared at the body, his mind racing. The man had been alive when Adam left him... weak and beaten, but he had still been breathing. "I have no clue." Adam said carefully. "Also, if you''re doubting whether it was me who killed him, I''m not." "I figured." Evelyn said, confirming that he wasn''t lying through her [Oathkeeper] skill. "But there''s something else you need to know." She knelt beside the body and held up a thin folder. "His name is Levi Cello." "From his records, he seemed like an ordinary guy outside the Tower. Used to work at a small restaurant, earning just enough to care for his sick mother." She tapped the folder with her knuckle. "Eventually, he awakened as a Stream Hunter. D-tier ability called [Fierce Orb]. He''s been stuck on the first floor for about a month and a half. Pretty average, right?" "Yeah..." Adam murmured. "Doesn''t sound like someone who''d be dangerous." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Exactly." Evelyn''s gaze darkened. "But here''s the thing. There''s one major turning point... when he became a guide." "What about it?" "Well, as you know..." Evelyn explained. "The government offers free armor, a basic weapon, and a weekly payment of twenty gold for anyone who signs up to be a guide." Adam nodded. "I know the incentives." "Right." Evelyn continued. "But something changed after he accepted that role, which makes me doubt if whether or not someone within the governmental body here in the 1st floor had done this to him..." Her tone grew colder. "And I think it''s connected to his ability." "His skill?" Adam frowned. "It seemed like a basic attack spell to me. Stronger than I expected, but nothing insane." "That''s what I wanted to ask," Evelyn said. "In the video you showed me through your livestream... when he cast [Fierce Orb] on you, did it actually harm you?" "I blocked it with a Barrier Scroll." Adam recalled. "But... yeah. I won''t lie, I felt a lot of pressure from that thing. It didn''t seem normal." Evelyn''s expression tightened. "So it truly did mutate..." "Mutate?" Adam repeated. "It seemed like an ordinary d-tier ability to me, just one with more fire power." "You''re misunderstanding something." Evelyn said grimly. "[Fierce Orb] isn''t an attack skill." She paused, her gaze locked on Adam''s. "It''s a healing ability." The air seemed to drop in temperature. "...What?" Adam said slowly, as if he''d misheard her. "His ability, [Fierce Orb], was never designed to harm people." Evelyn said. "It''s supposed to generate a sphere of light that rapidly accelerates tissue regeneration. For a D-tier ability, it''s effective, but nothing special. But what you showed me through the video you sent didn''t seem like healing at all..." Adam frowned. "So what exactly happened?" Evelyn crossed her arms. "During the investigation, I tried to ask him indirect questions... "Things like, ''Who recommended you to be a guide?'' or ''Who did you meet before you became a guide?''" "And?" "He kept saying he wasn''t allowed to say anything." Evelyn''s expression darkened. "No matter how I worded my questions, he''d dodge them... like he was afraid." "I''m guessing you don''t know who he''s afraid of yet?" Adam asked. "Yes, I don''t know." Evelyn sighed. "Eventually, I gave up for the night. Before I left, I posted a reward for anyone willing to share information about him. But when I came back this morning... he was like this." She gestured to the body on the table. Adam stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he examined the corpse. The man''s eyes were hollow, frozen in a glassy stare. His mouth gaped wide open, and his fingers were curled as though he''d died mid-scream. But most disturbing of all was the gaping hole in his chest... a wide, hollow cavity where his heart should have been. "There were guards stationed outside." Evelyn added. "I questioned every single one of them. None of them heard anything... no sounds, no intruder, nothing." "...Then what do you think happened?" "I was hoping you''d have an answer." Evelyn muttered. "You were the one who captured him." The notification feed from Adam''s livestream flickered to life. [5th Style Sword Master] : Perhaps it''s the work of a curse... [Arken_knight has donated 15 coins] [Arken_knight]: Why are you so sure it''s not an assassination meant to silence him? [Fatedragoon has donated 15 ccoins] [Fatedragoon] : An assassination is supposed to be a quick kill without leaving too many clues to figure out... what kind of an assassin leaves so many marks on a body? That''s like leaving numerous clues for investigators to find out! [NLE_immortal says that it might be because of the assassin''s personalized ability] [Fatedragoon] : Then that would narrow the suspect list even further, investigate people within the first floor who can leave attack marks like that! [Frog Eater applauds the new weird usernamed viewer] [Experienced Old Knight approves of Fatedragoon''s intelligence] [Bird Hunter asks if there''s a difference between dragon and dragoon] Adam barely registered the chat as his mind raced through the possibilities. ''It could be a curse... but assassins with unusual skills aren''t impossible either. Either way, someone capable of something like this isn''t ordinary.'' He narrowed his eyes in deep thought. ''The only curse users I''ve known are demon-kins... but they don''t show up until after the tenth floor...'' "My viewers suggest we investigate anyone with attack-based skills that can leave similar marks." Adam said. "I''ve already started that." Evelyn replied. "Some of my team are reading through records as we speak." "Good..." Adam said before turning his gaze back to the corpse. Something about it still felt... wrong. Stepping closer, Adam examined the body in detail. The position of its limbs, sprawled out with fingers twisted like claws. The gaping mouth, wide open as if caught in a final, silent scream. And then the chest... torn wide open where the heart should have been. His breath caught. ''Celestia...?'' The memories rushed back. That pose... the wide mouth... the clawed fingers... it was just like the victims he''d once seen in his past life! This was the authority power of an S-tier personalized ability! His thoughts were cut off by sudden movement. The corpse''s pupils twitched, then shrank into narrow slits. Adam barely had time to react before the dead man''s head twisted toward him¡ª eyes locking directly onto his own. It was alive! Chapter 33 - 33: Judgement Adam''s breath deepened as the corpse''s head twisted toward him, its hollow eyes locking onto his. The lifeless pupils, once glassy and empty, had narrowed and turned sharp and snake-like. The dead man''s chest, the gaping wound where his heart should have been, moved grotesquely. The torn flesh writhed, and bones popped as twisted tendrils of muscle began pulling themselves back into place. [5th Style Sword Master dislikes the creepy energy emanating from the corpse...] [Experienced Old Knight feels a bit dizzy...] [AFlamox has donated 15 coins] [Mads_1401 has donated 15 coins] [Mads_1401] : Necrophiliacs are the worst.... "Stay back..." Adam warned, his voice low. His fingers flexed, crimson energy coiling tightly around his arm. [Body Blood Magic]. The familiar surge of power rushed through him. Blood tendrils emerged from his palm, writhing and twisting like living snakes, poised to strike. But the corpse didn''t attack. Instead, it shifted unnaturally... as though strings beneath its flesh were tugging it upright. Bones cracked, joints reset, and sinew twisted as it adjusted itself. Then, it spoke. "Don''t... interfere..." Its voice was low and broken, yet oddly calm... like dry leaves scraping against stone. Adam''s grip on his magic tightened. His mind raced. ''It''s really her¡­ Celestia.'' In his past life, Adam had never seen Celestia directly. She was a force that operated from the upper floors, far beyond the regions he had reached. Yet her influence was always everywhere within the tower... Manifesting in twisted corpses like this one. His older brother and sister had warned him about her... and those warnings had proven right. ''Even back then... she kept sending these things to interfere with the lower floors. Looks like she still does it now....'' However, he never knew that Celestia was doing it this early on... ''I didn''t know she was manipulating things on the first floor too...'' Before Adam could speak, Evelyn took a step forward, her gaze locked on the twisted corpse. Her expression was calm, but her fingers lingered near the dagger on her waist... sharp and ready. "Since you''re not attacking us outright..." Evelyn said coldly "I''ll assume you''re not just here to scare us." Seeing Evelyn speak up first, Adam didn''t bother trying to interfere with the conversation... ''She''s most likely trying to trick the corpse into lying...'' Adam thought. This was her main attack ability after all... The corpse''s lips twisted into a mockery of a smile. "You government rats sure like to stick your noses into things that aren''t any of your business..." Evelyn''s eyes narrowed. "We can say the same to you. You''re a Stream Hunter from the upper floors, aren''t you? What''s your business messing with the first floor?" Her voice hardened. "Just so you know... we have government officials from every floor of this Tower." "You''re bound to be found one day." The corpse chuckled, a dry, brittle sound. "You can surely try..." The grin on its face widened, stretching the dead skin at the corners of its mouth. "After all... I''m also in every floor of this Tower." Evelyn''s fingers twitched toward her blade, but she held her ground. "You''re awfully confident..." She said, voice sharp. "Revealing such crucial information... are you even trying to hide?" "I''m not stupid." The corpse''s head tilted slightly, almost smug. "It''s just my way of warning you." "Warning us?" Evelyn said, her voice cold. "You killed him just to deliver a message?" The corpse''s gaze lingered on them. "Your control over what happens in the Tower is far weaker than you''d like to believe." Evelyn was silent for a second before replying. "The system we''ve set in the Tower isn''t perfect. However it''s enough to keep things from spiraling into pointless chaos from the likes of people like you." The corpse let out a dry chuckle. "And yet you''re still blind... and weak. You lot can barely control what happens on your own floor, yet you think you can reach me?" "Control isn''t our top priority..." Evelyn shot back. "What matters most is to make sure that the state of panic amongst the people is kept to a minimal level." A dry chuckle rattled from the corpse''s throat. The sound was distorted, like bones grinding together. "You''re probably the only one that thinks that, miss." It continued. "I''m telling you right now, don''t interfere with what I''m doing..." "Enough with the vague words." Evelyn''s tone sharpened. "I think I know what you''re trying to do." The corpse''s crooked smile twitched wider. "Oh?" "You''re stalling..." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Evelyn said flatly. "Trying to distract us with words because you can''t immediately pour enough power into that corpse of yours." Adam''s eyes flicked between Evelyn and the decaying figure, fingers curling as he tensed his muscles. "You''re not here to engage in conversation." Evelyn pressed on. " You''re here to take your anger out on us for disturbing your plans, aren''t you?" The corpse''s lips curled higher. "Why would I need to?" It sneered. "If I wanted to kill you, I already would have." Evelyn''s expression shifted into a knowing smile. "That''s a lie." [Oathkeeper] had finally detected a lie. The moment she spoke, her hand shot out. Golden chains erupted from her palm, lashing through the air with blinding speed. The chains twisted around the corpse''s limbs, binding its arms, neck, and legs in a crushing grip. This was her ability, [Judgement Chain]. When someone is caught lying in her presence, she could manifest spectral chains that restrict their movements! The corpse shuddered violently, its bones cracking under the pressure. Adam didn''t waste a second. He extended his arm and activated [Body Blood Magic]. Crimson blades shot from his palm, thin and sharp like glass shards. They tore through the air and pierced the corpse''s skull with pinpoint precision. For a moment, everything seemed still. Then.. The corpse''s body flickered, turning hazy and translucent as if slipping between reality and something else. The bloodied wound in its head warped, its edges twisting unnaturally. Shadows curled over its form, and in the next instant, its entire body turned incorporeal. The golden chains around it loosened for a mere second... just long enough for the figure to slip through. With a sudden, sharp crack, the bindings shattered completely! Chapter 34 - 34: Weakness Found Seeing the corpse escape her [Judgment Chains], Evelyn didn''t hesitate! She bolted straight for the door. She knew she couldn''t fight directly... Her strength was in strategy, not combat! Adam saw her flee and didn''t react. This was Evelyn''s style... Trick her target into talking, then bind them with her [Judgment Chains]. It usually worked. But Adam had suspected all along that it wouldn''t be enough against someone like Celestia... S-tier ability users were in a league of their own... Overpowered was an understatement! Even a single corpse puppet who''s master was far away from it was strong enough to break Evelyn''s [Judgement Chains] that could bind even a level 50 Stream Hunter at the Amber rank! Just as Evelyn reached the door, her body slammed into an invisible barrier, bouncing her back. She staggered, eyes wide in shock. "It''s too late." The corpse rasped. Its grin stretched unnaturally wide. "You think you''re the only one who can pull tricks while talking?" Adam reacted immediately. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] 5th Style Sword Master. [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: 5th Style Absolute Untouchable!] [Reducing 5th Style Absolute Untouchable to its F-tier version...] [5th Style Absolute Untouchable has been reduced to Quick Avoidance.] [Temporary Copy] : Quick Avoidance (30 Second Duration) [Quick Avoidance] : Allows the user to heighten their senses and automatically perform the basic steps of the 5th Style Sword Arts to avoid incoming attacks. The delay in copying gave the corpse just enough time to attack first. It lunged at Adam with a twisted snarl, its decaying fingers clawing straight for his chest. Adam started to raise his arm to block... but something stopped him! An overwhelming sense of dread flooded his mind. Every instinct screamed that blocking would be useless. If that hand touched him... he knew he''d die. [Quick Avoidance] activated. His body moved on its own. In one fluid motion, Adam sidestepped the attack, narrowly avoiding the grasping fingers. His breath hitched! The air where the corpse''s hand passed seemed colder, heavier, as if death itself had grazed him. [5th Style Sword Master has donated 20 coins] [5th Style Sword Master urges you to kill that disgusting thing] [Frog Eater] : Quick! Use mine my abilities to melt that corpse down! [Experienced Old Knight] : No it''s better if you use mine. Dismembering it will render it useless! [PrinceAether has donated 10 coins] [PrinceAether] : New here, can I get some context? [NLE_immortal says that the livestreamer got caught cheating, hence his dead lover came back to life to kill both of them] Ignoring the chaotic chat, Adam slashed his arm open, blood spilling down his skin. With [Body Blood Magic], he formed countless crimson blades that shot toward the corpse. Stab! Stab! The blades pierced deep, but the corpse barely reacted. It didn''t flinch nor did it stagger... It just kept moving as if nothing had happened! Realizing it couldn''t touch him, the corpse turned and locked its gaze on Evelyn, who was desperately backing into the farthest corner of the room. "Damn it..." Adam muttered. He clenched his fist, forcing his blood to harden and coil around the corpse''s ankle like chains. The blood solidified, but the corpse kept walking... completely unaffected by the restraint! Adam clenched his fists, frustration boiling inside him. "No forms of restriction seem to work..." He muttered, eyes locked on the twisted figure dragging itself closer to Evelyn. [Prankster of Kingdoms has donated 100 coins] [Prankster of Kingdoms] : Use my abilities. Seeing this, Adam''s gaze flicked to the system prompt. He didn''t waste much time as he immediately reactivated [Temporary Copy]. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] Prankster of Kingdoms. [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Utter Defeat] [Reducing Utter Defeat to its F-tier version...] [Utter Defeat has been reduced to Weakness Detector.] [Temporary Copy] : Weakness Detector (30 Second Duration) [Weakness Detector] : Reveals one weakness of a specific object. Cannot be used on living things. "Fuck..." Adam cursed under his breath. At first, he''d been thrilled by the name "Weakness Detector" which sounded perfect for the situation... But seeing the limitation that it only worked on non-living things shattered his hope. Then a thought struck him. ''Wait... corpses aren''t living things, are they?'' Clenching his fist tightly, Adam activated [Weakness Detector] toward the corpse. [Weakness Detector activated] It worked! [Weakness Detected] : Distortion ''Distortion...?'' Adam thought. His mind raced, trying to piece together what it meant. Before he could figure it out, the corpse lurched forward, closing the gap between itself and Evelyn. "Evelyn, move!" Adam warned. Evelyn spun around, her eyes widening as the decaying figure lunged at her. She twisted her body to dodge, but the twisted remains of Levi''s corpse moved faster than expected. Trapped in the corner, she had no choice... her hand shot out, aiming to strike back! S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "No! Don''t touch it!" Adam shouted. Hearing the urgency in his voice, Evelyn hesitated and tried to pull back... But it was too late! The corpse''s rotting palm clamped down on her wrist. A wave of agony ripped through her body. It wasn''t pain¡ª it was worse! It felt as though her entire body was being torn apart from the inside out, like her organs were unraveling piece by piece. Her vision blurred, and for a terrifying moment, it felt like her bones were turning to liquid. Then... Bang! One of Evelyn''s arms detonated in a violent burst of blood and torn flesh. The shockwave flung her across the room like a ragdoll. She hit the wall hard, her skull striking stone with a sickening crack before her limp body crumpled to the floor. "Evelyn!" Adam shouted, panic surging through him. His voice rang out, raw and desperate. The corpse twisted its head unnaturally, its dull eyes locking onto him. Its mangled frame jerked forward, dragging itself in his direction. Each step left a smear of blood across the floor. ''It''s fast!'' Adam barely had time to think before the corpse lunged. Reacting on instinct, Adam slashed out with a crimson blade formed from his [Body Blood Magic]. The blade sliced clean through the corpse''s arm, sending the severed limb tumbling to the ground. But before Adam could even take a breath ¡ª Snap. The dismembered arm slithered back to the corpse like a snake, flesh twisting and fusing itself back in place. "What the hell...?" Adam muttered, stumbling back. He had never been in a personal battle with one of Celestia''s corpse puppets before, and his siblings had only told him the specifics about how to avoid encountering them! He gritted his teeth and attacked again, carving deeper wounds into the twisted figure. But no matter how many times he severed its limbs, they reattached themselves... Flesh warping, bones cracking, and muscle strands snapping back together like melted wax. ''This can''t go on... None of these wounds are lasting!'' Adam thought. ''What does "Distortion" as a weakness even mean?! I can''t distort space... and none of my viewers have that kind of ability either!'' The corpse lunged again, forcing Adam to twist away as its hand clawed through empty air where his head had been moments before. His mind raced. He needed a solution... fast! Suddenly, an idea flickered in his mind. "System Store, open!" Chapter 35 - 35: Viewer Sympathy "System Store, open!" The air rippled as the system interface materialized before Adam, translucent panels filling his vision with countless options. Rows of items scrolled past his eyes, each categorized neatly for selection. [System Store] [Weapons] ©À©¤©¤ Tempered Steel Shortsword (150 Gold) ¨C A finely crafted blade with increased durability and sharpness. Ideal for consistent performance. ©À©¤©¤ Venomtip Dagger (300 Gold) ¨C A lightweight dagger coated with a permanent paralytic agent. Small cuts can slow enemies. ©À©¤©¤ Titanforged Battleaxe (750 Gold) ¨C A heavy, two-handed axe reinforced with rare metals, increasing impact force and armor penetration. ©¸©¤©¤ Windcarver Spear (1,200 Gold) ¨C A balanced spear that slightly enhances the wielder''s speed and agility, making attacks faster and more precise. [Utility Items] ©À©¤©¤ Health Potion (20 Gold) ¨C Restores 50 HP over 10 seconds. ©À©¤©¤ Mana Recovery Elixir (40 Gold) ¨C Regenerates 30 MP instantly. ©À©¤©¤ Shadow Cloak (250 Gold) ¨C Grants temporary invisibility for 10 seconds. ©¸©¤©¤ Portable Barrier (500 Gold) ¨C Deploys a temporary energy shield capable of withstanding three hits. After purchasing a Mana Recovery Elixir, he immediately bought something else. "Go to signal disruptor devices!" Adam commanded. The store menu shifted instantly, listing various devices designed to interfere with signals and energy transmissions. [Signal Disruptors] ©À©¤©¤ Basic Signal Jammer (100 Gold) ¨C Disrupts weak signals within a 10-meter radius for 30 seconds. ©À©¤©¤ Pulse Disruptor (250 Gold) ¨C Sends out an electromagnetic pulse that temporarily disables all technological functions for 15 seconds. ©À©¤©¤ Void Interference Beacon (3000 Gold) ¨C Completely nullifies energy transmissions within a 50-meter radius for five minutes. ©¸©¤©¤ Absolute Severance Device (78000 Gold) ¨C Permanently cuts off all linked connections within a targeted area. Adam''s eyes locked onto the Pulse Disruptor. It was expensive, but he had just enough gold from viewer donations. Without hesitation, he made his choice. "Purchase Pulse Disruptor!" [Purchase confirmed! 250 Gold deducted.] The device materialized in his hand. A compact, metallic sphere with a small activation button on its side. He didn''t have time to waste. The corpse, having sensed his momentary distraction, lunged toward him, its grotesque form stretching unnaturally. Its movements were erratic, as though it were being puppeteered by unseen strings. Adam reacted instantly, activating [Body Blood Magic], not to attack, but to enhance his physical capabilities. A surge of raw power coursed through his veins, strengthening his muscles as he leaped backward, barely avoiding the corpse''s outstretched claws. The impact of his landing cracked the stone beneath his feet, sending dust into the air. With no room for delay, Adam pressed the button on the Pulse Disruptor. A faint sound resonated from the device, followed by an invisible wave of interference spreading outward. The moment the energy pulse expanded, the corpse faltered mid-motion. It sensed something odd that was disrupting the connected between it and its source of power. Its limbs twitched violently, as if something inside it was resisting the disruption. Then, its movements became sluggish, uncoordinated. Its once-fluid motion turned rigid... Like a marionette with half of its strings cut. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A strained voice, deep and distorted, came from the corpse''s mouth. "How odd... how did you figure it out...?" Adam paused before smiling a little. "Hide well, Celestia." The moment the name left his lips, the corpse''s empty eye sockets widened in shock. The eerie glow within them flickered. "You¡ª" It tried to speak further, but Adam had no intention of letting it finish. He activated [Body Blood Magic] again, this time forming several blood-forged spikes that erupted from the ground, piercing the corpse''s limbs and holding it in place. It struggled, thrashing against the restraints, but its previous fluidity was gone. The body froze. For a brief moment, the eerie energy that had animated it seemed to linger, resisting death. Then, with a final convulsion, it collapsed to the floor. The severed head rolled to a stop, its mouth still slightly open, as if trying to form unfinished words. [Trespassed Corpse has been slain.] [+2030 Exp, +1 Basic Soul Core.] [+100 Gold] [Level 11 ¡ú Level 12] [Mana Capacity has been increased slightly] [E-tier Item has been found!] [All-Purpose Key] : A one-time use key that can open any doors and locks. Adam barely glanced at the rewards. His breath was heavy, his muscles tensed with lingering adrenaline. He turned sharply, his eyes locking onto Evelyn''s unconscious body against the cold stone wall. Blood pooled beneath her where her arm had been torn away, her pale skin taking on an alarming pallor. Adam crossed the distance in an instant, kneeling beside her. Her breathing was faint and shallow. His hands trembled a bit as he hovered them over her wounds, but he clenched his teeth. He had no healing abilities... he could only apply pressure and try to stop the bleeding. [Streamer, The Chosen Conduit, asks if any of his viewers have healing abilities] [5th Style Sword Master shakes his head] [Frog Eater looks away] [Mads_1401 has donated 10 coins] [Mads_1401] : I don''t have much coins, but have it. Maybe you can purchase healing items on the system store... Seeing this, the other viewers followed along. [PrinceAether has donated 5 coins] [Bird Hunter has donated 10 coins] [nonexnihilio42069 has donated 30 coins] [Prankster of Kingdoms is thinking] [Prankster of Kingdoms has donated 200 coins] [Experienced Old Knight has donated 20 coins] This was the advantage of having viewers who were now attached to you and your life. To them, your needs and wants were just as important as their entertainment! However, at the same time, Adam definitely needed to expand his viewer count... Not because he wanted to be famous, but he definitely needed more viewers to expand his options to cast [Temporary Copy] on! More viewers meant more abilities, and more abilities meant survival would be higher... He tore off a piece of his already ruined coat, wrapping it tightly around her shoulder to slow the blood loss. Then, just as he was about to purchase a basic healing potion from the system store, a sudden noise was heard. Boom! The heavy doors burst open. Guards flooded into the room, weapons drawn. Adam barely had time to react before they surrounded him, their blades aimed directly at him. "Step away from her!" One of the guards barked. Instinct told Adam to raise his weapon in defense, but he forced himself to remain still. He took a slow, deliberate breath before lifting his hands, letting his sword clatter to the floor. "I can prove my innocence..." He said, voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air. "When she wakes up, she''ll confirm it." The guards exchanged wary glances, but they did not lower their weapons. One of them, likely the leader, stepped forward and gestured for two others to check on Evelyn. The moment they saw her missing arm, their expressions darkened. One of them pulled out a small vial, pouring a glowing liquid over her wound. The bleeding slowed, the flesh around it stabilizing as the potion worked its magic. It wouldn''t restore the limb, but at least it kept her from getting worse. "Take her to the medics..." The lead guard ordered. ... In a dimly lit chamber, illuminated only by the flickering glow of strange, ethereal candlelight, a tall woman stood in silence. Her long black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing a face of sharp elegance. One of her eyes gleamed with an eerie silver hue, while the other burned with a deep crimson glow... a contrast as unsettling as it was mesmerizing. Her fingers traced the curve of her cheek, an idle gesture that betrayed the thoughts racing beneath her composed exterior. Though her gaze was fixed forward, it was not upon anything visible... As though she was staring into something beyond the naked eye, beyond ordinary perception. "How did he figure out my name..." A pause. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, yet laced with undeniable intrigue, she muttered... "Two dangerous entities are now climbing the tower¡­" Chapter 36 - 36: Departure and Goodbyes Adam sat in a dimly lit interrogation chamber, his hands resting on the wooden table in front of him. His weapons had been confiscated, and two guards stood watch by the door. Across from him, an officer scrutinized him with piercing eyes. The officer frowned, but before he could press further, a knock came at the door. Another guard entered and whispered something into his ear. Adam watched as the officer''s expression shifted, irritation giving way to reluctant understanding. With a sigh, he leaned back. "She woke up." Adam''s eyes sharpened. "And?" "She confirmed your story." The officer didn''t look pleased about it, but at least he wasn''t accusing Adam anymore. "You''re free to go." One of the guards stepped forward, placing a small bundle on the table¡ªhis confiscated belongings. Adam reached for them, securing his weapons. As he strapped his gear back into place, another officer entered, this one carrying a stack of documents under his arm. He glanced at Adam before addressing the interrogator. "We''ve received new orders regarding red names." The first officer raised an eyebrow. "Go on." The man flipped through the pages before stopping at a specific section. "Due to this incident, the scheduled executions of all red names will be delayed by two weeks. The higher-ups are launching a full-scale investigation across the tower floors." Adam stilled. ''Delayed by two weeks¡­'' He couldn''t afford to wait that long, two weeks was too long. He had planned to defeat the Floor 1 boss before the week ended. After all, he needed to climb to the upper floors before the major events happened... Adam exhaled slowly, reigning in his frustration. "Understood." ... After careful planning, the next few days were spent with Adam''s team grinding for levels, sharpening their combat skills, and solidifying their teamwork. They fought tirelessly, moving through the hunting grounds like a well-oiled machine. During the mornings, Adam focused on leveling his teammates, ensuring they grew stronger at a steady pace. He corrected their mistakes, drilled them on battle formations, and helped them push past their limits. At night, when the others rested, Adam trained alone. He ventured into deeper, more dangerous zones, battling stronger monsters to maximize his experience gain. His goal was clear: reach level 25 by the end of the week. The final day arrived. After a long night of hunting, Adam sat by a campfire, checking his status panel. [SYSTEM PANEL] ? [User] Adam Codranel ? [Rank] Ember (Requires 50 Soul Core points and max level for the next Rank) ? [Level] 24 ©¤ (Capped at level 100) ? [Soul Core] 16.91 ? [Infamy] 2 ¡ô [Abilities] ©À©¤©¤ [Temporary Copy] (?-tier) ©À©¤©¤ [Permanent Copy] (?-tier) ©¤ 1 usage per rank increase. ©¸©¤©¤ [Body Blood Magic] (D-tier) ©¤ Magic in relation to Blood Control. (20 Meter Limit) ¡ô [Stream Information] ©À©¤©¤ [Stream Codename] The Chosen Conduit ©À©¤©¤ [Sponsors] None ©À©¤©¤ [Average Viewers] 23/sec ©À©¤©¤ [Subscribers] 22 ©À©¤©¤ [Gold] 7,723 Gold ©¸©¤©¤ [Pending Gifts] 0 Adam exhaled sharply. ''One level short... but I can reach 25 by tonight.'' Determined, he closed the panel and returned to camp. As the day ended, he gathered his team, standing before them with a firm expression. "I''ve decided." He announced, his voice steady. "I''m heading to the second floor." A stunned silence followed before Nathaniel broke it with an exclamation. "What?! You''re challenging the floor boss already?!" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rei his brows furrowed. "The recommended level is 40 and above..." Adam remained calm, anticipating their reactions. He had trained alongside them, but unlike them, he wasn''t content with staying on the first floor for long. "I''ve already taught you enough to survive here." Adam said evenly. "You don''t need me anymore." Rei looked conflicted. "But why the rush?" Adam hesitated before answering, keeping his voice steady. "My siblings are on the upper floors. I need to reach them as soon as possible." It wasn''t a lie. His siblings were indeed ahead. But his true objective was to reach the 10th floor before the 11th floor unlocked. Rei and Nathaniel exchanged looks, still unconvinced. But before either could say anything, Elara spoke up. "Good luck, Captain." Unlike the others, she wasn''t trying to dissuade him. While she found his decision reckless, she had seen what he was capable of. If anyone could pull off something so absurd, it was probably Adam. She reached into her pocket, taking out a small, glowing orb. "I got this while hunting an elite orc yesterday. It''s the most valuable thing I have right now." She extended it toward Adam. [E-tier Item has been found!] [EXP Orb] ©¤ Grants 3000 EXP upon use. "Thank you for everything, Captain." Adam accepted it with a small smile. "I appreciate it." Nathaniel sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before opening his system menu. "I don''t have much, so take this." [Stream Hunter, Keen Shooter, has given 540 coins to The Chosen Conduit.] [The Chosen Conduit sends thanks to Keen Shooter.] Rei, after a brief hesitation, pulled out a silver coin with a V-shaped inscription on it. "My brother is on the upper floors." He explained. "If you ever run into him, show him this. He''ll help you." Adam took the coin but raised an eyebrow. "If I show him this, won''t he assume I killed you?" Rei flinched, suddenly realizing the flaw in his plan. "Uh... I didn''t think about that." Adam chuckled. "I''ll hold onto it." He appreciated their gifts. More than that, he valued their trust. Accepting their parting gifts without hesitation, he knew this moment marked the end of their time together... at least for now. [5th Style Sword Master is saddened by the departure.] [5th Style Sword Master has donated 50 coins] [Experienced Old Knight bids farewell to the other team members.] [VenerableSauce has donated 10 coins] [NLE_immortal bids farewell to the others] Wanting to lighten the mood, Adam opened his system and spoke. "Open your systems and go to friend requests." The three looked confused until a notification popped up. [Stream Hunter, The Chosen Conduit, has sent you a friend request.] "There''s a friend request option?" Elara asked, surprised. Adam nodded. "Use it wisely. Don''t add too many people. The fewer that know your stream name in the real world, the better." [Keen Shooter has accepted your friend request.] [Shadow Dagger has accepted your friend request.] [Stone Prodigy has accepted your friend request.] With that, their connection wouldn''t be completely severed. Even if their paths diverged, they could still stay in contact. The atmosphere felt lighter after that. Despite their initial protests, Nathaniel and Rei ultimately accepted Adam''s decision. Chapter 37 - 37: Permanent Copy [Level 24 ¡ú Level 25] [Body Blood Magic damage has been increased by 1%] Reaching level 25 within a week was an achievement, but Adam knew he couldn''t let himself slow down. If he was going to challenge the floor boss, he needed better equipment... gear that would complement his abilities as a mage and enhance his [Body Blood Magic]. Opening the [System Store], Adam browsed through the options carefully. His magic revolved around blood manipulation, meaning he needed items that enhanced magic power, mana efficiency, and durability in close combat. He scrolled through various weapons and armor, filtering out anything that didn''t align with his fighting style. After a few minutes, he made his decisions. [System Store] [Mage Equipment] ©À©¤©¤ Eldritch Mantle (3,200 Gold) ¨C A flowing dark-red robe that amplifies magic power by 20% and increases mana regeneration rate by 15%. ©À©¤©¤ Runed Arcane Gloves (2,500 Gold) ¨C Inlaid with mystical inscriptions, these gloves enhance spellcasting speed and boost the potency of magical attacks by 10%. ©À©¤©¤ Sanguine Ring (1,500 Gold) ¨C A crimson-etched ring that passively enhances blood regeneration, reducing the cost of blood-related magic. ©¸©¤©¤ Blood Crystals (Remaining Gold) ¨C Crystallized essence of condensed blood energy. Used as a catalyst for blood magic, replenishing both health and mana over time. Adam made his selections without hesitation. [Purchase Confirmed] - Eldritch Mantle - 3,200 Gold - Runed Arcane Gloves - 2,500 Gold - Sanguine Ring - 1,500 Gold - Blood Crystals (600 Gold worth) With a total spend of 7,800 Gold, Adam finalized his purchases and immediately equipped the items. As he donned the Eldritch Mantle, he felt a surge of mana coursing through him. The fabric was unnaturally light, yet a faint feeling of magical energy pulsed from it. His mana flow became noticeably smoother, and the additional regeneration would ensure he lasted longer in prolonged battles. The Runed Arcane Gloves fit snugly around his hands. As soon as he clenched his fists, the runes embedded in the gloves flickered with a soft glow. He could already tell that his spells would now activate faster, giving him an edge in combat. Finally, he slipped the Sanguine Ring onto his finger. A subtle warmth spread from the ring, synchronizing with his own blood flow. The reduction in his blood magic cost was small but significant. Every advantage counted, especially when he had to maintain high mana efficiency in fights. His remaining coins had been converted into Blood Crystals, small deep-red stones stored in his inventory. They would serve as emergency resources, restoring his vitality and mana if a battle dragged on longer than expected. With his preparations nearly complete, there was only one last thing left to do. It was finally time to use [Permanent Copy]. Adam hesitated, his finger hovering over the system panel. This was not a decision to be taken lightly. [Permanent Copy] was one of his most valuable abilities, allowing him to permanently acquire a skill from a viewer. He had initially planned to wait... Ideally until he encountered a well-known and powerful viewer from his past life. Someone with an ability he knew would be indispensable in the long run. But that opportunity had yet to present itself. Time was against him. He had to challenge the floor boss soon, and unlike before, this time the boss had a [True Body]. That single difference changed everything. In his previous life, the first-floor boss had been a lesser version of itself, a weakened form that lacked true intelligence or the full extent of its power. But now, it would be different. Stronger, smarter, and most likely more unpredictable. The risk of death was real, and he couldn''t afford to underestimate it... His mind weighed the options before him. First, he could delay the fight and continue leveling up. The problem was that the first floor''s monsters offered increasingly diminishing returns. He estimated that grinding to level 40¡ª the recommended level for challenging the boss¡ª would take at least a month. That was far too long! If he wasted that much time, he might not reach the tenth floor before the eleventh floor unlocked. That was an unacceptable outcome. The second option was to use [Permanent Copy] now. Doing so would give him an immediate boost in power, increasing his chances of survival against the boss. However, the drawback was was that once used, he wouldn''t be able to use it again until he ranked up from Ember to Stone, which required fifty Soul Cores. And then there was the third option... Proceed without using [Permanent Copy]. Trust in his current strength, his strategy, and his new equipment to carry him through the fight. But Adam knew better than to let arrogance cloud his judgment. Playing it safe had kept him alive this long. He had already lived through one life and knew that death was absolute in this tower. Preparation was important... hence he had made his decision. He would use [Permanent Copy] now. Taking a deep breath, he pulled up his system panel. The choice he made here could determine how far he''d go in the coming floors, and he wasn''t going to take it lightly. [Streamer, The Chosen Conduit, asks who amongst his viewers has the strongest abilities?] A wave of responses flooded in almost instantly. [Frog Eater]: Not me... all my personalized abilities are C-tier, just at high ranks. [Experienced Old Knight]: I have a B-tier ability! It''s carried me through countless battles. [5th Style Sword Master]: Not to brag, but all my personalized abilities are B-tier. [Prankster of Kingdoms]: What''s this? Are you choosing a Main Sponsor based on strength? Adam just smiled to reply. "No, it''s not like that. I''m just curious." [Bird Hunter]: Liar... you''re definitely picking based on strength. [Bird Hunter]: But listen, tiers don''t mean everything! My personalized ability is only C-tier, but it lets you track anything or anyone as long as you have an item they used to carry. You can find anyone, anywhere. Think about it! [Experienced Old Knight]: What is he? A detective? My ability lets me grow stronger the more enemies I face! Just by surviving battles, I get stronger over time. What''s better than that?! [5th Style Sword Master]: Quite ambitious. But what''s the point of getting stronger if you''re already dead? My abilities allow me to reflect all attacks back at my opponent. Doesn''t matter how strong they are... if they attack me, they''re the ones taking damage! Adam narrowed his eyes as he considered. The [5th Style Sword Master] had a point. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Reflection abilities were extremely powerful if used correctly, especially against high-damage enemies. But [Experienced Old Knight]''s ability was also tempting... An ability that scaled infinitely sounded like something that could carry him through the long run. Just as he was about to settle between the two, another message popped up. [Prankster of Kingdoms]: I''m an A-tier ability user ^^. Chapter 38 - 38: Stuck Between Choices [Frog Eater] : No way?! [Bird Hunter] : Show proof. [Experienced Old Knight] : If that''s true, then I''d pick him over us too. No hard feelings. [5th Style Sword Master] : Tch, an A-tier¡­ I''d like to see what he has before I admit defeat. Adam narrowed his eyes. ''Prankster of Kingdoms is an A-tier user¡­?'' That was unexpected. In his past life, when news spread that [Prankster of Kingdoms] had been killed by the Vessel Devourer, the rumors claimed he hadn''t even been able to retaliate. People assumed he had a low-tier personalized ability, something weak and impractical. Yet, if what he was saying was true, then those rumors had completely misrepresented his strength. Who was the Vessel Devourer to take down an A-tier user so effortlessly? Adam tapped his fingers against his arm, deep in thought. ''I wonder if he''s trying to trick me or not...'' It wasn''t out of the question. The name [Prankster of Kingdoms] didn''t exactly inspire trust. He could very well be messing with them all just for his own amusement... [Prankster of Kingdoms] : Hehe, you guys are just jealous. Adam sighed a little. ''Well, he''s certainly acting like one.'' Still, he had donated hundreds of coins on a whim, even once dropping a full 1,000 coins just because he "felt like it." That level of generosity wasn''t something an average viewer could afford. It lent some weight to his claim. If it was true, then this was a golden opportunity. The thing about abilities was that their tier mattered more than anything. A D-tier skill could become stronger over time as its user leveled up, but it would always remain D-tier. The sheer potential and versatility of an A-tier ability couldn''t be matched by lower-tiered ones, no matter how much they developed. His own [Body Blood Magic] was a prime example. Despite its usefulness, it would always be classified as D-tier. If he could secure an A-tier ability now, it would be a game-changer... After a moment of consideration, Adam made his decision. ''I''m taking the risk.'' [Permanent Copy Activated] [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] The system interface glowed before his eyes, and [Prankster of Kingdoms]''s name appeared on the screen. [Due to rank, you can only pick one ability out of three randomized choices.] [Randomizing three choices¡­] Adam watched as the options loaded, tension gripping his chest. [Ability Selection] 1. [Surreal Creation] (A-Tier): Create perfect illusions that deceive sight, sound, and touch. The illusions can temporarily interact with the physical world but vanish if directly struck or if the user loses focus. The strength and realism of the illusions depend on mana capacity, mana quality, Stream Hunter rank, and level. 2. [Tripping Trickster] (D-Tier): Causes any chosen target within a ten-meter radius to trip. Works on most surfaces. 3. [Domain of Mischief] (A-Tier): Creates an area where reality is altered in playful and unpredictable ways. Effects include reversed gravity, floating objects, spontaneous item swaps, and randomized perception distortions. The stronger the user, the more control they have over the effects. Adam''s eyes flickered over the options. The second one was an obvious dud. He wasn''t about to waste [Permanent Copy] on something as useless as making people trip. Even if there were niche applications, it was leagues behind the other two. That left [Surreal Creation] and [Domain of Mischief]. He re-read the description for [Surreal Creation], his mind already racing through possibilities. The ability to create illusions so lifelike that they could deceive sight, sound, and even touch... It was absurdly powerful! If he had enough mana, he could fabricate anything.... Weapons, barriers, even false terrain to confuse his enemies. It wasn''t just a trick if in the right hands, it could be a game-changer. The only drawback was that its effectiveness depended on his own capabilities. Right now, his mana reserves weren''t anything special, and his Stream Hunter rank was still low. That meant his illusions would have limitations... They would be less realistic, shorter duration, easier to break. But once he leveled up¡­ ''This could be terrifying.'' Then there was [Domain of Mischief]. It was chaotic and unpredictable. An area where reality itself could twist in playful, but strategic ways. Objects floating, gravity reversing, items switching places at random¡­ or not so random, depending on how much control he had. Contrary to the [Surreal Creation], this one wasn''t an illusion... it was real. If he could master it, he wouldn''t just be deceiving enemies... he''d be outright rewriting the rules of a fight! A controlled battlefield versus unlimited deception. Raw versatility versus pure disruption... Adam tapped his fingers against his leg, weighing the options. Both were A-tier. Both had ridiculous potential. Either one could change the way he fought forever... Now, he just had to decide... Adam flexed his fingers, a sharp exhale leaving his lips. He hesitated for a second before coming up with a final decision. [Surreal Creation] was the choice. It was versatile. Practical. It fit him. He didn''t need a battlefield-wide reality shift when he could control perception itself. His past life had been full of fights where information and deception mattered more than brute force. If an opponent couldn''t tell the difference between real and fake, he controlled the fight before it even began. More than that, it was sustainable. He wouldn''t have to worry about accidentally throwing himself into his own chaotic domain... [Domain of Mischief] seemed unpredictable by nature... Would he really be able to control every aspect of it? Would he be able to decide who was affected, or would it always carry the risk of disrupting allies too? If it could flip gravity, what if it flipped his own footing at the worst moment? What if it swapped an enemy out of an attack range he''d carefully set up? The potential was limitless, but so were the ways it could backfire... ''It''s settled.'' A notification popped up in front of him. [You have selected Surreal Creation.] [Copying ability...] [Permanent Copy complete.] [Ability Gained] : Surreal Creation (A-tier) A strange sensation washed over him. It wasn''t painful, but it was¡­ different. Like something was being rewritten inside him, a thread of existence intertwining with his own. His fingers twitched involuntarily as the knowledge settled in, as the unfamiliar yet instinctive understanding of his new power took root. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡ô [Abilities] ©À©¤©¤ [Temporary Copy] (?-tier) ©À©¤©¤ [Permanent Copy] (?-tier) ©À©¤©¤ [Body Blood Magic] (D-tier) ©¸©¤©¤ [Surreal Creation] (A-Tier) New! Chapter 39 - 39: Kravash the Club-Breaker (1) With [Surreal Creation] now permanently his, there was no reason to delay. The Hobgoblin Chieftain, Kravash the Club-Breaker, was the first true milestone of any Stream Hunter''s journey. Slaying him wasn''t just about experience, it was basically a statement. Conquering the first floor''s boss meant proving oneself beyond the rank-and-file newcomers who spent their time grinding goblins and slimes. It meant stepping out of the beginner''s refuge and into the real Tower. The path to the fortress was well-trodden. While the inner regions of Floor 1 were secure, the further one ventured from the cities, the wilder things became. Lesser orcs, goblin stragglers, and the occasional oversized boar made sure the journey wasn''t entirely peaceful. Adam didn''t mind. It gave him a chance to test his new ability... He halted at the edge of a forest clearing, rolling his shoulders as he scanned the trees. He hadn''t encountered any trouble yet, but he could feel it. That subtle weight in the air, the sensation of unseen eyes watching from the underbrush. The goblins in this area weren''t the mindless fodder that roamed near the settlements... These ones had survived despite the Tower''s constant turnover of new hunters. That meant they knew how to ambush! A smile tugged at his lips. Good. He reached into his mana pool, the knowledge of [Surreal Creation] unfurling in his mind like a muscle he had always possessed but never flexed. It was an odd sensation, both familiar and foreign. He shaped the illusion carefully... It was an exact replica of himself! The illusion stood just a few feet ahead, appearing to survey the trees. Then, he waited. The attack came fast. A shadow darted from the foliage, a goblin barely three feet tall, its rusted dagger glinting in the dim light. It lunged straight at the illusion''s back... Only for its blade to pass through empty air. The moment of confusion cost it dearly. Adam moved, closing the distance in an instant. His dagger flashed, cutting cleanly across its throat before it could recover. The goblin gurgled, clawing at the wound as it collapsed. [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] He exhaled, watching as the illusion faded. ''It works well...'' It wasn''t perfect. He could tell his mana was still inefficient, the illusion not solid enough to fool a prolonged interaction. But it had been convincing enough to bait an attack, and that was all he needed. [5th Style Sword Master] : Odd... that illusion looked so real. [WeaverofStories has donated 5 coins] [WeaverofStories] : For a second there I thought that was the livestreamer... [Prankster of Kingdoms] : ??? [Prankster of Kingdoms] : Hey wait. What did you just do? I thought you could only copy skills after turning them into really weak versions... Why did that seem like the perfect illusions I make??? [White_0781 has donated 10 coins] [Frog Eater] : Where are all these strange usernamed viewers coming from?! [Experienced Old Knight] : I presume they''re from a universe that had just recently achieved the pre-requisite of becoming a viewer... Although, it is odd how they''re gathering into this one livestreamer. Adam ignored the livestream chat as a rustle in the bushes signaled more goblins. This time, he didn''t just create a copy of himself... He created three. Each one mimicked his stance, his breath, even the subtle shifts in his posture. The goblins hesitated, their beady eyes darting between the figures. That hesitation was all he needed. He struck with ruthless efficiency, passing between illusions as he cut them down one by one. His enemies barely had time to react, their last moments filled with uncertainty as they lunged at phantoms while the real threat slipped past their defenses. [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] [+24 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] When the last goblin fell, he let out a slow breath, his illusions vanishing like smoke. [Prankster of Kingdoms demands an explanation!] [Prankster of Kingdoms says he''ll sue you for copyright] ''This ability is even better than I thought...'' Satisfied, he continued his journey. The forest thinned as he neared the fortress. The air grew still, the usual sounds of wildlife absent. Ahead, jagged stone ruins loomed against the skyline, their crumbling towers casting long shadows over the land. The remnants of the goblin empire... now nothing more than a graveyard. Adam tightened his grip on his dagger. He could see movement within the ruins. Figures lurking among the rubble, torchlight flickering in the distance. The goblins who remained were not the forest dwellers he had faced earlier. These were Kravash''s loyalists... the last warriors of a dying kingdom, clinging to whatever power they had left. And at the heart of it all, in the throne room of shattered stone and broken banners, the Hobgoblin Chieftain waited. Just as he took another step forward, a system notification popped up. [You are about to challenge the First Floor Boss.] Hobgoblin Chieftain, Kravash the Club-Breaker. [Confirm?] Adam barely hesitated. He pressed [Yes.] Then, new notifications popped up. [Hidden Conditions Triggered!] [You possess more than 80% of information about the First Floor''s history.] [Kravash the Club-Breaker has activated True Body status.] [Floor 1 Authority has been distributed.] [May the battle¡­] [BEGIN!] A strange sound filled the air. Chattering. Teeth clicking together. Laughter. The goblins lurking in the shadows began to move. They looked different now. Their dull, mindless expressions were gone. Their skin stretched tighter over their bones, their muscles tensed, and their eyes which were once dim and lifeless now gleamed with something that made them seem more... aware. Their movements weren''t random anymore. As though understood everything that was happening... And then, without warning¡ª Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They charged! A dozen goblins, weapons raised, rushing straight for Adam. But before they could reach him¡ª Adam disappeared. And in his place stood¡­ Kravash the Club-Breaker. The goblins froze. Confusion flickered across their faces. Where had the intruder gone? Why was their boss standing there instead? The figure before them was massive... Green skin, bulging muscles, sharp teeth, and glowing red eyes. His heavy club, made from the spine of some ancient beast, rested easily in his grip. He looked exactly like their chieftain. The goblins hesitated. Then, instinct took over. They lowered their heads. They were about to bow¡ª Until "Kravash" moved. With a single twist of his body, crimson colored spikes shot out from the air, stabbing through their throats. Blood sprayed across the ground. The goblins collapsed, their bodies twitching for a second before going still. The illusion faded. Adam exhaled, standing over their corpses. [Surreal Creation] truly was amazing... But he wasn''t done yet. Because on the throne, the real Kravash was standing up. And he was grinning. "We.... will... live...!" Chapter 40 - 40: Kravash the Club-Breaker (2) Adam tensed a bit as his grip tightened on his dagger. Kravash''s voice was low and strained... like it wasn''t meant for human ears. His oddly sharp teeth let out in the dim torchlight, his red eyes burning with something beyond mere survival. The chieftain raised his massive club, its surface worn from countless battles, the spine-like ridges darkened with dried blood. The goblins around him didn''t cower. They grinned back, as if his words had ignited something deep in their bones. Then, the floor shook a bit. A pulse ran through the ruins. Adam''s system notifications popped up again. [Boss Room Initiation Complete.] [Kravash the Club-Breaker has activated .] [The remnants of the Goblin Empire answer his call.] The ruins came alive. From the shadows, hidden burrows, and the cracks in the stone walls, more goblins emerged. Not just the small, frail ones Adam had cut down before. These were elites... goblin veterans with sharp weapons, their bodies wrapped in crude armor. And then¡ª Krrrraaaaaaagh! A monstrous roar shook the fortress. A second figure stomped into view beside Kravash. It was bigger. A mutated goblin, its form twisted by whatever power had been keeping this so-called empire alive. It was hunched, yet still towering over its kin, with arms as thick as tree trunks and claws that scraped against the stone floor. Its eyes glowed with the same eerie red light as Kravash''s. Just as the goblins charged towards Adam... Adam began "splitting himself"! From one, he turned into two, and from two he turned into four... and then eight. Although the goblins were confused, they didn''t hesitate as they continuously attacked the multiple Adams. However the moment they struck the Adams, the Adams would disappear into thin air. Meanwhile, in the side of the battlefield, a "goblin" used a dagger to stab another goblin. [True Goblin has been slain.] [+50 Exp, +0.03 Basic Soul Core.] The goblin was Adam who was disguising himself using [Surreal Creation] as a goblin. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] Experienced Old Knight. [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] Another chime followed. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: One Man Army!] [Reducing One Man Army to its F-tier version...] [One Man Army has been reduced to Group Fighter.] [Temporary Copy] : Group Fighter (30 Second Duration) [Group Fighter] : The more enemies you face, and the stronger they are, all your stats attributes are temporarily increased by 2 each! The goblins poured in from every direction, their crude weapons raised, their shrill cries echoing through the fortress ruins. [Christ_Okamoto has donated 10 coins] [Chris_Okamoto thinks there should be more creative ways on how the streamer can use the illusion ability...] [WeaverofStories] : Maybe it''s because he''s not used to it yet? [Experienced Old Knight] : Tch, illusions are for perverts and couwards! [Prankster of Kingdoms mocks the old knight for the typo] Adam, disguised as one of them, moved unnoticed among the horde. His illusions still flickered in and out, causing chaos as the goblins struck at phantoms that vanished upon contact. It gave him time to act! He tightened his grip on his dagger, feeling the sudden surge of strength from [Group Fighter]. A system window flickered in his vision. [Group Fighter Activated.] His muscles coiled and his reflexes sharpened. The weak and fragile goblins in his path no longer felt like a threat. A goblin near him snarled, its jagged sword swinging for another Adam-clone. He struck before it could realize its mistake. His dagger flashed. A clean cut across the throat. The goblin gurgled, staggering before crumpling to the ground. [True Goblin has been slain.] [+50 Exp, +0.03 Basic Soul Core.] Adam didn''t stop. He twisted away from a spear thrust, stepping into the shadow of another goblin. Before it could react, his blade buried itself in the base of its skull. [True Goblin has been slain.] [+50 Exp, +0.03 Basic Soul Core.] He moved like a wraith through the battlefield, slipping between the chaos his illusions had sown. The goblins didn''t know where the real threat was... Every time they struck at an Adam, it disappeared. Every time they turned their backs, another goblin fell. A large one noticed him, one which was heavily armored, its tusked face contorted in suspicion. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It raised its axe high, its beady eyes narrowing. Too late. Adam lunged low, sweeping his dagger across the back of its knee. The goblin howled, its stance faltering. Before it could recover, he reversed his grip and drove his blade into its throat. Blood splattered his disguise, but the goblins were too frenzied to notice. [True Goblin has been slain.] [+50 Exp, +0.03 Basic Soul Core.] Another one rushed him from behind. Adam sidestepped effortlessly, grabbing its wrist and twisting the blade it held into its own gut. [True Goblin has been slain.] [+50 Exp, +0.03 Basic Soul Core.] The battlefield was chaos. His clones were still active, dividing the goblins'' attention. The weaker ones lunged at illusions, their attacks slicing through nothing but air before Adam cut them down from behind. The more intelligent ones... or what few remained, began hesitating. Scanning their surroundings as if realizing something was wrong. One pointed at Adam. He struck before it could shout. His dagger found its way between its ribs, twisting deep. The goblin let out a choked gasp before collapsing. [True Goblin has been slain.] [+50 Exp, +0.03 Basic Soul Core.] Adam turned his gaze toward the remaining goblins. Fear had begun to creep into their expressions. The battlefield, once filled with their frenzied shrieks, was now eerily silent. The last survivors trembled, torn between fleeing and fighting. [WeaverOfStories applauds the streamer!] [5th Style Sword Master has donated 20 coins] : Hm. Quite worthy to be my disciple... [Experienced Old Knight] : He''d be more better off as my trainee! [Frog Eater] : But isn''t he a mage...? Adam was about to cut down the remaining weak goblins when¡ª BOOM! The ground shook beneath him. The air rippled with force as a towering figure lunged from beside Kravash, its massive frame blotting out the dim torchlight. The mutated goblin... It was unlike any other goblin he had ever seen... Its monstrous form hunched yet powerful, wrapped in thick plates of natural armor. Muscles bulged beneath its darkened flesh, and its sharp claws scraped the stone floor with every step. A deep and disgusting growl rumbled from its throat as it charged straight at Adam. Adam reacted instantly! [Body Blood Magic] With a flick of his hand, the blood of the slain goblins surged around him, forming dozens of crimson blades. The sharp liquid constructs whistled through the air, streaking toward the charging beast. But then¡ª The mutated goblin roared. A deep, primal sound that sent vibrations through the battlefield. The blood blades, mere inches from piercing its body... froze in mid-air! Chapter 41 - 41: Kravash the Club-Breaker (3) ''Odd... in my last life, this mutated goblin didn''t exist¡­'' Something had definitely been altered by the [True Body] status! But this wasn''t the time to dwell on it. The goblin lunged. Adam reacted. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] A system prompt flashed before his eyes. Bird Hunter. [Temporary Copy has been activated¡­] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized¡­] Another chime. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Target Execution!] [Reducing Target Execution to its F-tier version¡­] [Target Execution has been reduced to Target Prey.] [Temporary Copy: Target Prey (30 Second Duration)] [Target Prey]: Facing a single enemy increases attack damage by 20%. The mutated goblin swung its massive claw. The sheer force behind it sent dust and pebbles flying as Adam leapt to the side. He landed smoothly, barely missing the blow, before slashing forward with his dagger. His blade connected... Only for a deafening clang to ring out! The goblin''s natural armor had absorbed the attack! Adam clicked his tongue. Before he could retreat, the goblin twisted its body unnaturally fast and sent its knee straight into his gut. CRACK! Adam felt his ribs creak as he was launched backward. He skidded across the stone floor, blood pooling at the edges of his lips. The goblin roared and charged again. Adam wiped the blood away and exhaled. [Body Blood Magic] The blood on the battlefield responded. Dark-red tendrils of liquid steel shot up from the ground, forming jagged spikes that lunged at the charging monster. The goblin snarled, twisting its body to avoid the first few, but Adam guided the blood with precision, sending the spears crashing into its exposed flank. The mutated goblin staggered, but even with fresh wounds, it refused to fall. It was oddly durable despite how seemingly soft its mutating flesh looked. From above, Kravash watched. He stood atop the fortress ruins, unmoving. His grin was still plastered across his face, as if watching something amusing unfold. Why wasn''t he interfering? Adam didn''t have time to think about it. The goblin roared once more, swinging its claws in a wild frenzy, tearing through anything in its path. Adam barely ducked under the first strike, pivoting to the side as the next one came down. He needed an opening. A thought flickered through his mind... His body started mutating! Suddenly, Adam was no longer a human. He was turning into something much larger! A monstrous figure, clad in dark, jagged armor, a towering giant wielding a massive axe. The mutated goblin hesitated as he saw Adam turn into a massive monster... Its primal instincts screamed at it to defend itself. With a snarl, it raised both arms in a desperate attempt to block the colossal axe that was about to cleave it in half. And yet¡ª No attack came... The goblin''s arms remained raised, its body tensed bracing for a strike that never arrived. It was an illusion casted by [Surreal Creation]! Adam wasn''t in front of it... He was behind! [Prankster of Kingdom has donated 200 coins] [Prankster of Kingdoms approves of the use of his ability!] [Experienced Old Knight] : Cowardly ability... [Prankster of Kingdoms sneers at the old knight] [Frog Eater] : Seriously, the livestreamer is too overpowered... I wonder what would happen if a strong viewer came! [5th Style Sword Master] : There is already one. [Frog Eater] : What?! Where?! [5th Style Sword Master] : Me. [Frog Eater] : ... The real Adam had used the split-second distraction to slip behind the mutated goblin''s exposed back, his hands already weaving crimson threads through the air. [Body Blood Magic]. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Blood spears pierced forward! Dozens of sharpened crimson lances erupted from the ground and tore through the mutated goblin''s back, puncturing its flesh, slicing through muscle, and skewering its insides like a puppet on a hundred needles. The goblin let out a strangled, high-pitched screech as the blood-red spikes pinned it in place. It thrashed, trying to free itself, but the spears twisted deeper, locking its massive body into place. Adam didn''t stop. With a flick of his wrist, the blood spears expanded, forcing the goblin''s own weight against them. The sound of tearing flesh and cracking bones filled the battlefield. And then... A final, sickening crunch! The mutated goblin''s body collapsed. It hit the ground, its massive frame twitching once before going still. The red glow in its eyes flickered¡­ then vanished. A notification appeared in Adam''s vision. [Mutated Goblin has been slain] [+730 Exp, +0.11 Basic Soul Core.] [+20 Gold.] The battlefield fell silent. The only sound was the slow, steady drip of blood pooling beneath the fallen beast. Adam exhaled, rolling his shoulders. The power from [Target Prey] was fading, but it had done its job... He glanced up, expecting Kravash to be furious. Instead, the goblin general was still smiling. And that grin... It was wider than before. Adam steadied his grip on his dagger, ready to lunge forward and end it before whatever was coming could unfold¡ª Then Kravash spoke. "You... are worthy!" A wave of energy erupted. A cold, oppressive force rushed over the battlefield like a violent tide. It was ancient and raw... something deeper than just magic. Adam''s body tensed as a system notification forced itself into his vision. [Floor 1 Boss Authority has activated.] [You have been affected by .] [Your mind will grow more violent and unstable as the battle progresses!] Adam''s eye twitched. A sudden irritation flared within him... Like a dull headache, nagging at the edge of his thoughts. It wasn''t overpowering him yet... but it was there. A slow, crawling agitation pressing against the back of his skull. He clenched his jaw. ''So this is a Floor Authority¡­'' He had heard of them before... According to those who had survived encounters with the [True Body] versions of dungeon bosses... A Floor Authority wasn''t a skill, nor was it some sort of buff. It was the embodiment of everything a floor represented. And the First Floor was built upon one undeniable and primal truth that all animals had¡ª Unchecked Savagery. A world where the only law was to fight, to kill, and to survive. A realm dictated by raw, violent instinct... the foundation of all living creatures! And now that same primal hunger was creeping into his mind. Adam flexed his fingers. He could feel it already... A slow, burning itch beneath his skin. A subtle, nagging desire to attack, to rip, and to destroy... Chapter 42 - 42: Strength of Kravash Kravash stood atop the ruined fortress, his piercing yellow eyes gleaming with amusement. The goblin general''s grin had not faded... If anything, it had stretched even wider, a predator savoring the moment before the kill. The goblin general''s smile widened. Then he moved. One moment, he was standing atop the fortress. The next, he was in front of Adam. A flash of steel. Adam barely reacted in time. He twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the curved dagger that sliced through the air. Even still, he felt the pain of the blade against his ribs, a thin line of red appearing across his side. Kravash was fast... even faster than in his last life! [Frog Eater] : Odd.. I don''t remember this boss being this strong... [Experienced Old Knight] : It''s the [True Body], of course it''s gonna be a lot stronger. [5th Style Sword Master] : That still doesn''t make this any less weird. How did the livestreamer trigger the [True Body] status when we didn''t even see him explore... [Bird Hunter] : Well, he did say he had siblings on the upper floors... maybe they messaged him about these information? [5th Style Sword Master] : The messaging function doesn''t unlock till the second floor though. Contrary to the lively livestream chat, Adam was struggling. [Mind Ravage''s effects have intensified.] Adam staggered back. His thoughts were drowning in noise. The whispers of violence, the need to kill, kill, kill... Adam''s dagger streaked toward Kravash''s throat, but the goblin twisted unnaturally, avoiding the strike with ease. The general''s movements were fluid, almost mocking, as if this wasn''t even a fight to him. Adam clicked his tongue. He swung again. A feint¡ª Pulling back at the last second before aiming for Kravash''s heart. This time, he connected. Or so he thought. CLANG! A burst of force sent Adam skidding backward. His dagger had struck something, but it wasn''t flesh... It was like hitting a steel wall! His blade bounced off an invisible force. ''It''s his barrier ability...'' Adam''s mind raced, but before he could react, Kravash''s knee slammed into his ribs. Hard. CRACK! Pain shot through his side like white-hot fire. He was flung backward, rolling across the dungeon floor before slamming against a jagged stone wall. His vision blurred a bit as his breath came out ragged. ''That barrier ability can only activate against one person at a time...'' Adam thought, putting in his knowledge of this floor boss from his past life. Kravash stalked forward, his aura pressing down like an iron weight. "Petty... tricks!" He raised a hand. A pulse of magic rippled outward. Adam barely had time to react before the wave of force crashed into him. The ground shattered. Stone cracked and split apart as his bones vibrated under the impact. His body screamed in protest, but Adam gritted his teeth and forced himself to move. Kravash was powerful... but he obviously wasn''t invincible. He couldn''t rely on raw strength... he had to readjust Kravash''s momentum! Adam immediately changed tactics. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] A system prompt flashed before his eyes. Frog Eater. [Temporary Copy has been activated¡­] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized¡­] Another chime. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Successive Leap!] [Reducing Successive Leap to its F-tier version¡­] [Successive Leap has been reduced to Frog Movement.] [Temporary Copy: Frog Movement (30 Second Duration)] [Frog Movement] : Movement speed increased by 30%, Jump Ability increased by 40%. His fingers twitched. [Surreal Creation]. The moment the ability activated, Adam immediately activated the A-tier ability [Surreal Creation]. Multiple copies of Adam came into view! Some identical to him and some even turned into goblins. Each one moved in erratic, unpredictable patterns. Kravash''s eyes narrowed as he scoffed, clearly unamused by the illusions. Then he moved. Fast. His blade carved through the air, slicing through the illusions in a blur of silver. One by one, they vanished, dissolving into mist. But Adam was already on the move. Using [Frog Movement], he darted between the flickering figures, slipping through the gaps between Kravash''s attacks like water through cracks. His movements became faster, each step light as air. Then¡ª Blood surged. Dark-red tendrils of liquid steel writhed around Adam, responding to his command. [Body Blood Magic]. The shattered stone floor suddenly cracked open as crimson spikes shot upward like a blossoming forest of spears. Kravash''s instincts immediately let out. He twisted, dodging the first few strikes, but the blood spears moved with him, tracking him. He snarled, slashing through one of the incoming spikes, but another lashed out from behind, grazing his arm drawing blood. Adam''s eyes flashed. ''He''s weak against confusing attacks...'' [nonexnihilio42069 has donated 30 coins] [nonexnihilio42069] : You know, at the rate that the main character is regenerating his blood... he might as well turn the entire battlefield into a red ocean. [Frog Eater] : I don''t even wanna question what your stream username means... [Arken_Knight has donated 15 coins] [Arken_Knight approves of the livestreamer''s fighting ability!] Adam launched himself forward. More illusions took shape which went through the battlefield like ghosts, each one a moving as a distraction. Goblin figures lunged at Kravash from the corners of his vision. Some were fake... but not all! From above, a dagger glinted. Kravash glanced from above. But it was too late. Adam descended from the air, using [Frog Movement] to launch himself at an impossible angle. His dagger arced downward... aimed for the gap in Kravash''s armor! But Kravash was no fool. At the last second, he spun, his blade catching Adam''s strike¡ª deflecting it! The impact sent Adam skidding backward... However Adam''s his lips curled up into a smile. The blood spear beneath Kravash''s feet suddenly erupted! SHUNK! A bloody spike ripped through his leg. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For the first time... Kravash staggered! Adam didn''t let him catch a breath. He surged forward, illusions popping up around him like shifting phantoms. Blood magic whirled through the air, forming razor-thin needles that zipped toward the goblin general like a swarm of angry wasps. Kravash''s eyes flashed. He grinned. Then... He disappeared! Adam''s pupils shrank. ''What¡ª?'' A shadow loomed behind him. Kravash reappeared. His blade was already swinging. Adam barely had time to turn. CRASH! A shockwave tore through the battlefield. Adam was sent flying. His body smashed into the ground, bouncing twice before sliding to a stop. Blood dripped from his lips, his vision swimming. Kravash stood above him, his blade resting against his shoulder. His grin had never left. "Challenger... fun!" he said. Adam coughed, forcing himself up on trembling arms. ''I''m guessing that blink ability of his is an ability his [True Body] has... The fake Kravash I fought in my last life is nothing compared to this guy!'' His breathing steadied. The sharp, raw pain dulled slightly, just enough to move. ''It''s time to do that...'' Adam thought. Chapter 43 - 43: Blood Magics Potential Without hesitation, he reached into his inventory and pulled out a small, gleaming crimson gem... The Blood Crystal. Without a second thought, he crushed it in his palm. [Blood Crystal has been consumed.] [Mana and Health are slowly replenishing.] [Blood Regeneration has increased by 10%.] A faint warmth spread through his veins as his injuries mended at a sluggish but steady pace. However, Adam didn''t stop. Another. [Blood Crystal has been consumed.] [Mana and Health are slowly replenishing.] [Blood Regeneration has increased by 10%.] And another! [Blood Crystal has been consumed.] [Mana and Health are slowly replenishing.] [Blood Regeneration has increased by 10%.] [Blood Crystal has been consumed.]... [Blood Crystal has been consumed.]... [Blood Crystal has been consumed.]... He crushed every last Blood Crystal in his inventory. The system chimed repeatedly, confirming his reckless actions. To anyone else, this would have been an absolute waste. After all, while the crystals did restore some mana and health, their true effect, the ability to stack blood regeneration, was almost never exploited! But for Adam? This was a trump card! Blood Crystals had become a must-buy for him ever since he discovered this loophole. While others dismissed the stacking effect as useless, he had turned it into an unstoppable weapon. His heart pounded wildly, pumping faster and stronger. The blood coursing through his veins felt alive. Adam inhaled sharply... Then slashed open both of his arms! Blood gushed out, but instead of splattering uselessly onto the ground, it moved. It didn''t spill away from him. It clung to the air, floating in slow, undulating waves. More and more poured out, pooling beneath his feet. The ground turned a deep shade of crimson, the pulsing liquid spreading outward like an expanding lake. Kravash''s eyes narrowed. "Foolish... human!" Adam didn''t answer. He had already begun to move. [Surreal Creation.] At once, his figure shimmered. Then... it split! Illusions bloomed around him, copies of himself appearing all at once. Some stood frozen, seemingly paralyzed by their own injuries, while others moved erratically, staggering as if near death. Among them, Adam''s real body blended in seamlessly. And then... he layered in another deception! He added goblins to the illusion. Small, hunched figures flickered into existence, their green skin smeared with dirt and blood. They scurried chaotically, some running toward Kravash, others collapsing as if injured. It was chaos. A scene of panic, wounded bodies, and movement. And right in the middle of it all... was the growing blood pool. Kravash''s gaze flickered between the illusions. He clicked his tongue. "Cowardly... Tricks!" Then, he dashed forward.... However... It was straight into the trap! The moment Kravash''s feet touched the blood pool, Adam acted. His eyes gleamed coldly. [Body Blood Magic] The blood at Kravash''s feet rippled... then surged upward! It latched onto his legs, then his waist like living chains. "What¡ª?!" Kravash snarled, his muscles tensing as he tried to move. But the moment he struggled, the blood constricted. The more he resisted, the tighter it became! Adam exhaled sharply. His fingers curled into a fist... And the blood obeyed! The once-liquid mass hardened. It once again changed its form... From a writhing, flowing pool¡­ into hundreds. No, thousands. Thousands of crimson spikes! SHLKT! SHLKT! SHLKT! The air filled with the sickening sound of flesh being pierced. Each spike drove itself into Kravash''s body. Through his arms, his torso, his legs... Some impaled straight through his limbs, while others only grazed the surface, leaving deep, bleeding wounds. The goblin howled. His golden eyes widened in shock and in pain. His body convulsed as he tried to blink away... but he couldn''t! His ability wouldn''t activate! Adam twisted his fist. And the spikes drove deeper. Kravash coughed blood. His form trembled, his once-confident expression now a mask of disbelief. His fingers twitched toward his weapon, but Adam simply clenched his fist one final time. And the remaining spikes exploded outward. SHNK! A final burst of crimson. Kravash''s body jerked until he went completely still. For a moment, silence. Then, his body collapsed. Adam let out a shaky breath, his vision spinning from blood loss and exhaustion. But even as he swayed, a notification pinged in his mind. [You have defeated the Floor 1 Boss.] [Hobgoblin Chieftain, Kravash the Club-Breaker has been slain.] [Calculating rewards¡­] Adam exhaled sharply, his heart still hammering in his chest. [Hidden Condition: has been fulfilled!] [Hidden Condition: has been fulfilled!] [Rewards have been upgraded.] [+20,000 EXP] [+10 Soul Core] [+7,000 Gold] [Level 25 ¡ú Level 26] [All ability attack-damage has been increased by 1%.] [Level 26 ¡ú Level 27] [Mana Capacity has been increased.] [Level 27 ¡ú Level 28] [Magic Penetration has been increased by 1%.] [Mana Capacity has been increased slightly.] [C-tier Item has been found!] [Predator''s Maw] : A mask carved from the bone of an ancient beast. When worn, it exudes a primal aura, instilling fear in weaker foes. [Effect: All damage inflicted on you will be reduced by 40%.] Adam''s eyes flickered. A defensive item... Not just that, but a C-tier one... Far beyond what a first-floor boss should normally drop! ''This is something new¡­'' Before he could ponder further¡ª An unexpected notification came. [An Announcement has been made throughout the Tower of your universe.] Adam froze. ... Far above, in the upper floors of the Tower of Yxthar, time seemed to slow. Across countless battlefields, deep within ancient ruins, and even within the lavish halls of noble factions... All the stream hunters took a moment of a pause as they took the time to read a notification. Because beside each and every one of them, a system notification had appeared... One unlike anything they had ever seen before. ... [Announcement!] [Hobgoblin Chieftain, Kravash the Club-Breaker has been defeated!] [All Stream Hunters from the Second Floor can now freely travel to the First Floor!] [Floor 1 Defeated by: The Chosen Conduit.] A cold silence followed. ... On the 5th Floor of the Infernal Ruins A land of molten rivers and constant eruptions, where only the heat-resistant survived. A warrior, his armor scorched and battered, wiped sweat from his brow as he stared at the system message. "True Body?" He muttered. ... On the 7th Floor of the Skybound Expanse. A world of floating islands and raging storms, where only skilled navigators could survive. Perched on a crumbling ledge, a man let the wind whip past him as he read the notification. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His grip tightened on his glider. "Since when did the First Floor have something like that?" ... On the 10th Floor of the Umbral Halls. A place of eternal darkness, lit only by eerie blue flames and glowing fungi. In a ruined cathedral, a tall woman sat on a throne of shadows, her long black hair framing a sharp, elegant face. Celestia tapped her fingers against the armrest as an intrigued smile appeared on her face. "The Chosen Conduit..." Chapter 44 - 44: The Second Floor [Would you like to enter the second floor?] Adam glanced towards the system as he equipped the Predator''s Maw. He did not really hesitate as there was nothing else he needed to do on the first floor. ''Yes.'' [Confirmation has been made.] [Transporting...] Suddenly, the colors around Adam started to saturate and distort. The land beneath him twisted and reformed as the sound of space twisting itself came into Adam''s ears. Then, there was silence. [Welcome to the Second Floor.] A wave of notifications flooded the screen. [All viewers of ''The Chosen Conduit'' have been rewarded 3x their donated coins.] [Bird Hunter shows happiness!] [Experienced Old Knight is elated!] [Frog Eater is happy with his wealth!] [Prankster of Kingdoms mocks Frog Eater saying that he''s still poor compared to him.] [Chris_Okamoto is confused why the other viewers are so happy.] The chat exploded with excitement. The sudden increase in rewards had taken the audience by surprise. [NLE_immortal has donated 15 coins.] [Prankster of Kingdoms has donated 1,000 coins.] [Experienced Old Knight praises the streamer!] [Mads_1401]: I''m surprised no one has ever defeated a [True Body] boss monster yet... [Frog Eater]: You strange, usernamed viewers truly are ignorant¡­ Information about [True Body] statuses is blocked from us by the Tower. It''s illegal to share that kind of thing. Luckily, our streamer is the first to defeat one, so the ban has been slightly lifted. [5th Style Sword Master]: This streamer hides a lot of secrets, it seems. [Arken_Knight says it makes it more entertaining.] [Prankster of Kingdoms agrees.] Adam smiled slightly at their speculations. ''It''s not like it matters whether you guys know about my strangeness or not¡­ You won''t be able to leak it after discovering it anyway.'' It was a fair system function. The Tower''s streaming mechanics made it so that viewers could only watch for a single day before needing to subscribe. Once subscribed, they were locked in. They couldn''t switch to another Stream Hunter''s channel unless the streamer died. Of course, there were exceptions. Some one-time viewers could stay for a day and expose him, but it was unlikely a viewer would give up someone as promising as him. Although it was arrogant to claim that, it was true. Adam turned his attention back to the screen as a new prompt appeared. [Welcome to the Second Floor.] [2nd Floor ¨C The War-Torn Fields] Description: [A realm where war never ceases. The undead and orcs fight in an endless cycle, their hatred bound by blood and curses. The battlefield is littered with shattered weapons, broken armor, and the restless dead. Hunters must tread carefully, for to step onto this field is to be dragged into the war itself.] Story ¨C The Cursed Battlefield [Centuries ago, the orcs clashed with the humans of an ancient kingdom. In a desperate act, the humans used forbidden magic, cursing the battlefield and dooming all who fell to rise again as the undead. Even now, the orcs refuse to retreat, battling a war with no end in sight.] [Objective] : Hunters must choose a faction¡ªOrcs or Undead¡ªand fight for control of the battlefield. [Common Monsters] : Undead Warriors, Orc Berserkers, War Beasts. [Boss Monster] : The Bone Tyrant, Lord Varos ¨C Commands the undead army from The Black Spire. [Game Mechanics] ? Faction Choice is Permanent ¨C Hunters cannot switch sides after choosing. ? Faction War Points ¨C Performing well earns faction war points, faction war points can be converted into coins. ? Siege Battles ¨C Large-scale wars break out at specific intervals, where players must push the frontlines. Adam barely had time to take it all in before a new system notification appeared. [Choose Your Allegiance.] [The war does not wait for spectators. To survive here, you must take a side.] [1] ¨C Pledge allegiance to the Orcs. (Fight alongside the last honorable warriors of this war, resisting the tide of undeath.) [2] ¨C Pledge allegiance to the Undead. (Join the deathless army and claim dominion over the battlefield.) S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Adam exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders as he took in the prompt before him. "Finally." He muttered. Unlike the first floor, which allowed for free exploration and survival-based challenges, the second floor was structured around warfare. It forced players to choose a faction before they could truly participate in its events. The moment they selected a side, they would be bound to it for the duration of the floor''s cycle. The rules were simple. The war was an ongoing struggle between two opposing forces... Orcs and Undead. Whichever faction emerged victorious in the upcoming grand battle would be granted passage to the third floor, while the losers would be forced to remain here until the floor reset. That meant waiting for an entirely new cycle of war to begin, grinding through battles, and struggling against overwhelming odds until they could earn another chance at victory. For Stream Hunters, this was both an opportunity and a curse. Those who chose wisely could ascend faster, gaining a significant advantage over their peers. Those who chose poorly could find themselves trapped in a losing battle for weeks, or even months, depending on how long the cycle dragged on. Naturally, the chat had erupted with opinions. [Frog Eater] : Pick the Undead! It''s better! [Experienced Old Knight] : Orcs. Honor before death. [Chris_Okamoto wonders about the benefits of each side] [5th Style Sword Master] : Tactically speaking, wouldn''t the Undead faction be better? They don''t feel pain, and they can resurrect. [Prankster of Kingdoms says the decision must be made wisely.] Adam frowned slightly as he skimmed through the messages. As much as he hated to admit it, the war was rigged from the start. The balance of power heavily favored the Undead faction. Unlike the Orcs, who relied on tactics, strength, and sheer resilience, the Undead had an overwhelming advantage. They could resurrect indefinitely, replenish their numbers effortlessly, and sustain losses that would cripple any ordinary army. Worse yet, their forces were led by the floor''s Boss Monster... The Bone Tyrant, Lord Varos who commanded their legions from The Black Spire at the heart of the battlefield. That alone made the choice obvious. Most Stream Hunters, after realizing the that the boss monster was part of the undead faciton, aligned themselves with the Undead. The statistics were staggering... 90% of all players on the second floor chose the Undead faction simply because it guaranteed a higher survival rate and a fast track to the third floor. [A viewer from the war-born universe has entered your stream] [A viewer from the universe of ice has entered your stream] [A viewer from the...] New viewers flooded in, their presence marked by the system''s notifications. Adam''s chat continued to buzz with more activity than before. [Hazardous Combatant] : Choose the orc side! Only cowards choose to be in the undead faction! [Forest Scarecrow says hello to the streamer.] [Disciple of Ice shows curiosity towards the streamer] [Frog Eater tells you not to listen to the new viewers.] [5th Style Sword Master] : Though it is shameful, your life is more important. Joining the undead faction would truly be easier. Deciding to probe for more information, Adam spoke. "Hello, new viewers. Mind telling me which faction is currently winning?" He had memories of this floor from his past life, but back then, he hadn''t entered it until two months after his initial climb. That meant he had no idea how the war had progressed in this timeline. A response came almost immediately. [Disciple of Ice] : The Undead faction has already captured more than half of the Orc territories. The war should be won within two weeks¡­ You''re lucky. You can just join the Undead and do nothing. Chapter 45 - 45: Goldmine That was true. The Undead Faction was, by all accounts, the safest choice. Their overwhelming numbers, ability to endlessly revive, and sheer persistence made them the dominant force in every cycle of the Faction War. It was the obvious side to pick for most Stream Hunters... However, Adam knew better. The biggest flaw with joining the Undead was that rewards were ranked based on individual performance and how many fellow Stream Hunters ascended with you. Because so many players chose the Undead, the competition for faction points was ruthless. Only the strongest and those capable of mass slaughter secured the best rewards. The rest? They barely got anything... Adam had already experienced that firsthand. ''In my last life, I joined the Undead¡­ and barely earned a thing before getting thrown to the third floor.'' Surviving wasn''t the same as thriving... The more you climbed the Tower of Yxthar, the more you''d realize just how important strength was. By comparison, the Orc Faction had far fewer members. That meant fewer competitors and, in theory, a higher chance of ranking among the top players. However, there was also a major drawback... The Orcs were massively outnumbered! With so few battles happening on their side, gaining faction war points would be harder. Since those points could be converted into coins and valuable resources, that was a significant disadvantage... The logical move was to stick with the Undead. But Adam wasn''t looking for the safe option. He needed a path to strength... And he had a feeling joining the orc faction could provide it. With that in mind, he made his choice. [You have chosen to swear allegiance to the Orc Faction] The moment the confirmation flashed across his vision, a new system prompt followed. [Faction War Point Rankings have been revealed] [Current Orc Faction Rankings] [1st Place] ¨C The Atrocious One (4,232 points) [2nd Place] ¨C King of Shadows (3,232 points) [3rd Place] ¨C Distant Eye (2,321 points) .... [Your Place] ¨C 57th Place (0 points) ''Ah, so there''s only 57 people in the orc faction...'' Adam wasn''t surprised, this was to be expected... In his last life, he remembered there being over a thousand stream hunters on the undead faction... Adam''s eyes locked onto the third name. Distant Eye. A familiar name. ''Isn''t she that so-called prophet?'' Distant Eye was famous for her precognitive abilities. Unlike most challengers, she didn''t rely on brute force. Her ability to glimpse into the future made her invaluable. Because of that, she was heavily guarded... practically treated like royalty by the Government. At least, until she lost her mind... A year before the Tower of Yxthar retaliated against Humanity, she went insane. Adam never knew why. But now, he had a guess... ''She saw it coming¡­'' She must have glimpsed something so terrifying, so utterly beyond human comprehension, that her mind couldn''t withstand it. Adam frowned. ''Future vision, huh¡­ A double-edged sword, indeed.'' After all, seeing those entities sent out by the Tower of Yxthar despite not having the status of a [Viewer] yet, one was bound to become insane... His thoughts were interrupted by the flood of messages from the chat. [Forest Scarecrow is confused as to why you chose the orc faction] [Disciple of Ice] : Did you perhaps misread my message...? [5th Style Sword Master has donated 20 coins] [5th Style Sword Master] : Do not bother, this streamer is a peculiar one. [Arken_Knight agrees] [Prankster of Kingdoms is amused by the Streamer''s actions] [Prankster of Kingdoms has donated 20 coins] Adam ignored them. He had his reasons anyway... plus, he''d attract a lot more viewers this way. Being daring and standing out was quite good at times. Shutting off the notifications, he set his next objective. Find the remaining Orc settlements! The war had already pushed their forces into hiding, which meant he''d have to track them down... ... The landscape of the second floor was a barren wasteland. Ruined fortresses, shattered weapons, and the decayed remains of fallen warriors littered the battlefield. The sky was a murky gray, the sun barely piercing through the dense fog that clung to the ground. Adam moved cautiously. He estimated that the nearest Orc stronghold was at least an hour away... He was about to continue walking when he heard a sudden sound. The rattling of bones... His muscles tensed as a chilling presence filled the air. Then¡ª The ground shook a bit. From the skeletal remains buried beneath the battlefield, over fifty skeletons began to rise. Their hollow eyes burned with an eerie blue glow, their movements clattering as they assembled into formation. ''Hm. Just skeletons...'' Adam thought, a bit relieved. He was underleveled right now, hence he really didn''t want to meet any of those stream hunters who spent months or possibly years grinding on the 2nd floor for levels before heading to the 3rd floor... One of the skeletons lunged. Adam reacted instantly. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His hand shot forward, fingers grazing the creature''s ribcage. The moment they made contact... [Body Blood Magic] A crimson glow erupted from his palm. The skeleton imploded. Its bones snapped inward, crushed by an invisible force before its remains were absorbed into Adam''s body. A surge of energy coursed through his veins. [Skeleton has been slain.] [+30 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] [Faction points are increasing¡­] Adam didn''t have much of a reaction as another skeleton attacked. This time, he didn''t dodge. Instead, his arm morphed, veins pulsing with blood magic as crimson tendrils shot forward, piercing through multiple skeletons at once. Their bones shattered on impact. [+30 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] [+30 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] [+30 Exp, +0.01 Basic Soul Core.] [Faction points are increasing¡­] More enemies rushed in, but they were predictable. Adam barely needed to exert himself. His body moved fluidly, passing through between attacks while tearing his enemies apart. The battlefield became a bloodstained graveyard. His ability wasn''t just effective... it was efficient against numbers. ''These skeletons give the same rewards as goblins from the first floor¡­'' And there were thousands of them here! A realization struck him. ''No wonder there are stream hunters who pick the orc faction and don''t mind losing... farming like this was quite efficient!'' His grin widened. This was basically a goldmine! The battle lasted minutes. Skeletons fell one after another. Their brittle frames crumbled under the sheer force of Adam''s attacks. Chapter 46 - 46: Clash of Brutality A resounding clang sounded through the battlefield as a man in plated armor braced against his shield, gritting his teeth while a wave of skeletal warriors crashed into him. The force of their charge rattled his bones, but he stood firm! All around him, the orc settlement was engulfed in battle. Orc warriors that were large and muscled, fought with unwavering ferocity. They swung their axes, tore through skeletons with sheer brute force, and roared defiantly against the overwhelming tide of undead. Yet, no matter how many skeletons they shattered... More kept rising from the ground! Kristoff let out a growl as his mana surged. A golden radiance engulfed his shield. [Holy Fire Defense] activated. With a blinding flare, his shield erupted into sacred flames, burning away the skeletal horde. The holy fire crawled up their brittle bones, reducing them to ash. But even as they fell, more took their place! The undead didn''t stop as though there was an unlimited supply of them coming from somewhere! Kristoff gritted his teeth. ''Damn it¡­ I should''ve chosen the Undead Faction!'' He had thought himself clever... His E-Tier ability, [Holy Fire Defense], was highly effective against the undead. So naturally, he had joined the Orc Faction, thinking he could farm undead kills for easy points. But he hadn''t accounted for the sheer numbers. The Undead weren''t just numerous... They were basically endless at this point! And worse... The Stream Hunters in the Undead Faction vastly outnumbered those that were in the Orc Faction! Kristoff clenched his fists. ''No matter how many we kill, they just keep coming¡­ and we''re the ones running out of people.'' sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His shield flared again as another surge of skeletons lunged at him. He dug his heels into the dirt, pushing them back with the weight of his body and the force of his ability. Then he made his decision. "We need to retreat!" He shouted. "This position is lost!" Beside him, an orc warrior snarled. The massive orc, easily twice Kristoff''s size, slammed his axe into the ground, sending a skeletal knight flying backward. He turned to Kristoff with a deep, guttural growl. "No! Fight till we die! Honor our land!" Kristoff''s eye twitched. ''Damn brutes!'' The orcs were warriors to the bitter end. They wouldn''t retreat even if hell itself descended upon them. But Kristoff wasn''t an orc. He wasn''t willing to die for this so-called "honor"! A sudden metallic screech split through the battlefield. Kristoff turned just in time to see a Stream Hunter fron the Undead Faction in black robes raising his arms. A magic circle flashed beneath his feet, and in an instant... A massive bear made of metal materialized before him! The Iron-bodied bear! It was twice the size of a normal bear, its entire body forged from steel plates. The beast let out a deafening roar before launching itself forward... Right at Kristoff! BOOM! The impact sent shockwaves through his shield. Kristoff felt his entire body lift off the ground. Then¡ª CRASH! He slammed into a half-destroyed wooden hut. The impact rattled his skull. A sharp, piercing pain shot through his ribs. He gasped, barely managing to push himself upright. He coughed. Then coughed again. ''Shit¡­ I think my ribs are broken¡­'' The bear was already charging at him again. Kristoff braced himself¡ª But then, he heard it. A soft, melodic hum. The pain in his chest began to fade. His ragged breathing eased. The burning aches in his limbs melted away like water over smoothed stone. Warmth flooded his body. ''Ah¡­ right¡­ we have a healer...'' He turned his head. A woman with short brown hair and a flowing mage''s robe stood beside him, a gentle smile on her lips. She was humming softly, her voice resonating with an ethereal energy that seemed to mend his wounds with each note. Kristoff exhaled slowly. ''Damn¡­ That ability must be at least C-Tier¡­'' Loraine, the party''s healer. "Are you alright, Kristoff?" She asked. Kristoff flexed his fingers, testing his body. "¡­Yeah." He looked at her, genuinely grateful. "Thank you, Loraine." Loraine gave him a small nod, her soft smile never fading. But they didn''t have time for pleasantries. Because at that moment... The sky erupted! A massive sphere of light descended from above, casting the entire battlefield in a golden glow. Kristoff''s eyes widened. "¡­Oh shit." BOOM! The sphere exploded. Blinding pillars of fire rained down on the battlefield, striking the orc defenses with merciless precision. Kristoff barely had time to react. He raised his shield just as a massive column of fire crashed down in front of him. The explosion sent shockwaves through the settlement. The frontline defenses collapsed. Entire buildings crumbled. The orcs caught in the blast were obliterated instantly! Kristoff gritted his teeth, struggling to hold his ground as the searing heat from the flames roared against his shield. His mind raced. ''That wasn''t a normal attack¡­ That was¡­'' His eyes darted toward the source. A figure stood on a distant cliffside overlooking the battlefield. A man in golden robes. An Undead Stream Hunter. And from the sheer destructive power of his magic, he wasn''t just some random player. Kristoff recognized him. "Radiant Apostle¡­" He muttered under his breath. One of the top-ranking Undead faction players. One of the strongest mages in the current floor 2 war. Kristoff''s pulse pounded in his ears. "We''re screwed..." The orcs, though fierce, were already being overwhelmed by sheer numbers. And now, with an elite mage raining destruction upon them, they simply had no chance! Loraine took a sharp breath beside him. "¡­Kristoff, we need to¡ª" Before she could finish, a deafening roar shattered the air. Kristoff''s eyes snapped forward. The Ironbound Bear was charging at them again! Its massive metal body moved with terrifying speed, ripping through the dirt as it lunged toward them. Kristoff gritted his teeth, raising his shield to brace for impact. But then... A blood-colored spike pierced through the air! SHHK! The Ironbound Bear''s skull split open. The light in its glowing eyes flickered... And then, with a final metallic groan¡ª It collapsed. Kristoff blinked. ''¡­What?'' Chapter 47 - 47: Radiant Apostle Adam stood among the wreckage, gripping a crimson spear crafted from his own blood. His dark red robe fluttered in the wind, his stern eyes scanning the battlefield. A notification flickered before his vision. [Ironbear summon has been slain] [+50 EXP, +0.02 Soul Core] [Level 28 ¡ú Level 29] [Magic Defenses have been slightly increased] Adam frowned slightly. ''Summoned creatures barely give anything¡­'' As he dismissed the notification, a system-wide alert flashed across his vision. It was the notification he received earlier which made him rush towards the orc-settlement. [Siege Battle Alert!] Defend Orc Settlement #21! [Orc Settlement 21: 65% Conquered] [Mission: Prevent the conquest rate from reaching 80% or higher!] The numbers told him all he needed to know. If the rate climbed past 80%, the settlement would fall. The orcs would be wiped out, and the undead faction would gain a foothold in this region! In front of him, hordes of undead swarmed forward... Skeletal warriors, ghouls, and towering zombie abominations reinforced by stream hunters from the undead faction! He couldn''t take them all head-on... A direct fight would only slow him down, and by the time he carved his way through them, the conquest rate would be too high to reverse. Adam exhaled and snapped his fingers. [Surreal Creation] Activated. In an instant, the orcs battling the undead began to change their appearance! Their rough green skin faded into pale bone, their tusks vanishing, their features reshaping into twisted undead warriors. Adam disguised them with an illusion to confuse the enemies! The undead mobs hesitated. Their simple minds struggled to comprehend why their supposed allies were now indistinguishable from enemies... The orcs, seeing their foes confused, wasted no time. They roared and charged, cutting down the disoriented undead with renewed ferocity! Among the enemy ranks, a stream hunter in dark robes narrowed his eyes at the scene. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What the hell?" He muttered. He turned to his teammate, intent on figuring out what was going on. Before he could speak, a "skeleton" behind him suddenly swung its arm, striking the back of his neck with brutal precision. The stream hunter collapsed. Adam, still disguised as an undead soldier, straightened and cracked his knuckles. With his illusion still active, he activated [Body Blood Magic] and dove into the fray. The skeletal warriors around him shattered as he tore through them with crimson spikes. [+30 EXP, +0.01 Basic Soul Core] [+30 EXP, +0.01 Basic Soul Core] [+30 EXP, +0.01 Basic Soul Core] [Faction points are increasing¡­] The orc-aligned stream hunters, though confused about where their orc allies had gone, recognized the opportunity. With the undead turning on each other, they pressed the attack, hacking through the now-weakened enemy ranks! ... Overlooking the battlefield... From a rocky cliffside, a man in golden robes observed the unfolding battle. His expression twisted in confusion. "An illusion ability?" The Radiant Apostle, a C-Tier ability user known for his devastating solar magic, clenched his fist. His ability, [Solar Heat Control], could incinerate a battlefield in moments... His eyes narrowed as he lifted his hand up in the air to activate his skill again. Beside him, a Stream Hunter that looked like a knight clad in white and gold armor hesitated. "S-sir!" The knight said urgently. "You can''t use that ability again. Many of our stream hunters were caught in your last attack¡ª" The Radiant Apostle sneered and shoved the knight aside. "The final rewards before ascending depend on how many of us win the war when heading into the third floor!" He said coldly. "The more survivors, the less each of us gains. If some weaklings die here, so be it... it only means that they weren''t meant to climb the Tower of Yxthar!" The knight clenched his fists, his jaw tightening in frustration. But he knew better than to challenge a C-Tier user directly. Without another word, he turned and left, unwilling to get caught in the inevitable blast! The Radiant Apostle raised his hand. The air shimmered around him as solar energy condensed into a burning sphere. Just as he was about to unleash it¡ª Slash! A blade cut through the air, severing his right arm at the elbow. The Radiant Apostle gasped, staggering back. His eyes darted to his attacker... a skeleton standing unnervingly close! No... Not a skeleton...! The illusion faded, revealing a tall man with short black hair, dark red robes, and cold, calculating eyes. The Apostle gritted his teeth. "Who¡­ are you?" Adam didn''t answer immediately. He studied the man, then glanced at the glowing red name tag floating above him. It wasn''t a light red. It was deep, almost black... A sign of a mass murderer. "The tag above you..." Adam finally said, his voice even. "It''s not just red. It''s soaked in it. How many innocent people did you kill?" The Radiant Apostle''s lips curled into a sneer. "You''re a red-name too." "Answer my question." Adam''s voice turned sharp. The Apostle''s smirk faltered for a moment, but then he scoffed. "Since you''re so concerned about my red-name tag, why don''t I kill you and lighten the color?" With his remaining hand, he tried to activate [Solar Heat Control]¡ª However, just then... The blood from his hand that was sliced by Adam earlier suddenly turned into a sharp blade! The razor-thin edge sliced cleanly through his neck! SHNK! His head tumbled from his shoulders before he could even speak... [Ember-Ranked Stream Hunter has been slain.] [+810 EXP, +0.4 Basic Soul Core.] [+231 Gold.] [You have killed a Red-Named Stream Hunter.] [Infamy has turned into Honor.] [You are now a Green-Named Stream Hunter.] [Honor: 75] ''Despite having a C-tier ability and a higher level than me... Without the proper combat skills and conditions, even Elara could kill someone like you...'' Adam exhaled. He had killed plenty of people before, but he preferred to be selective. Not every red-name deserved execution. Some had reasons, and some were redeemable. But this kind of red-name, the kind that killed his own allies for personal gain... was beyond saving! He dismissed the notification and glanced toward his livestream chat, where messages flooded in. [Experienced Old Knight has donated 20 coins] [Experienced Old Knight] : Good! That red-name label is a shame to one''s dignity! [Mads_1401 has donated 10 coins] [nonexnihilio42069] : I personally thought it was a lot more ideal and cooler. It''s also more practical as fear can make it so that less people bother you. [5th Style Sword Master] : It''s better to make allies than to make enemies of many, child. [Prankster of Kingdoms pretends he doesn''t hear the 5th Style Sword Master] Chapter 48 - 48: New Viewers Skills Adam shook his head slightly at the chat''s reactions but didn''t respond. There was no point in arguing with them. To his viewers, this was just entertainment... An endless stream of numbers, kills, and action. They didn''t understand the weight behind every fight, the reality of taking a life, even if it was just another red-name scumbag. He exhaled, turning his attention back to the battlefield below. The undead horde was starting to lose... With the Radiant Apostle dead, the overwhelming pressure tipping the scales in their favor had vanished. Adam''s illusion was still active, keeping the enemy disoriented. The skeletal warriors hacked into their own ranks, unable to distinguish friend from foe. Meanwhile, the orcs, now disguised as the undead, pressed the advantage, cutting down their confused enemies without hesitation. Further back, the stream hunters allied with the orcs realized what was happening. Though confused as to where their orc allies had gone, they weren''t about to question an advantage. They charged forward, turning the battlefield into a slaughter. A new system notification flickered across Adam''s vision. [Orc Settlement 21: 48% Conquered] Progress... The conquest rate was finally dropping! But before he could even take a breath¡ª A sharp whistle tore through the air. Adam''s instincts screamed. He twisted to the side just in time¡ª BOOM! A massive war axe slammed into the ground where he had been standing. The stone beneath it cracked apart, sending sharp fragments flying. His eyes snapped up. A towering figure loomed ahead. A giant. No... not just a giant. An undead giant! Its massive frame was wrapped in rotting, pale flesh, its bones jutting out unnaturally from torn muscle. Hollow sockets glowed with eerie blue flames as it slowly turned its skull-like head toward him. And then... More appeared! One, two, five... seven undead giants, stomping toward the battlefield. Each step sent tremors through the ground. Adam fell into deep thought ''Reinforcements?'' No. The timing was too sudden. It was most likely mages from the undead faction... Somewhere in the backline, necromancers were adding more pieces to the board. Even as the orcs and stream hunters pushed forward, these new threats would crush them if left unchecked. Adam exhaled and activated [Surreal Creation]. His body distorted, fading from view as he turned invisible. The undead giants, unable to see their target, hesitated. Their empty eye sockets scanned the battlefield, confused. ''Hm... this would be a good time to test out the skills of my new viewers...'' A new system prompt appeared. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] Disciple of Ice. [Temporary Copy has been activated¡­] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Frost Shackles] [Reducing Frost Shackles to its F-Tier version¡­] [Frost Shackles (Weakened)] : Summon brittle ice chains that can temporarily freeze a target''s limbs, each chain lasts for 3 seconds onnly. (30 Second Duration) Adam frowned. ''Three seconds...'' Against normal enemies, this might have been decent. But against undead giants? Three seconds of weak freezing wasn''t much... Still¡­ a bad tool was just an opportunity to be creative. The first undead giant was still scanning for him, its massive head sweeping side to side. Its decayed jaw creaked open, letting out a deep, rumbling growl. Adam moved. A sharp crack sounded through the air as thin, spectral chains of blue ice erupted from the ground, latching onto the giant''s ankles. For three seconds¡ª The creature froze in place! And that was all Adam needed. He dashed forward as he activated [Body Blood Magic] to form a sharp blade in his hands. Adam leaped onto the frozen limb, climbing up the immobilized monster. His movements were precise, swift... In an instant, he was at its neck! A single stab. Right into the glowing soul core embedded in the base of its throat! The moment the dagger pierced through, the light inside the core flickered. The undead giant shuddered... then collapsed, its massive frame slamming into the ground with a thunderous impact. [+101 EXP, +0.04 Basic Soul Core] [+8 coins] [Faction points are increasing...] One down... The other giants turned toward him, now aware of his presence. Adam moved again, dashing past their attacks. He could only summon one set of Frost Shackles at a time, but that was enough. Another set of ice chains burst from the ground, latching onto a second giant''s arm just as it prepared to swing. Its attack halted mid-motion... And Adam was already leaping toward its chest! This time, he didn''t go for the throat. He landed on its ribcage as he positioned his bloody dagger. A precise thrust! Right between its ribs, stabbing into the darkened core buried within. The core cracked. BOOM! The second giant crumbled, its body disintegrating as its animating force was severed. Two down. The remaining five undead giants roared, now fully locked onto him. Adam exhaled. His copied ability was almost expired, but that didn''t matter. The battlefield was still his to control... Another set of Frost Shackles, this time at a giant''s knees. Three seconds of freezing¡ª Just enough time for Adam to reposition, running toward a fallen enemy''s discarded war axe. He grabbed it, the weapon far larger than himself, but his strength stat was more than enough. The moment the freeze ended, the giant tried to move¡ª CRACK! Adam swung the war axe, cleaving straight through its kneecap. The undead toppled over, and before it could recover¡ª He drove the axe down, shattering the soul core in its chest. [+101 EXP, +0.04 Basic Soul Core] [+8 coins] Three down... [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] A system prompt flashed before his eyes. Forest Scarecrow. [Temporary Copy has been activated¡­] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized¡­] Another chime. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Totality of Nightmare] [Reducing Totality of Nightmare to its F-tier version¡­] [Totality of Nightmare has been reduced to Fear Compatibility.] [Temporary Copy: Fear Compatibility (30 Second Duration)] Adam''s breath slowed. [Fear Compatibility] : The fear of your enemies makes you move faster and boosts your attack damage (Max: 12%). His fingers tightened around the axe handle. Fear. The undead giants weren''t mindless. They could feel something akin to hesitation. And if they could hesitate... That means they could feel fear. Adam activated [Surreal Creation.] The air around him grew dark as his appearance began to shift. Where there had once been a lone human standing amidst the battlefield, there was now a monstrosity... A towering, eldritch nightmare! Blackened tendrils sprouted from his back, curling and writhing like living shadows. A grotesque maw split open across his chest, dripping with a thick, blood-like substance. His eyes... no, the many eyes scattered across his shifting body. glowed with an unnatural, hungry red light. The atmosphere around him grew dark, creating the illusion of an unspeakable creature coming alive! The undead giants stepped back as they hesitated to press forward... Adam saw their glowing blue sockets widen slightly. A flicker of something primal... something ancient. Fear! And as that fear took root, boosting Adam''s stats! Adam moved. The boost activated. His speed increased. The axe in his hands felt lighter, his muscles surging with newfound power. The undead giants tried to retreat, but it was too late! Adam exhaled. His body surged forward in an instant. One swing. The war axe cut cleanly through an undead''s thigh, severing its rotten leg from the knee down. It fell. Adam leapt onto its falling body and plunged the axe straight into its chest, shattering the soul core within. [+101 EXP, +0.04 Basic Soul Core] [+8 coins] Three left. The next one roared, trying to shake off its hesitation. It lifted a rusted halberd the size of a small house... Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And swung. Adam dodged, the massive weapon slicing through empty air where he had stood a fraction of a second ago. His glowing, monstrous form flickered, leaving an afterimage behind. Another illusion. Before the giant could adjust... Adam extended his hand. His own blood stirred. [Body Blood Magic]! Thin, razor-sharp tendrils of blood erupted from his fingertips, lashing out like whips. The crimson wires coiled around the giant''s arms and neck, tightening like noose-like restraints. Adam clenched his fist. The tendrils yanked. The undead giant stumbled forward, its balance thrown off... And Adam struck! Using the momentum, he twisted his body mid-air, driving his axe down onto its skull. The blade split bone and rotted flesh apart, sinking into the creature''s cranium. A deep, gurgling groan escaped its throat before... CRACK! The soul core inside its head shattered. [+101 EXP, +0.04 Basic Soul Core] [+8 coins] Two left... By now, the final undead giants were panicking. Their bodies trembled which made them stiff and hesitant. Adam grinned. The illusion of his monstrous form intensified. The tendrils from his back extended, reaching toward the final two undead like the grasping hands of some forgotten deity. They tried to back away. Too late. Adam vanished. In a single blur of motion, he dashed between them, his axe swinging in a crescent arc. One strike... a decapitating blow! The first undead''s head flew off, its soul core cracking apart the moment it hit the ground. The second undead barely had time to react before Adam lunged forward, planting his dagger directly into its exposed chest. A sickening shatter. [+101 EXP, +0.04 Basic Soul Core] [+8 coins] [+101 EXP, +0.04 Basic Soul Core] [+8 coins] Chapter 49 - 49: Soul Cores After two more hours of relentless battle, the undead faction and the stream hunters fighting alongside them finally reached a decision... It was time to retreat! Their forces had been pushed to their limits. At this point, due to Adam''s interference and [Surreal Creation] ability, they could not seem to find a way to break-through the defenses. Which in turn made the orc-faction overwhelm them with sheer strength. Their manas were running dry, their formations had begun to break, and the battlefield was turning against them! Holding out any longer would be a pointless struggle. With no path to victory, the call was made... The undead forces began their withdrawal, pulling back from the frontlines. The orcs, sensing their retreat, let out thunderous roars of victory! Then, the system notifications appeared. [Orc Settlement 21: 0% Conquered] [Objective has been completed] [Siege Battle has been won!] [Faction points have been distributed!] [Siege Battle Ranking] [The Chosen Conduit] ¨C 633 points [Glass Arrowhead] ¨C 121 points [Rage Fighter] ¨C 105 points ... [As the highest contributor of this siege battle, rewards have been given out!] [+900 EXP, +500 Gold] [Level 32 ¡ú Level 33] [Magic Control Efficiency has been improved slightly.] Adam scanned the results. His stream codename, The Chosen Conduit, sat comfortably at the top. Still, this was only a small skirmish in the grand scheme of things. The real battlefield rankings, the faction-wide leaderboards, were far more important. [1st Place] ¨C The Atrocious One (4,232 points) [2nd Place] ¨C King of Shadows (3,232 points) [3rd Place] ¨C Distant Eye (2,321 points) ... [Your Place] ¨C 28th Place (701 points)) ''From 57th to 28th place in a day... Not bad. But then again, perhaps this is the difference between having good personalized abilities and bad ones.'' Well, good was an understatement. His personalized abilities were overpowered... [Disciple of Ice has donated 30 coins] [Disciple of Ice] : So it really was true... is that your ability? To copy the skills of others? No wonder you chose to be on the side of the orcs... [Hazardous Combatant says to try out his skills next!] [Arken_Knight has donated 30 coins] [Forest Scarecrow smiles at the livestreamer''s potential] [Forest Scarecrow] : Have you received a sponsor yet? [Prankster of Kingdoms laughs at the Forest Scarecrow saying that the livestreamer would never choose you to be his sponsor] [Forest Scarecrow simply smiles at the Prankster''s attempt to enrage him] Adam glanced at the ongoing banter. He sent a quick thanks for the donations before a notification caught his attention. [Pockyslee has donated 15 coins] [Pockyslee]: Streamer, mind checking your pending gifts? ^^ ''Gifts?'' With a slight pause, Adam immediately opened his system panel to check. ? [User] Adam Codranel ? [Rank] Ember (Requires 50 Soul Core points and max level for the next Rank) ? [Level] 33 ©¤ (Capped at level 100) ? [Soul Core] 31.32 ? [Honor] 75 ¡ô [Abilities] ©À©¤©¤ [Temporary Copy] (?-tier) ©À©¤©¤ [Permanent Copy] (?-tier) ©À©¤©¤ [Body Blood Magic] (D-tier) ©¸©¤©¤ [Surreal Creation] (A-Tier) ¡ô [Stream Information] ©À©¤©¤ [Stream Codename] The Chosen Conduit ©À©¤©¤ [Sponsors] None ©À©¤©¤ [Average Viewers] 52/sec ©À©¤©¤ [Subscribers] 52 ©À©¤©¤ [Gold] 12,332 Gold ©¸©¤©¤ [Pending Gifts] 8 Ah, right. Gifts existed. Unlike coin donations, which were returned to the viewer with interest at the end of a floor, gifts were permanent. Viewers didn''t get anything back from giving them out... This made them far rarer... viewers rarely handed out gifts unless they were truly invested in a stream hunter''s success. In his past life, Adam had received barely any gifts. At most, he had gotten coin donations, and even those weren''t substantial. His abilities back then weren''t really impressive compared to top stream hunters, and he had never been the type to entertain viewers with flashy antics or exaggerated reactions. He had tried before, but it just really didn''t fit him... The moment he forced a smile or tried to act more expressive, he felt unbearably awkward... Still, his viewers had eventually come to appreciate his cold and commanding presence. That, at least, was something he could maintain naturally. With that thought, he reached out and tapped the pending gifts section. [Pockyslee has donated an F-tier Gift] [You have received] : Mana Orb ¨C Slightly increases mana capacity. A minor but useful gift. He was about to thank Pockyslee when¡ª [Christ_Okamoto has donated an F-tier Gift] [You have received] : +1 Soul Core Adam was taken aback. However, he didn''t have time to react as many more were sent out. [D3adH3ad_249 has donated an F-tier Gift] [You have received] : +1 Soul Core [Piggy has donated an F-tier Gift] [You have received] : +1 Soul Core [Nalyd has donated an F-tier Gift] [You have received] : +1 Soul Core [SiorcTalun has donated an F-tier Gift] [You have received] : +1 Soul Core [Batman_Gamerz has donated an F-tier Gift] [You have received] : +2 Soul Core The livestream chat immediately exploded. [5th Style Sword Master is surprised by the generosity...] [Frog Eater] : What''s with these strange viewers? Why would you give away your own soul cores! [Disciple of Ice] : What? What do those names mean? What do you mean strange viewers? [Prankster of Kingdoms says it''s a long story...] These weird username users were definitely odd.. Adam had encountered plenty of odd viewers before... S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Trolls, gamblers, backseat strategists... but this was different. Donating Soul Cores? That was unheard of. While it wasn''t technically impossible to donate one''s own Soul Core, it was something no sane person would do. A Soul Core was the essence of a hunter''s strength, a resource that determined growth and survivability. Losing even a fraction of it meant setting yourself back permanently! And yet¡­ Not just one, but multiple viewers had done exactly that. In his past life, not a single viewer had ever gone this far for him. Donations were one thing. Viewers often sent gold or gifted small buffs to their favorite stream hunters. But Soul Cores? That was an entirely different level...! Adam''s gaze lingered on the usernames flashing in the chat. [Pockyslee is happy that the streamer likes the gift] [Nalyd simply glances at the streamer''s reaction] [Batman_Gamerz says helping the poor is the job of the hero of the night.] He exhaled slowly, fingers tapping against his knee. ''Selfless¡­ or just clueless?'' The act itself was reckless, but it wasn''t just about generosity... These viewers weren''t normal... And Adam had a feeling he knew why. ''They have to be related to that question-marked viewer... The one who sent me back.'' That single thought lingered in his mind, heavier than it should have been. It was too much of a coincidence... viewers with bizarre usernames suddenly showering him with Soul Cores, as if they knew he needed them. But what was their goal? What did they gain from this? ''I wonder why he decided to choose me to be sent back of all people...'' Adam''s expression remained neutral, but inside, he was running through possibilities. He barely had time to delve deeper into his own thoughts when a sudden voice broke through his contemplation. "Ah! Hey!" A loud, gruff voice called out. Adam shifted his gaze toward the source. A man in plated armor, carrying a massive shield, strode toward him with heavy steps. The metal of his armor bore dents and scratches, proof that he had been in the thick of battle. His movements were steady, unbothered by the weight of his gear. Beside him, a woman with short brown hair followed closely, her expression far softer than her companion''s. "You''re the one that threw out that bloody spear and saved us, right?" The man asked, his tone carrying a rough friendliness. "I just wanted to thank you." Without hesitation, he extended a gloved hand. Adam looked at it for a brief second before taking it. He didn''t mind the friendliness. "The name''s Kristoff." The man introduced himself before gesturing toward the woman beside him. "And this here is Loraine." The woman nodded in greeting, a warm smile on her lips. "If you ever need healing, just ask." Adam''s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer than necessary. Something felt... familiar. His grip tightened slightly before he let go. ''Why do I feel like I know this woman?'' The sensation gnawed at him. It wasn''t immediate recognition, but a distant, nagging familiarity... He didn''t show his thoughts on his face. "Adam." He introduced himself simply. Kristoff grinned. "Nice to meet you!" He paused, rubbing the back of his head before continuing. "Well, I won''t take up too much of your time. I just wanted to ask... would you be interested in teaming up with us?" Adam was about to decline... But before he could speak, Kristoff added something else. "We''re teamed up with the third ranker in the Orc Faction... Distant Eye." That name made Adam pause. Kristoff grinned, clearly aware of the impact. "I''m sure it''ll be beneficial for you as well." Chapter 50 - 50: Distant Eye Adam''s fingers twitched slightly, but his expression remained unreadable. Distant Eye... The top-three ranker in the entire Orc Faction as of now... Of course, that wasn''t the main reason as to why Adam didn''t immediately decline. A woman who could pry into the future itself... That wasn''t a name he could just ignore. ''Although I know about the current future events, I''m interfering a lot with the present so I can''t say for sure that the things I know that are gonna happen in the future will be absolute...'' Adam thought. ''If I build connections with her, it would save me some trouble of having to constantly confirm future events...'' Still, he didn''t respond immediately. Instead, his gaze flickered toward Kristoff and Loraine, analyzing them once more. Kristoff had the unmistakable build of a frontline tank. Broad shoulders, a sturdy frame, and a massive shield strapped to his back. His posture alone suggested confidence in his defense, and if Adam had to guess, his abilities likely revolved around reinforcement. A walking fortress... Loraine, on the other hand, was different. There was a certain softness in her stance, her robes giving her away as a healer. T he way she positioned herself slightly behind Kristoff in battle earlier confirmed it. Support type. Adam exhaled quietly. "Tempting offer." His voice was calm, controlled. "May I ask why you''re asking for me specifically?" Kristoff blinked before letting out a short chuckle. "You serious? I saw you fight those gigantic undead." "If it weren''t for you and the illusion user, we definitely would''ve lost the siege battle just now." ''I''m also the illusion user, though¡­'' Adam thought dryly. Loraine nodded in agreement. "Plus, you don''t seem to have a team yet. And in large-scale battles, going solo won''t get you far. Strength is important, but so is coordination." Adam remained silent. She had a point. The thing about the second floor was that numbers mattered a lot. Of course, with Adam''s current strength and overpowered abilities, he could definitely do some damage and carry the Orc Faction. However, if stronger enemies teamed up and larger-scale fights frequently occurred... sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then it was only a matter of time before he hit a wall. However, staying as a solo Stream Hunter had its advantages. Moving alone allowed him to operate freely without drawing too much attention. If he aligned with stronger players, however, he''d be forced into the spotlight sooner than planned. Well... perhaps that wasn''t necessarily a bad thing. ''I came here to figure out the reason for the Tower''s retaliation. Having exposure might help...'' Kristoff must have sensed his hesitation because he added. "Look, we''re not asking for a permanent alliance. Just consider fighting alongside us for now. If it doesn''t work out, you can leave. No strings attached." Adam closed his eyes briefly, considering. Then he made his decision. "Alright... But I demand to see Distant Eye right away." Adam then continued. "It''st just to confirm if you''re actually connected with her." Kristoff grinned. "Alright, that''s fair enough. Let''s go right now, I''ll definitely introduce you to Distant Eye." "Ah but, if you have any mischievous intentions with her, don''t even try it..." Kristoff added. Loraine who was beside him, butted in with a frown. "Kristoff, it''s rude to assume things about people." [haremphobic has donated 15 coins] [haremphobic] : Agreed. He just saved your sorry *** you know. [5th Style Sword Master] : Language, have decency in this chat... [Frog Eater] : What even is that title? Why are you allergic to polygamy? [Prankster of Kingdoms says phobic means fear, meaning he fears polygamy, not disgusted by it.] [Disciple of Ice] : With the streamer''s strength, does he really need to team up with these people... Adam didn''t reply, silently noting down this misbehavior from Kristoff... With that, the three turned as Kristoff leading the way. The walk was quiet at first. Adam wasn''t the type to initiate small talk, and Loraine wasn''t particularly chatty either. Kristoff, however, clearly couldn''t stand the silence. He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly before finally speaking up. "Truth be told, Distant Eye is my cousin, hehe." Adam glanced at him but didn''t say anything. Kristoff continued, clearly warming up. "That''s actually the only reason I made it to the second floor earlier than I expected. I got here in two and a half weeks! Can you believe it?" Adam just nodded. He didn''t mention the fact that he had done it in one week... Kristoff chuckled self-deprecatingly. "At first, I thought I was gonna be someone special because she could see the future. I thought she wanted to bring me along because I had the potential to be strong. But¡­ turns out it was just because I was her cousin." Adam didn''t comment. Kristoff suddenly froze, as if realizing something. "Oh, yeah, whoops. I wasn''t supposed to say that she has future vision¡­" Adam barely stopped himself from sighing. Loudmouthed¡­ And can''t keep secrets. He silently evaluated Kristoff. While the guy seemed reliable in battle, he clearly had a tendency to let things slip. That was something Adam would have to keep in mind just in case... Still, he didn''t say much. He knew of Distant Eye''s reputation, but he had never personally interacted with her in his past life. What he did know was that in his past life, she was a highly guarded figure... One who had risen to the top precisely because of her ability to pry into fate. Hours passed. The first sign of the Orc Faction''s settlement was the distant glow of torchlight. Then came the scent of burning wood, mixed with the faint stench of sweat and iron. By the time they reached the settlement, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the land in deep twilight. Adam''s eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the sight before him. It was a massive encampment, larger than the previous orc settlement that they had just defended. Thick wooden walls, reinforced with sharpened stakes, surrounded the entire perimeter. Guards stood at attention, their towering figures clad in rugged armor, some wielding giant axes while others carried bone-crafted weapons. Beyond the gates, the settlement was alive with activity. Orc warriors sparred in open training grounds, their roars echoing in the night. Merchants bartered loudly over exotic goods, while massive bonfires burned in the center, illuminating groups of hunters and fighters sharing stories of battle. There was an organized structure to the chaos. Kristoff and Loraine led him toward the heart of the settlement, where a massive tent stood. A structure far grander than the rest. Its entrance was adorned with carved symbols, and a heavy presence radiated from within. Kristoff grinned and turned to Adam. "Well, here we are." Adam said nothing, simply observing. A moment later, the tent''s entrance shifted, and a figure stepped out. She was tall, with sharp, piercing eyes that carried a weight beyond time. Her presence alone felt unnatural... as if she wasn''t just looking at them, but through them. Distant Eye. She studied Adam for a long moment. Then, finally, she spoke. "Uh.. h-hello!" Chapter 51 - 51: Timid Prophet The air between them grew heavy, thick with unspoken thoughts. Adam remained silent, his gaze fixed on the woman standing before him. For someone hailed as one of the most powerful figures in the Orc Faction, Distant Eye''s presence was... underwhelming. Adam had always heard about her as if she were some enigmatic oracle, a woman who could peer into fate itself. Yet here she was, standing awkwardly at the entrance of her tent, fidgeting slightly as if she had no idea what to say... ''This is the woman who climbed to the top because of her visions?'' Adam wasn''t disappointed, not exactly. He had met plenty of people whose reputations overshadowed their actual presence. This was just... a bit unexpected. Kristoff coughed, breaking the silence. "Leila, this is, uh¡­ Adam." He introduced with an awkward shrug. "You told me to recruit strong people to protect you, right?" Leila flinched slightly before nodding. "Yes, um¡­ you can come inside first." She stepped aside, motioning for them to enter. Adam followed without a word, his eyes sweeping over the interior of the tent. It was larger than he expected. Thick wooden beams reinforced the fabric walls, and the faint scent of burning incense lingered in the air. A long table sat at the center, already filled with plates of roasted meat, fruit, and dried bread. Despite the tent''s rugged, practical design, the arrangement of food was thoughtful... An indication that the Orc Faction was more than just a band of bloodthirsty warriors. They had structure and leadership. Kristoff''s stomach growled audibly. Loraine glanced at him, unimpressed. Unbothered, Kristoff reached for a chunk of bread, but before he could take a bite... "I''d like a private conversation with you, Ms. Leila." Adam''s voice was calm but firm. Kristoff paused, blinking. Leila hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Ah¡­ okay. Kristoff, Loraine, may you leave us be?" Kristoff let out an exaggerated sigh. "Fine, fine. But don''t expect me to leave empty-handed." He grabbed a handful of dried fruit before heading toward the exit. "And don''t complain when I don''t share later." Loraine, as usual, didn''t say much. She simply gave Leila a glance before stepping out of the tent. The flap fell shut. Now, it was just the two of them. The previous awkwardness between Leila and Adam deepened. She sat down slowly, fingers drumming lightly against the table''s surface, while Adam remained standing. She exhaled. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "So¡­ what exactly did you want to talk about?" Adam didn''t waste time. "Let''s cut to the chase. I want to form a partnership." Leila blinked. "A partnership?" "Your cousin accidentally told me about your ability to see the future." Adam said plainly. "Along with a few other¡­ details." Leila''s expression twitched. "¡­ I see." She didn''t deny it. Adam continued, his voice steady. "I need information. In exchange, I''ll help you win the war on the second floor and act as your personal bodyguard until the third floor. If we continue crossing paths in the upper levels, I won''t mind offering assistance then either." Leila''s lips parted slightly in surprise, but she remained quiet. Adam leaned forward, his tone unwavering. "Trust me. I''m the best candidate for this role." His words weren''t arrogance... they were fact. She needed someone who could protect her, and he had no intention of letting anyone else take that position. Not when she was one of the few people who could be very useful to figuring out the reason for the Tower''s retaliation... Leila''s fingers curled slightly against the table. Adam was about to come up with reasons as to why she should accept as he knew that such a grand oracle would definitely ask more question. But, to his surprise... "¡­Alright." Adam''s expression didn''t change, but inwardly, he frowned. ''She accepted too easily..'' Someone as cautious as her, someone with knowledge of the future, shouldn''t have agreed so quickly... ''Timid...'' [WeaverOfStories has donated 15 coins] [WeaveOfStories] : What a cute prophet! [JustJoeKing has donated 15 coins] [JustJoeKing argues that the streamer is cuter.] [Frog Eater] : What part of this battle maniac is cute... Leila must have realized how unnatural her reaction had been because she immediately straightened. "A-Ah, I mean, how do I know you''re strong enough to protect me?" Adam didn''t answer right away. Instead, he pulled up his system interface and sent her a friend request. A notification immediately appeared in front of her. [Stream Hunter, The Chosen Conduit, has sent you a friend request.] Leila''s eyes widened slightly. She exhaled softly. "O-Oh¡­ that was you." Adam raised an eyebrow. "You saw the universal notification from the Tower yesterday, didn''t you? Then that should be enough proof." She nodded. A moment later, another notification popped up. [Distant Eye has accepted your friend request.] Leila sat back, releasing a slow breath. "I''m glad you''re not a monster¡­" She murmured. Adam frowned. "A monster?" Leila hesitated, then gave an awkward smile. "In the first floor, I had a vision. It told me that if I brought Kristoff along, he''d lead me to someone on the second floor." She swallowed. "¡­But the vision didn''t specify much, it even said that Kristoff would either bring me someone who would be the one to save me from an impending demise, or someone who would give me a fate worse than death." Adam didn''t speak. Leila forced a weak laugh. "I guess I''m lucky it was the former." Adam remained silent, his thoughts shifting. She had expected him. She had known there was a fifty-fifty chance he would either save her or destroy her. And despite that, she had still allowed Kristoff to bring him here. ''She took the risk, she really does trust her visions that much.'' ''I should prevent her from doing that too much lest I want her to go insane like in my last life...'' ''Also, what''s with that latter part of the prophecy... I don''t think I have any reason to kill this prophet.'' Adam thought. After a moment, Adam spoke again. "Why did you choose the Orc Faction?" Leila blinked at the sudden question. She shifted in her seat, her hands pressing together. "M-My vision told me this faction would win the war¡­" Adam narrowed his eyes slightly. ''Is it a result of my influence?'' The Orc Faction wasn''t supposed to win under normal circumstances... Their numbers were too imbalanced. The Undead Faction always overwhelmed them, crushing them before they could even establish a proper foothold. If they had even the slightest chance of victory now, then it would most likely be because of a strong anomaly. Because of him. A heavy silence settled between them. Leila lowered her gaze, then spoke, her voice softer this time. "¡­I was desperate." Adam remained still. "My visions¡ª" She hesitated, Leila''s fingers traced an idle pattern on the table. "They aren''t always clear..." She admitted, her voice quieter now. "S-sometimes, I see paths, but not the steps that lead to them. I knew the Orcs would win, but I didn''t know why. I just¡­ followed what I saw." She let out a soft, almost self-deprecating laugh. "Honestly, I was starting to think I made the wrong decision." There was a brief pause before she suddenly straightened, as if remembering something important. "A-ah, that''s right!" She clapped her hands lightly. "If we win this second-floor war, I-I''ll help you in advance by using [Personalized Destiny] on you!" Adam''s gaze remained expressionless. "What''s that?" Leila perked up slightly, glad for the shift in focus. "It''s one of my skills!" She explained, a bit more confidently this time. "It has a cooldown of three months, but it lets me see which specific event in your future will have the biggest impact on your life. Not just vague glimpses... an actual, concrete node that changes everything!" She tilted her head, studying him. "If we win, I''ll use it on you as an advance payment." He exhaled slowly, eyes unreadable. "Alright." Chapter 52 - 52: War Strategy The air inside the tent was thick with tension as Kristoff and Loraine finally stepped back inside the tent. The private conversation had concluded and it was time to discuss their next strategy in regards to the floor war. Adam sat at the head of the table, one hand resting on the worn-out surface, the other idly tracing a circle against it. His face was unreadable, but there was a sharpness in his eyes as though he was thinking deeply. "There''s a main Orc settlement under the Undead''s control." His voice cut through the silence, steady and precise. "A key foothold. They hold prisoners there, convert them into the undead, and use it as a supply hub. If we take it back, we accomplish three things at once." He raised a finger. "One, we cripple their expansion by destroying one of their resource centers." A second finger. "Two, we strengthen our forces by rallying Orc warriors who are still capable of fighting." Then the third. "Three, we strike another Undead settlement at the same time." Kristoff frowned, crossing his arms. "Hold on. We barely have enough forces to split our attack. The Stream Hunters on the Undead''s side outnumber us six to one." Adam met his gaze without hesitation. "No need to divide. We''re focusing everything we have on the second Undead settlement." Loraine narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean?" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I mean I''ll attack the main Undead stronghold alone with Leila." A sharp intake of breath. Leila froze. "Huh¡­?" Kristoff''s expression twisted into anger. "You¡­ are you trying to send my cousin to her death?!" The moment he said that, Adam turned his head and shot him a glare. Kristoff clenched his jaw but fell silent under the weight of it. "Don''t question it too much, we already discussed what we''d do earlier." Adam said, his voice firm. "Your job is to gather every available Stream Hunter and focus on the other Undead settlement. Do you have contact with them?" Leila hesitated for a second before nodding. "Most of them are under my command... T-they trust my visions." ''That''s fair enough...'' Adam thought. If he were an ordinary Stream Hunter who didn''t have much ability, he would''ve also blindly followed what a prophecy-user would say. "Good." Adam leaned forward, placing both hands on the table. His expression darkened, not with hesitation, but with certainty. "Now, here''s what we''re going to do..." The night was cold, but the tension running through the camp made it colder. The firelight flickered against the map spread across the table, casting long shadows over the faces of those gathered. Adam''s gaze remained steady, his finger trailing across the worn parchment as he outlined their approach. "The settlement is surrounded on all sides, but there''s a weakness we can abuse." He said. "The southern perimeter has fewer guards, likely because they don''t expect an attack from that direction. The terrain is a rough and dense forest with uneven ground.... but that works in our favor. We''ll move under cover of darkness and slip in before the patrols can notice." Leila sat across from him, arms folded, eyes scanning the map. "And once we''re inside?" Adam met her gaze. "We find the Necromancer first, he''s a main component that should be eliminated... Without him, the Undead lose their ability to reinforce. The Orcs they''ve turned can''t act independently, and any new conversions stop the moment he''s dead." Kristoff leaned forward, frowning. "You''re sure there''s only one?" "There''s always only one." Adam said. "Too many, and they''d be stepping on each other''s control. The Undead work in a chain of command, and a settlement this size doesn''t need more than a single overseer." Kristoff exhaled slowly. "Fine. So we take out the Necromancer. Then what?" "We release the prisoners." Adam''s voice was firm. "They''ve got at least fifty warriors locked up, maybe more. Some of them might even be battle-trained mages. To them, they''re just captives, but to us... they''re an army waiting to be freed." [Disciple of Ice] : How does this streamer even know all of this? I don''t remember him exploring the second floor this much... [nonexnihilio42069 has donated 15 coins] [nonexnihilio42069] : We''ve already seen the numerous abilities he''s shown. Perhaps one of them involves being able to discern terrains, see into the future, or anything that involves being able to gather information passively. [Nalyd has donated 30 coins] [Nalyd agrees saying that its pointless to question a person''s capabilities when their personalized ability allows them to copy others] [Experienced Old Knight] : That is true. Do any of us have terrain or future seeing abilities? Perhaps he copied one of our abilities again... [Bird Hunter says he has a terrain-information ability] [5th Style Sword Master shakes his head saying his abilities are all for combat] [Hazardous Combatant has donated 50 coins] [Hazardous Combatant is excited for the streamer to solo an entire undead settlement!] [Devil_Debi58 says he''ll give a soul core if the streamer succeeds] [pockyslee] : I''ll give out two! [Nalyd says he''ll give three times the amount of that] [Frog Eater] : Do you people not have uses for your soul cores?! Give them to me! Kristoff ran a hand through his hair. "And how do you expect them to fight after being starved and tortured?" "They won''t have to fight for long." Adam tapped the table. "By the time we free them, the Stream Hunters will have begun their assault on the second Undead settlement. That''s going to force the enemy to split their attention. They''ll be caught between defending their stronghold and reinforcing the outpost. In the confusion, we hit them from within." Leila''s fingers tightened on her sleeve. "A-and what about the Death Knight...?" Adam leaned back with a calm expression. "I''m not fighting him." Silence. Kristoff''s brows furrowed. "What?" "I''m not fighting him." Adam repeated. "I''m trapping him." Leila narrowed her eyes. "Explain." "There''s an underground chamber beneath the stronghold. It was once a ritual site, reinforced with spellwork to contain whatever was inside. If we can lure him there and collapse the entrance, he''ll be sealed in. The magic woven into that place will keep him locked away for good." Kristoff let out a low whistle. "That''s assuming he follows you." "He will." Adam said. "The Death Knights are bound by duty. If I make myself enough of a threat, he won''t let me escape. I''ll lead him straight into the chamber, and once he''s inside, Leila will seal the entrance with an explosive rune." Leila flinched. "Y-you''re trusting me with that?" "I trust you to get it right." Adam said simply. She let out a soft nervous chuckle. "Got it..." Adam nodded. "If this works, the Undead lose a Necromancer, a Death Knight, and a foothold in this region. And we gain an army." Kristoff exhaled. "Alright. I''ll gather the Stream Hunters. But if this goes sideways..." "It won''t." Adam''s voice was calm, confident. Chapter 53 - 53: Necromancer The thick forest swayed ahead, its twisted branches reaching toward the sky like skeletal fingers. A thick fog rolled over the damp ground, slithering between tangled roots and rocks. Every step felt heavier in the cold night air. Beyond the trees, past the uneven terrain, stood what once was a orc settlement which had now become a stronghold for the undead faction. A dark, crumbling fortress, its walls worn with time but still standing strong. Faded banners hung limply from its towers, stained with decay. The flickering blue glow of torches lined the perimeter, casting long, eerie shadows. Adam crouched low in the undergrowth, his gaze fixed on the guards patrolling the walls. Their movements were precise, repeating the same patterns over and over again, like a routine burned into their rotting minds... He counted their steps. Watched the exact moment when they turned their backs... Leila knelt beside him, gripping her staff. The polished metal gleamed faintly in the dim light, intricate etchings spiraling up its length. It was a government-sponsored weapon, bought specifically for her due to how precious her ability was. It required only a focus of her mana, and it would handle the rest, converting her energy into destructive beams of mana... ''Quite the expensive gift...'' Adam secretly thought to himself, he knew that staff cost about 8,500 coins... Leila''s breathing was slow, controlled. "Do we move now?" She whispered. "Not yet. We wait." Adam replied with an empty expression. The silence stretched between them, broken only by the distant groans of the Undead within the stronghold''s walls. The mist thickened, swirling like a living thing, creeping across the damp earth. Then, from the far end of the horizon, a horn sounded. A deep, hollow noise that echoed across the land. Adam''s expression didn''t change, but his fingers curled slightly. "That''s our cue..." He activated [Surreal Creation], his body and Leila''s blending into the environment. The illusion wrapped around them, shifting with their movements, making them nearly invisible in the darkness. They moved. The ground beneath them was uneven, the terrain treacherous. Adam''s steps were light, as though his body had been trained to be able to do such things. Leila followed closely, her presence light and almost weightless. Then, without warning, she suddenly stopped... Adam turned, noticing the sudden shift in her posture. Her eyes had dulled, her expression frozen in thought... As if something unseen had wrapped itself around her mind. He frowned. "Leila?" She blinked, snapping back to the present before turning her gaze toward a barely visible path through the undergrowth. "Fate is telling me that it''s better to go that way..." She said, her voice steady despite the eerie weight of her words. Adam studied her for a moment. Her ability was strange and quite unpredictable... It didn''t seem like something she consciously activated, but rather something that occurred to her in fragmented moments. ''A passive ability that triggers randomly¡­'' He thought. ''That makes it both unreliable and invaluable.'' Without argument, he nodded. "Lead the way." They veered off the planned route, weaving through the trees in the direction fate had dictated. The stronghold''s outer wall loomed ahead, ancient stone worn down by time and neglect. Cracks ran through its surface, vines creeping over its base like nature itself sought to reclaim what had been tainted. Two guards stood near a broken archway.... Undead warriors clad in rusted armor, their flesh stretched thin over brittle bones. Their dull, milky eyes scanned the fog, but their movements were sluggish, as if their bodies had long since forgotten what it meant to be alive. Adam didn''t hesitate. A single flick of his wrist sent a thin, razor-like strand of blood surging from his palm. The crimson thread glided through the air, wrapping around the first Undead''s throat before pulling tight. The creature gave a guttural rasp as its spine snapped, its lifeless body crumpling to the ground. [Undead Warrior has been slain] [+65 exp, +0.014 soul core] At the same time, Leila moved. She gripped her staff, a pulse of mana surging through her fingertips. A beam of concentrated energy shot forth, striking the second Undead square in the chest. The creature barely had time to react before its torso disintegrated into smoldering fragments, the air sizzling from the residual heat. Adam knelt beside the fallen Undead, his fingers brushing against its exposed wrist. He then activated [Body Blood Magic] to try and control traces of its blood. He was searching... not for life, but for a lingering trace of command. The thing about [Body Blood Magic] was that it was harder for him to control blood that have already been affected by the mana of others... Especially when the quality of the person''s mana was higher than his. This was most likely the reason why [Body Blood Magic] was only a D-tier ability. His brow furrowed. "The Necromancer''s control is weak here. He''s directing his energy elsewhere..." Leila''s eyes flickered with understanding. "That means he''s preoccupied?" Adam rose to his feet, glancing at her. "Exactly. Which means now''s our best chance to strike..." They slipped through the broken archway, entering the stronghold''s decaying interior. The corridors were a maze of collapsed walls and crumbling pillars, the scent of rot thick in the air. Faint, distant sounds of movement echoed through the halls... Shuffling footsteps, the soft clatter of bones. They moved in tandem, ducking behind broken stone and slipping past slow-moving patrols. Whenever an enemy came too close, Adam dispatched them with quick, precise movements. His control over blood turning each kill into a silent execution. Leila, despite her nerves, moved with the precision of someone guided by something beyond sight. She would pause, glance at the paths ahead, and adjust their course before Adam even needed to ask. At one point, she murmured. "Left..., not right." Adam didn''t question it. They turned left. Moments later, the air behind them trembled, and a heavy, bone-crushing force slammed into the corridor they had just avoided... a trap laid by the Undead, activated by an invisible sigil. Adam exhaled through his nose and gestured toward the entrance. They slipped inside. The interior of the stronghold was worse than the outside. The air was thick with the stench of rot and dried blood. Bones littered the stone floors, some old, some fresh. The deeper they went, the louder the groans became... Low, lifeless murmurs coming from cells along the hallway. Leila''s grip on her staff tightened. "The prisoners¡­" Adam''s eyes scanned the cells. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Rows of Orc warriors, their bodies weakened but their eyes still burning with a will to fight. He could see it in them.... the hatred, the anger, and the hunger for vengeance. However, before freeing them, they had to deal with the master of this settlement... The chamber at the heart of the stronghold was vast, its ceiling high and draped in tattered banners. Dim blue light flickered from enchanted braziers, casting an eerie glow over the stone floor, where intricate spellwork had been carved into the rock. And there, standing in the center of it all, was their target. The Necromancer. A figure clad in layered robes of deep black and sickly green, his skeletal hands outstretched over a raised altar. Chains lined the walls, some holding prisoners who had long since turned into hollow husks... neither alive nor fully dead. Faint whispers of dark incantations spilled from the Necromancer''s lips, his presence exuding an unnatural chill. Leila''s breath hitched. "He''s... powerful." Adam didn''t respond immediately. He simply observed, his mind analyzing. The moment they attacked, the entire stronghold would react. They had to be precise and swift... Then, as if sensing their presence, the Necromancer stopped chanting. His head turned ever so slightly. His hollow, sunken eyes locked onto Adam''s. Chapter 54 - 54: Battle Triggered Adam didn''t waste any more time as he immediately activated [Temporary Copy]! [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] A system prompt flashed before his eyes. Bird Hunter. [Temporary Copy has been activated¡­] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized¡­] Another chime. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Predator''s Savagery!] [Reducing Predator''s Savagery to its F-tier version¡­] [Predator''s Savagery has been reduced to Excellent Hunter.] [Temporary Copy: Excellent Hunter (30 Second Duration)] [Quiet Hunter] : Attacks produce no sound, evoking a quiet and silent hunt. Adam frowned. ''Not the best ability¡­'' A stealth-based skill with a short duration wasn''t going to help much in a direct battle. The only thing it gave him was silence... Against a necromancer, that was close to useless. His eyes flicked toward the enemy. The Necromancer loomed at the center of the chamber, its withered body wrapped in layered robes of black and sickly green. Skeletal fingers twitched as dark energy pulsed around them, creating patterns into the air. The chains lining the walls rattled slightly, as if reacting to the power radiating from their master. Adam didn''t wait. He activated [Body Blood Magic], summoning a barrage of crimson spikes that shot toward the Necromancer like razor-sharp javelins. The creature didn''t even flinch. Its body convulsed, and suddenly, its chest burst open...! Splitting apart into a writhing mass of skeletal hands. The grotesque appendages snatched the blood spikes midair, crushing them in their grasp before pulling them inward, absorbing the very essence of the attack. Adam''s eyes narrowed. ''I knew you''d do that.'' He clenched his fist. [Body Blood Magic]. The blood the Necromancer had just consumed exploded from the inside! Spikes of hardened blood burst outward from inside its ribcage, piercing through its brittle bones. The Necromancer shrieked loudly! The sound hit like a shockwave, sending a pulse of dizziness through Adam''s skull. His vision blurred for a second, his knees threatening to buckle. Leila, standing a few feet away, was equally affected. But she pushed past the pain, knowing this was her opening! She gripped her staff... Mana surged through her veins, channeled into the staff. A brilliant glow pulsed at its tip. Then¡ª She fired. A concentrated blast of mana erupted from the staff, streaking toward the Necromancer like a beam of divine judgment. BOOM! The impact sent a shockwave through the chamber. Dust and debris burst outward. The necromancer staggered, its robes tattered, parts of its form disintegrated from the sheer force of the blast. But the battle wasn''t over. The ground beneath Leila suddenly ruptured. From the shattered stone, rotting hands, dozens of them, lunged upward, clawing at her legs, trying to pull her down into the earth! She didn''t panic. Instead, she tightened her grip on the staff and redirected her mana downward. Another blast. The sheer force of the explosion shattered the undead hands, reducing them to ash. The impact sent Leila flying backward, but she twisted midair, landing in a crouch. Adam didn''t even glance in her direction. He didn''t need to worry about her too much. She was ranked top 3 in the Orc Settlement faction for a reason. Instead, he focused on the fight. [Surreal Creation]. His body blurred... then split into multiple figures, each a perfect copy of himself. The clones darted forward, dashing between the swirling mists of necrotic energy, closing in on the Necromancer from all sides. However, just then... A whisper was heard from the necromancer. "I pray to you, my liege¡­ Lord Varos, grant me the strength which death could not¡­" It was a chant! The air trembled. Dark energy twisted violently, forming sharp, black bones that erupted outward like spears impaling Adam''s clones in an instant! The illusions shattered, disappearing into wisps of smoke! Adam narrowed his eyes. ''Calling upon Lord Varos this early means he feels threatened¡­'' He clenched his fists. He had studied this floor''s history in his past life. Every necromancer here inherited their powers from the same source... Lord Varos, the second floor''s boss! Centuries ago, a devastating war erupted between the Orc Empire of Norrukh and the Ancient Human Kingdom of Velmaria. The battle raged for decades with neither side willing to yield. But as Velmaria faced certain defeat, the desperate human mages resorted to forbidden magic. They sacrificed their own soldiers, casting a curse that bound the battlefield in eternal undeath. Every warrior who perished, orc or human, was forced to rise again, trapped in an endless cycle of battle, their souls bound by necrotic chains! But the spell required an anchor... And so, the strongest warlock of Velmaria, Varos the Pale, offered himself. Binding his essence to the battlefield, ensuring the curse would never fade. Even in death, he ruled... And every Necromancer that emerged in this cursed land carried a fragment of his power. Thus, each necromancer that was in charge of a stronghold could request a one-time help from him! As the chant began, Adam exhaled sharply. The Necromancer, the one before them, was nothing more than a servant. A puppet of Lord Varos. The air rippled again. Undead monsters came forward. This time, armored skeletons, their bodies reinforced by layers of thick, blackened bone. Their swords gleamed with a dull, eerie glow. Adam clicked his tongue. Leila planted her feet firmly, raising her staff. "We''re running out of time... the death knight should be coming here!" "I know." Adam replied. He didn''t have the means to kill a death knight as of now, hence they''d need to kill this necromancer before it came. [wolfqueen22 has donated 15 coins] [wolfqueen22 asks why the streamer can''t kill a death knight] [Disciple of Ice] : Death knights can only be killed through holy power, the streamer probably doesn''t have any. [pockyslee has donated 30 coins] [pockyslee] : Maybe the streamer is just fond of them! ^^ [real777] : Maybe it''s not a matter of whether the streamer has it. It''s a matter if his viewers have it, lol. Doesn''t he copy abilities from us? [5th Style Sword Masster asks what "lol" means] [Nalyd says that if you look closely, it''s a drowning man.] The Necromancer had regained its composure. Its body, despite the damage, was already reconstructing itself! Adam didn''t hesitate. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] A system prompt flashed before his eyes. Experienced Old Knight. [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] A moment later, another chime followed. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Millennium Sword!] [Reducing Millennium Sword to its F-tier version¡­] [Millennium Sword has been reduced to Decade Sword.] [Temporary Copy: Decade Sword (30-Second Duration)] [Decade Sword]: Fires one sharp sword construct enhanced by the quality of your own mana. Mana surged through Adam''s body, gathering in his right hand. A glowing sword formed, its blade flickering as if it wasn''t fully solid. It wasn''t a real weapon, but it was sharp enough to do some damage. The Necromancer twitched. Even with its broken body, it could still sense danger. Adam didn''t give it a chance to react. He threw the sword forward. The glowing blade shot through the air like a streak of light, aimed straight at the Necromancer''s chest! At the last second, the undead raised its claws, trying to use a spell to block it. However, Adam was faster. [Body Blood Magic] Adam had placed his blood around the area near the necromancer earlier! Thick bloody chains suddenly erupted. They wrapped around its limbs, locking it in place before it could escape. The Necromancer thrashed, but it was too late. The glowing sword struck. The force sent the undead staggering back as the blade pierced through its ribcage. Black mist poured from the wound, its body trembling as it tried to repair itself. "Leila!" Adam called, signaling that she should finish it up. Leila was already moving. Raising her staff high, she gathered a huge amount of mana. The air grew heavy, pressing down on them like a storm about to break. A bright glow formed at the tip of her staff, growing bigger and bigger. Sparks flickered around it. The Necromancer screeched, trying to pull free. It knew what was coming. Leila''s eyes locked onto the target. Then¡ª She fired. A massive beam of magic shot forward, crashing into the Necromancer. The attack burned straight through its body, tearing it apart from the inside. Its bones cracked. The black mist that made up its form scattered like smoke. The Necromancer let out a final, horrible shriek... Then it was gone. Silence filled the room. A system notification flashed across Adam''s vision. [Necromancer has been slain.] [Splitting rewards¡­] [+605 EXP][+0.6 Soul Core][+75 Gold] [Level 36 ¡ú Level 37] Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Mana Quality has been slightly enhanced] [Faction points are increasing...] Leila let out a shaky breath, leaning on her staff. "That¡­ took more mana than I expected," she muttered. [haremphobic has donated 15 coins] [haremphobic] : Their relationship better not develop into something romantic... [Prankster of Kingdom says it would be a funny relationship] [JustJoeKing has donated 15 coins] [JustJoeKing] : Doesn''t he already have a harem? [Experienced Old Knight] : Ah? When? [JustJoeKing] : The ones who were on the first floor! Elara, Rei, and Nathaniel! [Frog Eater] : Those were his party members, you idiot... [JustJoeKing says it''s the same thing] Adam didn''t respond, waiting for a certain notification to appear. A deep rumbling sound shook the ground beneath them. [Undead Stronghold is being captured.][Siege Battle has begun!] [Undead Stronghold 7: 20% Conquered!] Chapter 55 - 55: Death Knight As the system notification appeared, Adam''s mind sharpened. It was only a matter of time before the Stream Hunters from the undead faction arrived. The countdown to chaos had begun! He exhaled sharply, adjusting his grip on his sword. ''Kristoff and the others should''ve seen the notification and started their attack on the other undead settlement...'' If everything went according to plan, the undead faction would be forced to split their forces. That would buy him time and make things easier to deal with... But time was a fragile thing, easily shattered under the weight of unexpected interference. Leila suddenly tensed beside him. Her usually calm expression shifted as she turned toward the massive door leading to the outside. "There''s danger coming." She said, her voice carrying an eerie certainty. Adam followed her gaze, his brows furrowing. ''Fate must have whispered to her again.'' His mind immediately pieced together the possibilities. The only entity powerful enough to exude such a presence in this settlement was... The Death Knight. A formidable opponent. One that, in his past life, had been an insurmountable wall. Without holy energy, he had never been able to kill one before. But this time... Adam took a breath, adjusting his strategy. "Free the orc prisoners and lead them out." He instructed. "If the Stream Hunters arrive and it becomes too much to handle, message me through the system." Leila blinked, taken aback. "Ah? I thought I was going to help you seal the Death Knight." Adam glanced at her. "I have a better idea." The moment he spoke, her pupils dilated slightly. Her gaze turned distant, unfocused, as if something had whispered to her. And then her expression changed into one of hesitation "No way are you¡­" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She trailed off, realization dawning. "Go quickly before the area gets surrounded." Leila hesitated for only a moment before nodding. She turned on her heel and hurried toward the chambers where the orc prisoners were kept. Adam didn''t wait to see her go. His focus shifted forward. A heavy, oppressive aura flooded the area. Necrotic energy thickened the air, seeping into the cracks of the room like an invisible mist. It was suffocating... foul and unnatural, pressing against his skin like unseen hands trying to choke the life out of him. Then, the sound of metal scraping against stone echoed through the halls. The Death Knight was near. Adam clenched his jaw. ''In my last life, I couldn''t kill a Death Knight because I lacked holy energy.'' But this time, things were different. He opened his system interface. [Gold: 16,332] An amount that once would have made him hesitate to spend in his last life. However, right now, he didn''t worry about wasting it anymore... As he knew that the more entertained his viewer''s were, the more gold and gifts they''d give him back in return. He flicked his eyes toward the system chat. [Nalyd says he''d send good gifts if the streamer kills what he thinks he can''t kill] [real777 says they already sent gifts and is waiting for the streamer to check them] [AmethystRose12 contemplates, looking at their wallet...] [Pb_jelly says they''re willing to give out their own soul core!] [Prankster of Kingdoms is glad that he has fellow rich viewers] [Frog Eater] : Hmph... I''ll be rich soon too! Adam glanced towards the chat. Seeing as to how they were quite eager for him to kill the Death Knight, Adam didn''t mind fulfilling their wish. After all, he was also quite eager to obtain that item that a Death Knight would drop... A Death Tattoo. It was a D-tier item that would appear as a mark on his body. It would trigger his senses whenever an approaching danger comes in! ''It''s not obtainable in the system store, and nobody would ever think of selling such a good D-tier item...'' Sensing the necrotic energy get even thicker, Adam immediately opened the system store as he bought the items he would need! He navigated through the store before quickly finding what he needed. [System Store] [Holy Weapons] ©À©¤©¤ Blessed Shortsword (150 Gold) ¨C A sturdy blade inscribed with minor holy runes. Glows faintly in the presence of undead and demons. ©À©¤©¤ Sanctified Dagger (300 Gold) ¨C A consecrated dagger coated with purified silver. Inflicts searing pain upon dark-aligned creatures. ©À©¤©¤ Anointed Waraxe (750 Gold) ¨C A two-handed axe blessed by clerics, dealing increased damage against entities of corruption. Emits a low hum when near necrotic energy. ©À©¤©¤ Lance of Radiance (1,200 Gold) ¨C A spear forged in sacred fire, granting the wielder enhanced reflexes. Its strikes burn away curses and malevolent magic. ©¸©¤©¤ Divine Edge (3,200 Gold) ¨C A sword imbued with holy energy. When mana is flowed into it, the blade exudes a radiant light capable of cutting through dark-aligned entities. Without hesitation, Adam selected the Divine Edge and confirmed the purchase. A flash of golden light filled the system interface, and the sword materialized in his hand. The hilt felt warm against his grip... almost as if it pulsed with life. He wasn''t done. Adam quickly scrolled to the consumables section. [System Store ¨C Consumables] ©À©¤©¤ [Holy Water Elixir (450 Gold)] ¨C A blessed liquid that, when consumed, allows the body to naturally repel necrotic energy for fifteen minutes. ©À©¤©¤ [Purification Talisman (600 Gold)] ¨C A single-use charm that dispels weak undead curses upon activation. ©¸©¤©¤ [Sacred Veil Potion (1,200 Gold)] ¨C Temporarily coats the user in a barrier of divine energy, reducing incoming dark magic damage by 40%. Adam purchased the Holy Water Elixir. A small vial appeared in his inventory. He pulled it out, uncorked it, and downed the contents in one gulp. The effect was immediate. A faint golden glow radiated from his skin, and the suffocating necrotic energy in the air no longer clung to him as harshly. [Holy Water Elixir Activated: 15:00] His preparations were complete. Adam gripped the Divine Edge, turning toward the approaching presence. The sound of armored boots grew louder. A shadow fell over the corridor. Then... A figure emerged from the darkness. A towering knight clad in decayed armor. Its helmet was twisted, its visor revealing nothing but a hollow void. A greatsword rested on its shoulder, its edge corroded yet deadly. Faint whispers of tormented souls leaked from its very being. Its soulless eyes locked onto Adam. The temperature dropped. Chapter 56 - 56: Danger Adds Up A suffocating aura of necrotic energy radiated from its decayed armor, seeping into the air like a sickness. Adam felt it immediately... The cold burn against his skin, the way his body tensed as if resisting an invisible force. Then came the pain! His skin prickled, dark veins briefly surfacing across his arms. A corrosive sensation spread through his body, sinking into his very bones. It was as if something was trying to rot him from the inside out... Corruption! Necrotic energy was invading his body. But before it could have any severe effects... a faint golden glow suddenly covered around his skin. The Holy Water Elixir''s effect activated, repelling the corruption like fire burning away a plague. The discomfort vanished in an instant! Adam exhaled sharply. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] Disciple of Ice. [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Frozen Time!] [Reducing Frozen Time to its F-tier version...] [Frozen Time has been reduced to Slow Touch.] [Temporary Copy] : Slow Touch (30 Second Duration) [Slow Touch] : All attacks from the user will inflict a slow effect (1% slow per hit, stacks up to 14%) A debuff. Not ideal, but usable... Without hesitation, Adam activated [Body Blood Magic]. Strength surged through his limbs, his muscles tightening as his physical capabilities spiked. Then, he moved. A single step. The stone floor beneath his foot cracked as he dashed forward. The Death Knight, as if sensing his intent, reacted. It raised its greatsword and drove it into the ground. BOOM! Necrotic energy exploded outward. Adam''s figure disintegrated on impact... Only for the Death Knight to realize that it had struck nothing! It was an illusion from [Surreal Creation]! The real Adam had already repositioned himself behind the Death Knight. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His grip tightened on [Divine Edge], mana flowing into the blade. The sword flared with golden light, divine energy burning through the thick corruption in the air. Then... Slash! A clean, precise strike aimed at the Death Knight''s back. But... Clang! The greatsword moved faster than Adam expected. It swung upward in a perfect parry, knocking [Divine Edge] aside before Adam could land a decisive blow. ''Too fast-!'' The realization barely registered before¡ª A heavy force crashed into his stomach. The Death Knight had kicked him. Bang! Adam''s body shot backward, slamming into a broken pillar. His vision blurred for a moment as the impact rattled through his bones. He gasped for air. If not for Body Blood Magic''s enhancements, that could''ve shattered his ribs! [Blood Crystal has been consumed.] [Mana and Health are slowly replenishing.] [Blood Regeneration has increased by 10%.] Even as pain flared in his torso, Adam didn''t waste too much time on it. He raised a hand... Blood whips lashed outward! They shot toward the Death Knight, coiling around its armored form like living chains. For a brief second, the bindings held. But then... A sickening, corrupting force pulsed from the Death Knight''s body. The necrotic energy devoured the blood magic in an instant. The whips withered, the magic controlling them dissolving as lifeless blood splattered onto the stone floor. Adam wasn''t surprised. He hadn''t expected it to hold. He was just buying time to activate [Temporary Copy] again! [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] Forest Scarecrow [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Gaze of the Forest!] [Reducing Gaze of the Forest to its F-tier version...] [Gaze of the Forest has been reduced to Blind Crow.] [Temporary Copy] : Blind Crow (30 Second Duration) [Blind Crow] : Launch a shadow-like crow. Upon hit, target will be blinded for 3 seconds. Three seconds was enough. He activated [Surreal Creation]. Instantly¡ª Hundreds of shadowy crows erupted into existence, flooding the battlefield. They swarmed around the Death Knight like a living storm, dark wings blotting out the dim light of the ruined chamber. The Death Knight, unfazed, raised its greatsword and swung. Several crows vanished in bursts of dark mist. Realizing they were illusions, the Death Knight ignored them and advanced toward Adam. However... Among the countless fake crows, one was different. A single shadowy crow moved with a purpose. And before the Death Knight could react... It struck! A cold, hollow sound echoed as the shadow faded into the Death Knight''s visor. Then... Darkness. Its vision was gone! Adam moved. He lunged forward, raising [Divine Edge] high. The golden glow of the blade blazed against the encroaching darkness. Slash! A clean hit. The Death Knight staggered backwards For the first time, its body shook. The necrotic energy holding it together convulsing violently. Adam gritted his teeth. ''The holy energy isn''t enough to destabilize the necrotic energy inside its body...'' Before he could strike again¡ª BOOM! A second necrotic explosion erupted. Adam was sent hurtling backward once more. He landed in a crouch, sliding against the cracked floor. His eyes narrowed. The Death Knight was still standing. It had been wounded, but the sheer force of its necrotic core was keeping it stable. Adam tensed, preparing for another round. However... a speaking voice was heard near the entrance! "Quickly! Surround him and don''t let him escape!" Adam''s head snapped toward the entrance. A group of armored figures were pouring into the chamber. The Stream Hunters from the undead faction! Adam''s breath came slow and measured as he took in the sight before him. The Stream Hunters stood at the entrance, forming a tight formation, their eyes locked onto him and not the Death Knight. Adam''s grip on [Divine Edge] tightened. His mind raced, calculating every possibility. This had just escalated from a difficult battle to an all-out war. ''They took an unconventional route to get here¡­'' By all logic, it should''ve taken at least ten more minutes for them to arrive... His muscles tensed. He had no time to figure out the details. One of the Hunters stepped forward, clapping his hands together as he began a chant. Adam''s eyes sharpened. A Caster! Out of all the magic users, Casters were the ones he despised the most... Not because they were the strongest, but because their magic had the largest area of effect. One incantation could turn the battlefield against him in seconds. He couldn''t allow that. Without hesitation, Adam activated [Body Blood Magic]. The blood in his veins burned with power as he flicked his wrist, sending a barrage of crimson spikes toward the chanting Hunter. One of his teammates immediately reacted, stepping in front of the Caster and raising his arms. A stone wall emerged in front of him. Boom! Chapter 57 - 57: Adams Saviors [Undead Stronghold 7: 47% Conquered!] [Undead Stronghold 12: 32% Conquered!] Adam barely glanced at the notifications. There was no time. He activated [Surreal Creation], and in an instant, hundreds of goblins swarmed the battlefield, shrieking as they charged toward the Stream Hunters. The illusionary creatures seemed real... down to the desperation in their eyes and the ragged breath escaping their lips! But Adam knew they were just a distraction. And for a moment, it worked. The Stream Hunters hesitated. Two of them immediately fell into defensive stances, protecting their caster. Adam''s fingers tightened around [Divine Edge], his instincts screaming at him to move. This was his opening! He could cut through their hesitation and strike¡ª Shing! A heavy slash of necrotic energy tore through the battlefield. The Death Knight''s massive greatsword cleaved downward, releasing an eruption of blackened energy that corrupted the illusions in an instant. The goblins let out distorted cries as they were dissolved into nothingness, fading like mist under the morning sun. Adam''s jaw tightened. ''It''s recognizing my attack patterns...'' Each moment that passed, the Death Knight adapted. It was a mini boss-class enemy... it wouldn''t be fooled by illusions for too long if he kept using it. Usually, the Orc Chiefs and Holy Orc Priests were the ones who dealt with the Death Knights during Siege Battles! ''I should''ve told Leila to see if one of the orc prisoners was a priest...!'' But before he could even begin forming his next strategy, one of the Stream Hunters broke formation. A warrior, his movements enhanced by an unknown ability, unsheathed his blade and lunged toward Adam at incredible speed. He was fast... But Adam was faster! Shing! Blood blades erupted from Adam''s body, slicing clean through the hunter''s flesh. The man barely had time to register what had happened. He stumbled forward, confused as his vision tilted sideways... Because his upper torso was no longer attached to his lower half! [Ember-Ranked Stream Hunter has been slain.] [+810 EXP, +0.4 Basic Soul Core.] [+231 Gold.] [+10 Honor.] Adam barely blinked at the notifications. A shout rang out. "Leo!" The stone-walled ability user let out a furious roar, his eyes burning with rage at his fallen comrade. Despite his anger, he didn''t charge forward immediately. He was waiting... Waiting for the caster to finish his spell! Adam''s instincts flared in warning as he heard the last chant of the caster. "Let the world feel your weight..." The final words of the incantation rang out. Adam barely had time to react before¡ª A crushing force slammed into him. It felt like an invisible hand had grabbed his entire body and pushed him into the ground. His muscles screamed under the strain as his weight multiplied tenfold. The stone-walled Stream Hunter and the Death Knight rushed toward him, closing in with deadly intent! Adam clenched his teeth. He had to move. But with the pressure bearing down on him, even lifting his sword felt impossible¡ª Just then, a notification flashed across his vision! [Nalyd has donated a C-tier gift] [You have received] : Location Swapper : Swap locations with any desired living target and object that does not exceed five times the mass of the user. (10 uses) S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Nalyd says to save yourself quickly!] The chat was exploding. The other viewers seemed to have also become worried for his situation as they immediately sent donations! They weren''t about to let their promising livestreamer die! [real777 has donated 3 F-tier gifts] [You have received] : Blood Crystal (3x) : Crystallized essence of condensed blood energy. Used as a catalyst for blood magic, replenishing both health and mana over time. [AmethystRose12 has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] : Calming Herb : Allows ones mind to stay calm even under tense situations, maximizing thinking capabilities. [5th Style Sword Master is shocked by the other viewer''s generosity] [Disciple of Ice has donated 100 coins] [Prankster of Kingdoms has donated 300 coins] Adam didn''t hesitate. The Death Knight''s greatsword was already descending. In that split second before impact... he activated [Location Swapper]! He felt his vision twist as his surroundings distorted and change. The weight crushing him vanished as he was instantly teleported! The stone-walled Stream Hunter, who had been charging in... Suddenly found himself standing where Adam had just been! Right beneath the Death Knight''s attack. His eyes widened in horror. "Wait¡ª!" BOOM! The greatsword struck down. Necrotic energy erupted as the Stream Hunter was obliterated on the spot, disintegrating into nothing. The caster''s face drained of all color. Seeing both his teammates die in an instant, he turned and ran. His panic was so obvious it was almost funny. This stream hunter his team had encountered was too strange and powerful for them! But Adam ignored him. The Death Knight was already charging again. His mana reserves were dangerously low. Without hesitation, he consumed the Blood Crystals and the Calming Herb from his viewers. [Blood Crystal has been consumed.] [Mana and Health are slowly replenishing.] [Blood Regeneration has increased by 10%.] [Calming Herb has been consumed] [Your thinking capacity has increased slightly] [Your mind feels calmer than before] His breathing evened out and his mind cleared. With newfound focus, Adam channeled mana into [Divine Edge]. Steel met steel as he clashed blades with the Death Knight once more. ''Tsk... This is tougher than fighting the damn Floor 1 boss!'' He wasn''t wrong... The only reason he was struggling so much was because [Divine Edge] was a holy weapon, but he didn''t have the aptitude for holy energy. He wasn''t wielding it at its full potential! For a moment, he considered retreating. ''Should I retreat?'' Another donation notification snapped him out of his thoughts. [nonexnihilio42069 has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] : (Weakened) Sacred Veil Potion : Temporarily coats the user in a barrier of divine energy, reducing incoming dark magic damage by 8%. [nonexnihilio42069] : Although it''s a weaker version of the real Sacred Veil Potion, but can you try tossing this to the death knight? I presume that although it''s a buff for you, it might be a debuff towards them... [Experienced Old Knight applauds the idea] Adam thought about it for a moment. That... actually made sense. During times like this, having viewers who cared and were entertained by you really was the best thing ever... Without hesitation, he equipped the potion and formulated a plan. He activated [Body Blood Magic], summoning razor-sharp blood blades and launching them at the Death Knight. The undead knight raised its greatsword, focusing entirely on deflecting the barrage of blood blades. That was the moment. Adam hurled the Sacred Veil Potion directly at the Death Knight''s armor. Shatter! The glass broke against the dark metal, and a surge of divine energy erupted outward. The Death Knight shuddered violently as it felt the necrotic energy stabilizing it shake! ''it works...'' [You have purchased] : Sacred Veil Potion (1,200 Gold)... [You have purchased] : Sacred Veil Potion (1,200 Gold)... [You have purchased] : Sacred Veil Potion (1,200 Gold)... Chapter 58 - 58: Stronghold Capture The moment he saw the Death Knight weakening, he activated [Surreal Creation]! His form split into multiple copies, each one indistinguishable from the real him. Dozens of Adams emerged around the battlefield, surrounding the Death Knight from every angle. Their eyes glowed faintly, mirroring the intent of their creator. Then, in perfect unison, they attacked. A rain of blood blades and slashes came from all sides. The Death Knight, still reeling from the Sacred Veil Potion''s effect, struggled to respond. Its greatsword swung in wide arcs, shattering illusion... But there were too many! Every time it cut through one, another launched an attack from a blind spot. And just when it seemed to recover, Adam threw out all the Sacred Veil Potions at once. Shatter! Glass exploded in a chain of bursts, and waves of divine energy engulfed the Death Knight entirely. It roared in pain. Its armor cracked. Its shaking increased violently. The once-imposing knight staggered, its knees trembling as it tried to stabilize itself. But the divine energy was eating away at its very core... the necrotic energy keeping it alive was being purged! It fell to one knee. The opportunity had arrived. Adam tightened his grip on [Divine Edge], feeling the sword respond to him. He poured every ounce of mana he had left into it, and the weapon glowed with a radiant, golden light. Even though he lacked the aptitude for holy energy, the divine nature of the sword reacted to the weakened state of the Death Knight. For the first time, Adam felt the weapon''s true power awaken. His feet dug into the ground. He launched forward. The Death Knight, struggling to rise, raised its head just in time to see Adam''s blade descend. The golden edge carved through its decaying flesh and shattered the dark metal of its armor. Holy energy surged through the blade, disintegrating the necrotic core within the Death Knight''s body. A final, load groan left its mouth. Then, the light within its helm faded. The Death Knight has been slain. [Death Knight has been slain.] [Faction Points are increasing...] [+8,200 EXP] [+5 Soul Core] [+1,200 Gold] [Level 37 ¡ú Level 38] [Magic Damage has increased by 1%] [D-tier item has been found!] [Death Tattoo] : A cursed marking that faintly glows to activate the user''s senses when they are near death. (Automatically appears as a tattoo in the user''s hand) [Undead Stronghold 7: 74% Conquered!] [Undead Stronghold 12: 93% Conquered!] [Undead Faction has retreated from Undead Stronghold 12] [Undead Stronghold 12 has been conquered] Seeing that the 12th stronghold of the undead had been conquered, it meant that Kristoff and the others had chanced victory! It wasn''t surprising... The orcs had been outnumbered, but their sheer individual strength was leagues beyond that of an average undead soldier. They had also focused all their Stream Hunters on this one attack, ensuring an overwhelming push toward victory. Adam clenched his fists, his blood-soaked knuckles aching from the intensity of battle. ''Good... now it''s my turn to wrap things up here.'' His mind briefly flickered to Leila. ''She should''ve escaped by now...'' He had given her a safe route... one that avoided the undead faction''s usual patrols and potential ambush sites. And with her ability to be warned of danger in advance from Fate, she would already be far away from the battlefield. Now, it was time for him to finish the fight. Adam turned away from the corpse of the Death Knight, stepping out of the stronghold''s ruined structure and into the open battlefield. ... [Undead Stronghold 7: 74% Conquered!] [Undead Stronghold 12: 93% Conquered!] "Fuck, how did none of us manage to capture even one of the escaping prisoners?!" A stream hunter from the undead faction spat out the words in frustration, his voice sharp with disbelief. The battle had already turned against them, but to let the prisoners slip through their fingers so easily... it was infuriating! Moments ago, they had rushed toward the seventh Undead Stronghold after seeing the system notification. From a distance, they caught sight of a group of orc prisoners fleeing with a woman in their midst. The woman, wrapped in tattered robes, clutched an ornate staff that gleamed even in the dim battlefield light. At first, they weren''t concerned nor did they feel rushed to capture them... The path ahead was riddled with traps after all. Carefully placed in anticipation of such an escape. Spiked snares, cursed glyphs, and hidden pitfalls had been set days prior. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They only needed to circle around the escaping enemies to ensure not a single one escaped. But something went wrong... Not a single trap had been triggered! The prisoners moved as if the path was clear, as if they knew every danger beforehand. And by the time the undead faction realized something was amiss, it was already too late. When they finally gave chase, expecting to cut them off, all they found were corpses... undead warriors, slain and silenced. The woman and the prisoners were gone. Realizing the chase was useless, the undead captain, a broad-shouldered man clad in worn, blackened armor, barked out an order. "Enough. We''ll deal with them later. For now, we regroup. Team 4 reported that enemies are still inside the stronghold. We surround the place and finish this properly." His subordinates nodded, quickly mobilizing to encircle the stronghold. The captain turned toward one of the Stream Hunters in his team. "Contact Team 4. Ask if they''ve located the intruder¡ª" His voice cut off as a man suddenly stumbled into view, breathless and pale with terror. It was the caster that had fled from Adam earlier. His robes were torn, his face twisted in sheer panic. "C-Captain!" The man''s voice cracked as he gasped for air. "I think...no! I''m certain! There''s a high-tier ability user inside the stronghold!" The captain narrowed his eyes. "A high-tier? You mean the Atrocious One or the King of Shadows? That''s impossible. They were last spotted on the other side of the floor yesterday." "It''s neither!" The caster shook his head frantically. "I... I don''t know who he is, but the necromancer inside is dead! And the Death Knight... he''s fighting it right now!" A heavy silence fell over them. The captain''s expression darkened. ''A high-tier ability user¡­'' His gaze flickered to the warriors around him. The strongest among them was only D-tier. If the necromancer had been defeated so easily, then this unknown enemy had to be at least B-tier or higher... ''No wonder the orc faction was so confident in attacking two strongholds at once.'' They had a high-tier ability user backing them! The captain gritted his teeth. He couldn''t afford to be careless. "We need to¡ª" As he uttered his words, he was cut off once again by what he saw. A monstrous shadow stretched tall from a distance far away from them! Something was writhing above the stronghold, coiling around the walls like a living nightmare! The first thing he noticed was the limbs... long, odd, and dripping with something viscous. The dark appendages slithered across the fortress walls, moving like thick, pulsing veins. They weren''t solid, nor were they mist. They shifted between shapes, flickering between reality and something else entirely. A low and vibrating sound rumbled from the creature''s mouth. A moment later, they saw it. A shape emerged from the stronghold''s ruined entrance, cloaked in absolute darkness. It wasn''t a man... nor was it something they considered to be an average monster! It was an odd twisted, twisting and folding in ways that defied sense. And then, the limbs moved. The odd shadow lashed out, seizing the "Death Knight" in an instant. The once-mighty undead warrior, standing nearly three meters tall, clad in rotting plate armor¡ªdidn''t even have time to react! The dark tendrils wrapped around it, crushing metal and bone alike. The Death Knight struggled, its sword thrashing wildly, but the shadow swallowed it whole. No screams. No sound. Only silence. Then, the shadow expanded. The captain stumbled back, a cold sweat dripping down his spine. ''What... what is that thing?!'' His legs locked in place. Every instinct screamed at him to run, but the overwhelming presence of the eldritch being had him frozen in terror. The caster beside him was already shaking uncontrollably. His fingers twitched as he pointed toward the stronghold. ''I-is that him? The ability user?'' The captain''s mind raced. If this thing was their enemy, they were already as good as dead...! Then, the shadow turned. It didn''t have eyes. It didn''t have a face. But it was looking at them. An overwhelming pressure crushed down on them, thick as a storm. It was suffocating and it felt maddening... Then¡ª "R-Retreat!" Chapter 59 - 59: Codranels [Undead Stronghold 7 has been conquered.] From his position atop the stronghold''s ruined walls, Adam watched as the last of the stream hunters from the undead faction disappeared into the distance. Their retreat was frantic, their movements driven by sheer terror. Even from here, he could sense their lingering fear... Only after they were fully out of sight did he finally let out a slow breath, tension easing from his shoulders. He raised a hand... and the monstrous figure looming over the battlefield faded. The illusion from [Surreal Creation] vanished like smoke caught in the wind, its writhing limbs vanishing, its eldritch presence dissolving into nothingness. What had once been a towering, nightmarish entity was now gone, leaving only the ruins of the stronghold behind. Adam exhaled. It had worked. With how tired he was of the nonstop fight with the necromancer and the death knight, he definitely could not fight a bunch of stream hunters given his current condition... Hence, he wanted to just scare them off to avoid direct confrontation. At first, he didn''t expect them to get scared so easily. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But he quickly realized why. [Surreal Creation] was an A-tier ability after all, so everything they saw wasn''t an "illusion" to them, and instead felt like something that was tangible and incredibly real. And honestly, he couldn''t blame them for running. That illusion wasn''t just any monster after all, it was a reference of something far worse... A being sent by Tower of Yxthar during humanity''s retaliation. A monster that, in his past life, had descended upon Earth and wiped out an entire generation of top stream hunters in an instant. Among them had been his sister. Miya... His fingers curled into a fist. Even now, the memory was sharp... Miya''s last words , the desperate cries of the hunters, the sheer helplessness as they were devoured one by one. He had relived that moment more times than he could count, but even now, the pain hadn''t dulled. ''I should regroup with the other members now...'' He thought, taking a glance towards the seemingly endless sky, secretly having one last thought before moving away. ''I wonder how Miya and Raiden are doing as of now...'' ... In an endlessly dark path that brought upon silence that seemed to last for an eternity... Miya Codranel took a deep breath as she stepped into the dimly lit cavern, her boots crunching softly against the damp stone. The tenth floor... She had finally made it! Her eyes scanned the ruins ahead until they landed on a familiar figure standing near a collapsed pillar. Raiden... Her heart clenched for a moment. It had been years since she last saw him in person... years spent trapped in the tower, fighting, surviving, never knowing if the next time they''d see each other would be as corpses. Yet here he was, arms crossed, his usual unreadable expression in place. The same Raiden. The same older brother who had always acted like nothing could shake him. "You''ve finally made it." He said, his tone flat, but there was something in his voice... A weight that told her he wasn''t as indifferent as he seemed. Miya swallowed. A part of her wanted to make a sarcastic remark, to joke like she always did, but instead, she took another step closer. "Yeah¡­ I did." For a moment, neither of them spoke. They just stood there, taking in the sight of each other, as if confirming that they were both really here. Alive. Then Miya smirked, forcing some normalcy back into the conversation. "Mm, thanks to the countless messages you sent me. I have to say, eavesdropping on your stream codename during registration was the best accident I ever had. If I hadn''t, I wouldn''t have been able to add you and leech off your tips." Raiden exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "Figures." He didn''t comment further, but there was the faintest trace of amusement in his eyes. Instead of responding, he reached into his coat, pulled out a small notebook, and tossed it over. Miya caught it easily, flipping it open with curiosity. "What''s this?" "Information I wrote down about the tenth floor." Raiden said matter-of-factly. Miya raised an eyebrow. "You still have this habit of taking down notes? Are you that old and forgetful now?" Raiden frowned slightly, giving her a dry look. "Not the time to be joking. Read through it carefully." Miya huffed but didn''t push it. She skimmed the first few pages before closing it with a quiet sigh. "Still looking out for me, huh?" Raiden didn''t respond immediately, but his silence spoke volumes. "Anything specific I should be worried about?" She asked, breaking the moment. "The tenth floor is strange..." Raiden said, his tone back to its usual steady calm. "And dangerous. Make sure to stock up on lanterns and flashlights. The longer you stay in darkness, the lower your sanity gets." Miya hummed in thought. "Alright. Also, I saw the system objective. No one''s found the hidden exit yet?" Raiden shook his head. "We''ve found clues, but it''s difficult to pinpoint its exact location." She frowned. "Why? Is the boss guarding it?" "No..." Raiden said. "The boss monster, Nyxara, The Devourer of Light, can be handled. Given the number of Stream Hunters on this floor, it''s not an impossible fight. It''s not even a one-on-one type of boss battle... anyone can group up and take it down." "Then what''s the problem?" Miya asked. Raiden''s fingers tapped against his notebook before he closed it. His voice lowered slightly. "A single Stream Hunter has been making it difficult for everyone." Miya blinked. "A single person?" "Yes." Raiden said. "Celestia Veyne." Miya''s brows furrowed. "Never heard of her. Who is she?" Raiden exhaled, his grip tightening around his notebook. "I don''t know her real identity, but the Stream Hunters here are deeply wary of her." Miya tilted her head. "Considering that it''s just one person. Is she that hard to deal with?" "Fighting her is one thing..." Raiden said. "Finding her is another." Miya crossed her arms. "What do you mean?" Raiden''s expression darkened slightly. "According to those who have encountered her¡­ no one actually knows where her real body is. She''s not just hiding.... she''s practically everywhere." Miya slowly closed the notebook, processing the words. "Sounds like some kind of cloning ability? That is quite troublesome..." "It''s worse..." Raiden said. "She can merge with objects, invade the bodies of the people she touches, and even scatter herself into the air in molecular form." Miya''s stomach twisted. "That sounds... terrifying." Raiden nodded. "We tried to ambush her back on the fifth floor. A B-tier ability user helped us set up a seal to trap her real body. But when we thought we had her, she slipped through every restriction. It seems she''s immune to anything that attempts to trap or restrain her." Miya stared at him, waiting for him to conitnue. "Not just that." Raiden said. "New information from the first floor suggests she can even invade the bodies of people on other floors." Miya stiffened. "...Wait. You mean she can possess people across different floors?" Raiden gave her a sharp look. "Yes." "That''s¡ª" Miya paused, rubbing her temple. "No, that shouldn''t be possible. Abilities shouldn''t scale across different floors." "I agree." Raiden said. "She''s been stopping everyone from advancing past the tenth floor, and up till this day, no one knows why..." Miya exhaled, shaking her head. "Could she be... an A-tier ability user?" Raiden''s gaze didn''t waver. "I don''t know. It wouldn''t be surprising if she was more than that. My viewers have told me that in their universes, there are ability users ranked even higher than A-tier." Miya''s fingers twitched slightly at the idea. "...Higher than A-tier?" Raiden nodded. "S-tier ability users exist." Before Miya could respond, a notification flashed across her vision, signaling a wave of messages from her viewers. One particular message stood out. [Original Style Sword Master says that what an S-tier ability user has should not be called an ability, but rather an "authority."] Chapter 60 - 60: The S-Authorities Miya furrowed her brows as she read the messages flooding her stream chat. "My viewers are saying that S-tier users have ''authority'' rather than abilities... what does that mean?" Raiden, walking beside her, exhaled through his nose. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hm. I''m unsure. My viewers have said the same thing. They keep telling me she truly is an S-tier user because of how complicated her ability seems." He glanced at his own stream chat, his gaze flickering between the rapidly scrolling messages. "Ah, from what I recall, the other stream hunters have a guess about Celestia''s ability." Miya turned to him, interested. "And?" Raiden hesitated for a moment before saying one word. "Omnipresence." The air seemed to still between them. Miya frowned. "Omnipresence? As in¡­ she exists everywhere at once?" Raiden nodded. "That''s what people are saying... But it does seem plausible considering how numerous her abilities are despite the fact that our ranks are still lower than that of a viwer. He said before continuing. "No wonder people are calling it an ''authority'' rather than a mere ability." Miya hummed in thought. "If S-tier users exist¡­ how come there''s never been one recorded before?" Raiden shrugged. "Ask your viewers. They can probably offer a more detailed explanation than I can." It didn''t take long before her chat responded. [Monarch of Sympathy says that it''s because there can only be three S-tier users in one universe.] Miya was about to type out a follow-up question, but before she could, another user preemptively answered. [Grassfield Mother] : The three S-tier users in your universe represent the overall ''authority'' that your world contains! In my universe, the three S-tier users we have are Decay, Proliferate, and Cease. Because of them, we''re called the Universe of Ruins! ^^ [Darkflame Fighter of North] : Our three S-users are Ignite , Extinguish , and Rekindle. Hence we''re called the Universe of Flames. [Tutor of Dawnseekers] : Hm. We''ve only found two S-users in our universe as of now... Sunrise and Sunset. The third one is still unknown... [Battle Maniac of the South says he''s jealous of these so called S-tier users...] [Water Breathing Duck agrees saying that he would be unstoppable if he were blessed with such a thing.] Miya read the message carefully but remained silent, clearly lacking the knowledge to fully grasp the implications of such an existence. She let the thought simmer in the back of her mind as she shifted her focus back to the dimly lit stone path ahead. The 10th floor of the Tower of Yxthar was eerily silent, the air thick with an unseen weight. For a moment, she forgot about Celestia and S-tier users. Her mind wandered elsewhere, to a place beyond the tower''s walls. "I wonder how Dad and Adam are doing..." She murmured. Raiden, who had been scanning his surroundings, responded absently. "They should be fine. Dad doesn''t have the resonance to become an awakened..." Miya hesitated before voicing the real worry gnawing at her. "...But what if Adam does?" Raiden halted in his tracks. For a second, his expression darkened. He didn''t answer right away. A glint of unease flickered in his eyes, one that Miya recognized all too well. She knew exactly what he was thinking. Adam was the youngest in their family. A quiet boy who barely spoke, who struggled with socializing, who preferred to lose himself in books rather than deal with people. The Tower of Yxthar was no place for someone like him... Raiden finally spoke, his voice quieter. "I hope he doesn''t." Miya pressed her lips together, gripping the strap of her bag. "I hope so too." There was an unspoken understanding between them. They had entered the tower years ago, leaving behind their father and younger brother. What was supposed to be a quick expedition turned into something else entirely. The higher they climbed, the harder it became to return. At first, they had tried everything... Searching for an exit, fighting to clear floors as fast as possible. But eventually, reality set in. There was no escape... not yet atleast. The only thing they could do was move forward. Raiden glanced at her before shaking his head. "Dad should''ve told Adam how to add us through the stream codename function..." He ran a hand through his hair. "I remember one of my friends saying the Government made an official announcement about that function outside the Tower a year ago. Adam should know about it by now." Miya exhaled. "Mm¡­ maybe I''m worrying too much." Raiden gave her a sidelong glance. "It''d still be better if he doesn''t awaken. At the very least, Dad will have someone to keep him company." Miya let out a dry chuckle. "Yeah¡­ that old man always talks about how he wants to attend one of our weddings." Raiden stilled. The warmth in her voice contrasted sharply with the cold emptiness that followed. Miya''s smile faded. She turned her gaze downward, her fingers tightening into fists. Neither of them had fulfilled their father''s dreams. They had left home as teenagers, ambitious and reckless, thinking they could return whenever they wanted. Now, years had passed, and they were still here... Miya swallowed. "Do you think they''re still waiting for us?" Raiden''s jaw tensed. "Most likely." His voice was firm. Miya blinked rapidly, fighting against the sting in her eyes. "I miss home..." Raiden inhaled deeply but said nothing. "I miss dad, I miss Adam too..." She continued, her voice softer now. "I used to get annoyed by how quiet he was, but now I''d give anything to hear his voice again." Raiden clenched his fists. He hated moments like this. Moments where they let their emotions get the better of them... But as much as he wanted to suppress it, the ache in his chest was undeniable. "Me too." Silence settled between them, broken only by the distant sound of the tower''s unseen mechanisms. For the first time in a long while, the Tower of Yxthar felt unbearably vast. Then, suddenly¡ª A system notification appeared before them. [The Chosen Conduit has sent you a friend request.] Chapter 61 - 61: Conditions to a Gift After both undead settlements fell, the system immediately recalculated the faction war rankings, adjusting the standings accordingly. [1st Place] ¨C The Chosen Conduit (6,534 points) [2nd Place] ¨C The Atrocious One (4,337 points) [3rd Place] ¨C Distant Eye (3,700 points) Adam glanced at the ranking update. ''First place, huh...'' While being recognized for his achievements had its benefits, fame could also be troublesome. Too much attention attracted unnecessary problems, but at the same time, it was undeniable that recognition would also help draw in more viewers to his stream. Ultimately, he pushed the thought aside. There were more important things to focus on. ''The system announcement from a few days ago made my stream codename public knowledge, so I won''t be able to move in complete anonymity anymore...'' Adam''s gaze shifted across the settlement. Though he had expected an increase in curiosity from other players, there was no outright hostility toward him yet. ''For now, no one has a reason to target me directly. At worst, people will be intrigued by the name that appeared in a worldwide system notification. They''ll speculate about my abilities, but until I actively reveal them, they can only guess.'' Then, system notifications began to flood his vision. [WeaverofStories has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +17 Soul Cores [Nalyd has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +15 Soul Cores [Haremphobic has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +5 Soul Cores [Love_C_raft has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +3 Soul Cores Adam blinked as the messages stacked up. Although Soul Cores were an easy currency to gather... each one represented effort, time, or trade. The more you gave away, the weaker you''d get... From what Adam knows, you''d need all the soul cores you could get before the rank-up after all, as it determined what abilities and strengths you would get. Yet, here they were, tossing them at him without hesitation. The chat was already reacting. [Frog Eater drools at the sight of the soul cores...] [Disciple of Ice is stunned] [Disciple of Ice]: Fellow viewers, is it necessary to give out this much...? [WeaverofStories]: You''re right, I feel like I''m about to go broke soon... Adam exhaled slowly, rubbing his thumb against the handle of his staff. He wasn''t the type to refuse free resources, but the sheer amount pouring in made him pause. Before he could think too deeply, more notifications appeared. [Pockyslee has donated an E-tier gift] [You have received] Large Mana Orb: Significantly increases mana capacity, slightly enhancing the quality of the user''s mana. [Pockyslee]: A mage needs to be able to spam without worrying about mana! Adam looked at the item description, his gaze lingering. Mana capacity had never been an issue before, but the thought of expanding his reserves wasn''t unappealing. More room to cast meant more freedom in combat. Another notification arrived. [JustJoeKing has donated a D-tier gift] [You have received] Stamina Core: Increases body energy and strength, +2 per 10 levels. [JustJoeKing]: This is for your activities in bed. The corner of Adam''s mouth twitched. "Of course..." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The chat immediately erupted. [Prankster of Kingdoms likes JustJoeKing''s humor] [Prankster of Kingdoms has donated 100 coins] Adam sighed. While some donations came with ridiculous messages, he couldn''t deny that they were helping. "Are they worried because of what happened?" It was possible. His last battle had been reckless, challenging a Death Knight without any holy power, was a gamble that could''ve ended badly... But that was exactly why he did it. ''I won''t be as weak as I was in my past life.'' Caution was necessary, but hesitation was a death sentence. Strength didn''t come from playing it safe... A new message interrupted his thoughts. [Belisarius2018 has donated a C-tier gift] [You have received] Information Panel: Allows you to view the skills and abilities of other Stream Hunters. (Uses: 10/10) [Belisarius2018]: Streamer, your abilities are really interesting. I wonder what would happen if you ranked up... There are so many possibilities! Get stronger faster, please! Adam stared at the item description. Information was power. Being able to analyze other players'' abilities was a massive advantage. Also, he was curious, too. His abilities weren''t classified under any known tier. The system had marked them with a question mark, leaving them undefined. That alone made him question their true nature... Glancing at the chat, he finally spoke the thoughts that have been in his mind these past few weeks. "I''ve been curious for a while now..." His voice was steady, but there was a sharpness to it. "Where are you strange viewers from?" The chat fell eerily silent. [DaoistOfCreation keeps his mouth shut] [pb_jelly is shaking his head, refusing to say anything] [Devil_Debi58 says he doesn''t know where to start] Adam frowned. Just then, one of his frequent viewers suddenly let out a message. [Nalyd says those viewers cannot utter much information... their rankings are low.] His eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" [Nalyd is contemplating whether to speak or not...] Seeing the hesitation, Adam adjusted his system settings. [The Chosen Conduit has set the stream to private¡ª only certain viewers can watch.] "There. It''s only you strange viewers now. You can speak freely." A few seconds passed before Nalyd responded. [Nalyd]: Our universe functions differently. If you''ve noticed, some of the viewers you had before don''t appear as much anymore. Adam thought back. There were a few usernames he hadn''t seen in a while¡ª "NLE_Immortal" and "TheIsekaiKing." [Nalyd]: The messages we can send are limited depending on our rankings. Our rankings are determined by the energy we''ve sent you. The more energy we give, the more ''rights'' we have to communicate with you. Adam''s grip on his weapon tightened as his thoughts ran wild. "Energy?" "Energy for what?" [Nalyd]: To maintain our connection with you. We have to constantly send you ''Gifts'' or ''Donations''. They act as a supplement to support your existence and the main gifts our universe has sent you. Adam''s expression darkened. "Support my existence... You mean that in order to rewind time, your universe is supplying the energy needed to maintain it?" There was no immediate response. "Then what happens if no strange viewers send anything anymore?" The chat was still for a moment.... Then, Nalyd''s message appeared. [Nalyd]: If no strange viewers donate, it means there will be no more energy sustaining you. The day we stop¡­ is the day your time will rewind back to the retaliation of the Tower of Yxthar. A heavy silence settled over him. The catastrophe. Everything he had fought to change¡­ would return to how it was. His mind raced. This was no longer just about curiosity... this was about survival. "Then... how do I make sure you don''t stop?" A long pause. [Nalyd is thinking of an appropriate answer...] Finally, the response came. [Nalyd]: Just get stronger. That''s what most of us want you to become. The next message came with a notification. [Nalyd has sent an A-tier gift] [You have received] Skill-tier upgrade: You can level up a skill up to a tier higher (Only works on D-tier skills and below). Chapter 62 - 62: The Atrocious One A few days after conversing with the strange viewers, Adam was left with a strive to a get stronger even faster... He didn''t specifically know the conditions to make sure the time reversal was kept permanent till the day the catastrophe arrived, but since those strange usernamed viewers told him to get stronger... Then he definitely would do so. Now standing within one of the captured orc settlements, Adam observed the gathering of Stream Hunters who had allied with the orcs. Most of them had contributed to the faction war, but some had only shown up now, after the battle had already been decided. Among the crowd, Kristoff frowned as he leaned toward Leila, lowering his voice. "Tsk... some of these guys weren''t even around during the attack. They doubted us, and now they want to reap the rewards?" Leila, standing beside him, simply shook her head. "Can you blame them? If someone told you that two people would take down an entire undead settlement, would you have believed them?" Kristoff let out an annoyed huff. "Maybe not. But still, seeing them here pisses me off." Just as he was about to complain further, he suddenly froze. A strange heat spread through the ground beneath them. The air shimmered, and then¡ª FWOOOOSH¡ª! Flames erupted from the dirt, rising in a spiraling inferno. A silhouette emerged from within the fire, stepping forward as the flames dissipated. The man who appeared had wavy blond hair, an unsettling grin, and a massive broadsword strapped to his back. His presence alone radiated an air of arrogance and recklessness. Kristoff''s eye twitched. "Shit¡­ speak of the devil." The blond man smirked as he met Kristoff''s gaze. "Kristoff! You''re looking as ugly as ever." He greeted mockingly. "By the way, your cousin''s still single, right?" Kristoff''s expression darkened instantly. "Bastard. You just ruined my day." He crossed his arms. "How the hell did you get here?! Weren''t you on the other side of the floor?" The man''s smirk widened. Kristoff''s eyes narrowed. "You put a teleportation mark on my cousin, didn''t you?" The man chuckled. "Nope. I put a mark on you." Kristoff froze. "...What?" The blond man continued smugly. "Honestly, I thought you''d notice. But I guess I gave you too much credit. You really didn''t bother checking yourself for foreign markings?" Kristoff''s expression twisted in fury as he frantically inspected his own body, running his hands along his arms, shoulders, and torso. "Where the hell did you put it?!" The man hummed in amusement. "Try checking your forbidden areas. Might be there." Kristoff''s face turned red with rage. "You¡ª!" his anger was cut off as he finally spotted the teleportation mark. A reddish-black insignia burned into the side of his forearm. Without hesitation, he channeled his mana, erasing it instantly. The blond man sighed dramatically. "Damn. I''ll have to place the next one somewhere you''d never think to check." Kristoff, barely containing his rage, pulled out his shield, fully prepared to bludgeon the smug bastard standing before him. Leila, standing to the side, had already taken several steps back, distancing herself from what was sure to become a disaster. ''Kristoff is bad enough, but when paired with Cael...'' Kristoff was an uncouth loudmouth, but Cael... known by his stream codename, The Atrocious One, was in a league of his own. He had no regard for social etiquette, constantly pushing the boundaries of acceptable behavior. When these two were together, every conversation devolved into crude remarks, inappropriate jokes, and a complete disregard for the sanity of those around them. Cael suddenly turned his attention toward Leila, grinning. "Oh? My favorite fortune teller won''t even greet me?" Leila shot him a cold look. Cael ignored it and leaned closer. "I''ve been curious for a while now¡­ Mind telling me how many wives I''ll end up with in the future?" Leila''s expression remained unreadable as she calmly replied. "I curse you. Your future wife will be a grotesque orc with four arms and three hundred sharp teeth." Cael let out an exaggerated playful gasp. "How could you be so cruel?!" Leila turned away, uninterested in further conversation. Meanwhile, Adam, who had been organizing the other Stream Hunters, finally took notice of the escalating commotion. His gaze flickered toward Kristoff, Leila, and the unknown blond man. He frowned. "We are about to start the discussion. Quiet down." His words carried a calm authority that made the group immediately fall silent. Kristoff and Leila both shut their mouths and quickly took their seats. Having spent the past few days under Adam''s leadership, they knew better than to test his patience. If they didn''t keep quiet, he would probably forcefully shut them up... Cael, however, was unfazed. Instead, he turned toward Adam, raising an eyebrow before suddenly speaking in a loud voice. "Hey, you''re the so-called Chosen Conduit, right?" The moment he said the name, multiple heads turned, their curiosity piqued. Cael grinned. "Damn. How did you manage to trigger a worldwide system announcement?" [pb_jelly has donated 30 coins] [pb_jelly] : This one''s even more loudmouthed than Kristoff... [Ken_The_Destroyer has donated 15 coins] [Ken_The_Destroyer says to beat him up directly] S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Experienced Old Knight] : Hm, he has no social boundaries at all... Although I''m against constantly using violence as a solution, perhaps a little few punches will do good... [Bird Hunter agrees] [Frog Eater is frightened by the amount of violence seeping out of the chat] Adam met Cael''s gaze but didn''t immediately respond. There was a deliberate pause, a moment stretched thin between them, filled with nothing but the distant sounds of crackling torches and faint murmurs of other Stream Hunters in the distance. Then, Adam finally spoke. "...You''re Cael. The Atrocious One." Cael''s grin widened, sharp and amused. "Oh? You''ve heard of me?" Adam let out a low hum, eyes scanning the man before him. Cael, The Atrocious One. The name wasn''t just infamous... it was burned into history. In his past life, this guy had gone berserk on the 15th floor, leaving behind nothing but corpses and bloodied halls. Dozens of innocent people had been slaughtered. No motive. No remorse. It had forced the government''s hand, leading to the reinforcement of the Stream Hunter Psychological Wellbeing Law, a measure designed to prevent such massacres in the future. All Hunters were required to undergo psychological evaluations before advancing past the 10th floor. Cael had scored the lowest in history. A single glance at his report had made one thing clear: this man was a walking disaster waiting to happen. But instead of undergoing therapy as mandated, he had escaped. Using his ability, he had fled before they could force him into treatment, stating it was a ''waste of time'' and ''pointless nonsense.'' Adam knew what that had led to. He had seen the corpses. He had seen the aftermath of what happened when someone like Cael was left unchecked. Which was exactly why he wasn''t planning to make the same mistake twice. "Yes, I have..." Adam said, his tone calm. "Now, kindly refrain from retaliating." Cael''s grin faltered slightly. "...What?" Before he could react, red chains erupted from Adam''s hands. Chapter 63 - 63: Another Absurd Plan They shot forward, wrapping around Cael''s limbs in an instant. "What the¡ª?!" The chains constricted. A flare of red light pulsed through them, reinforcing their grip as they tightened around Cael''s arms, binding his movement. His expression twisted into surprise, then mild irritation. "You have to snap your fingers to teleport, correct?" Cael''s eyes widened. "You¡ª?!" Adam didn''t let him finish. With precise movements, he reached into his system inventory, pulling out a small vial filled with shimmering blue liquid. A sleeping potion. A rare item he had purchased specifically for contingencies like this. He didn''t hesitate. He forced the potion down Cael''s throat before the man could struggle, tilting his head back to ensure he swallowed every drop. Cael choked, trying to resist, but the effects were instant. His limbs twitched as his breathing slowed. His vision blurred as the strength in his body faded away. "...What¡­ the hell¡­ did you¡­" Cael''s voice slurred, his body slumping against the blood chains. Adam caught him before he could collapse completely. "Taking you to therapy." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Cael''s eyes, though sluggish, still managed to widen. "...What..?!" Adam exhaled through his nose, adjusting the unconscious man''s weight. This guy was dangerous. But he was also useful. Cael''s ability was ranked B-tier, but based on what Adam remembered, once he ranked up, it evolved into something even stronger.... An A-tier ability with spatial manipulation properties. Someone like him, if guided properly, could be a powerful asset in the future. If Adam made sure he never went berserk¡­ If he made sure Cael didn''t become the monster he was in his past life¡­ Then this world would have one less calamity waiting to happen. And in return, humanity would have gained a formidable warrior. Adam glanced at Cael''s sleeping face. Now, he just had to figure out how to drag this guy to an actual therapist... [nonexnihilio42069 has donated 15 coins] [Ken_The_Destroyer is happy at the streamer''s sudden ambush] [Disciple of Ice dislikes the use of violence to solve problems...] [Ken_The_Destroyer says if enough violence is used, the problem will be solved] Adam let out a breath and straightened, rolling his shoulders. As he turned, he immediately noticed the way the other Stream Hunters had tensed up. A few had their weapons half-raised, unsure whether they were next. Leila and Kristoff who were right beside Adam didn''t utter a word, afraid that Adam would knock them up too. His gaze swept over the crowd. Their fear was justified. After all, he had just restrained one of the most dangerous Hunters on this floor without breaking a sweat. To them, it must have looked like he was just picking off people at random. If he didn''t clear up the misunderstanding, things would get messy. He raised his hands in a calm, open gesture. "Do not worry. I''m not here to pick fights." Some didn''t lower their weapons immediately as the tension was still thick in the air. "This guy is a government-wanted fugitive." Adam said, nudging Cael''s unconscious form with his boot, "He skipped his mandatory therapy sessions after failing his psych evaluation." His gaze sharpened, scanning the crowd. "I''m sure I don''t have to remind you how serious that is." Murmurs rippled through the gathered Hunters. Some glanced at each other, others fidgeted under Adam''s scrutiny. He took a step forward, his voice even. "If any of you have also skipped these required evaluations, I highly recommend speaking up now. It''ll save you a lot of trouble when I inevitably find out myself." Silence. No one moved. "Now, lower your weapons and listen." He made sure that there was no warmth in his tone, and no unnecessary emotion. It wasn''t that Adam lacked empathy... it was that in moments like this, emotion was a liability. A precise, commanding tone made people listen. It cut through hesitation, forced them to focus, and ensured there was no room for doubt. In a place where one wrong decision meant death, clarity mattered more than reassurance. Adam had never been good at social cues, but years of leading Hunters had taught him that control wasn''t about charisma... it was about presence. A leader who wavered invited disorder. A leader who projected certainty, even if it was cold, kept people grounded. A few of them hesitated. Adam didn''t repeat himself, he simply waited. After a few seconds, the Hunters complied, lowering their weapons and turning their full attention to him. "Good." He said. "Now, I''ll keep this short. The way we''ve been fighting on this floor is pointless. We take settlements, they take them back. We fight, they rise again. This war isn''t one we can win through attrition." Silence. No one argued. Adam continued, his voice firm. "For the next two weeks, we stop wasting time. No more defending settlements. No more trying to hold onto land we can''t keep. Instead, we will all focus on leveling up. Since the undead outnumber us by a huge amount, that means that there are tons of experience points that we can gather for ourselves." He paused before adding. "Leveling should be something we should take full advantage of." A murmur rippled through the crowd, but no one interrupted. "Then, once we''ve reached our peak, we go straight to Lord Varos and kill him." That got a reaction. One of the Hunters, a woman with a longbow slung across her back, frowned. "Go straight for the floor boss?" Adam glanced at her. "Yes." Another Hunter scoffed. "Shouldn''t we take out the smaller settlements first? Weakening their numbers before attacking?" Adam''s expression didn''t change. "No." The man blinked, caught off guard by the blunt response. "Why?" Adam shifted his gaze across the group, making sure they were paying attention. "Even if we take those settlements, they''ll be reclaimed within days. We don''t have the numbers to hold them, and even if we did, it wouldn''t matter. The undead don''t need food. They don''t get tired. They don''t have supply lines to cut. The only thing keeping them going is necrotic energy, and Lord Varos is the one supplying it." A few of the Hunters exchanged glances. Adam continued. "You all received a system notification when you arrived on this floor. It told you the boss monster is aligned with the undead, correct?" The group muttered in agreement. "That''s because this war isn''t as unbalanced as one might think." "The undead can win by wiping out all the orc settlements. But the orcs only need to kill one target... Lord Varos." He said, making sure to explain in detail. "Once he''s dead, the necrotic energy keeping the undead functional will start to dissipate. They''ll stop regenerating and they''ll stop reviving. Without him, the war ends." Another Hunter, an older man with a heavy axe resting on his shoulder, narrowed his eyes. "And what makes you think we''ll be strong enough to kill him in two weeks?" Adam didn''t hesitate. "To all those who have doubts, you may back down and wait for the next floor war cycle for another opportunity to advance to the third floor." The bluntness of his response shut down any further argument. After all, people who were aligned with the orc faction had never won a floor war. In fact, everyone who chooses the orc faction always comes to regret it. Most die during the war, while the few remaining ones that survive have to wait for the next floor war reset and do it again... Only to find out that they''ll still be greatly outnumbered by the undead faction with no hopes of winning. Hence, for them, it was a cycle of just trying to survive till the next floor war cycle. [Gelhodeious has donated 15 coins] [Gelhodeious] : Question, how powerful is Lord Varos to be able to supply an entire floor of undead... The hop in power level between the floor 1 boss and the floor 2 boss is insane! [Woman of Specters] : From what I know, thousands of years ago, Lord Varos used to be a floor 21 boss. [Experienced Old Knight] : You''re correct m''lady. He was used in the Universe of Polarity as a floor 21 boss. But it seems he''s been demoted to a floor 2 boss here in this streamer''s universe... Perhaps the tower has a ranking system as well? [WeaverOfStories asks how you''re so sure that viewer is a lady] [Experienced Old Knight says he doesn''t want to have another full blown argument with the strange viewers...] Adam let a moment pass before elaborating. "I''m not saying it''ll be easy." "I''m saying it''s the only viable path forward. That''s why for the next two weeks, every single one of you will focus on maximizing your level, improving your combat efficiency, and acquiring better gear." "And before we attack, all of you will stockpile as many holy-powered items as possible. Weapons, talismans, potions... anything that can counter necrotic energy." The older Hunter exhaled sharply. "Holy energy¡­ That''s one of the only things that can permanently stop undead from reviving." "Correct." Adam''s tone remained flat. "Without it, we''ll be fighting the same enemies over and over." The Stream Hunters looked towards one another, unsure about the success rate of such a plan... Seeing this, Adam didn''t react much as he continued. "Now, let''s discuss the sequence of events during and before the attack..." Chapter 64 - 64: Strange Settlement Area After an exhaustive discussion about safe routes, planned sequences, and timeframes, the group had finally reached an agreement on how they would execute their strategy in two weeks. Adam exhaled, rolling his shoulders as he finally allowed himself a brief moment of rest. The Hunters dispersed, some heading off to prepare, others still murmuring amongst themselves about the daring plan. [Nalyd has donated 30 coins] [Nalyd asks if the streamer plans to lead the battle] [Bird Hunter] : Well, it''s not like anyone on the second floor is more capable than him of leading... [Frog Eater says he could lead the battle as well!] [haremphobic] : What are you leading? An army of frogs? [wolfqueen22 says not to disrespect Frog Eater like that!] [theycallmeAbo has donated 15 coins] [theycallmeAbo] : New to the stream! Guess what my name is! ^^ [Bird Hunter says these stream usernames are getting more and more absurd! Adam ignored the idiotic conversations that the system chat was having as he turned towards Kristoff. "Detain Cael for now. I''ll find a proper therapist for him later." Kristoff gave him a sharp grin, looking down at the unconscious fugitive. "Finally, some proper punishment for this bastard..." His tone carried clear amusement, as if he''d been waiting for Cael to get what he deserved. Adam didn''t comment, merely giving him a short glance before considering his next move. He needed to begin farming experience points as soon as possible... The sooner he leveled up, the stronger his odds of defeating Lord Varos. But before he could decide on a location¡ª A sudden, sharp breath caught his attention. Adam''s gaze snapped toward a nearby wall, where a woman in a mage''s robe was panting heavily, her shoulders trembling from exertion. Her short brown hair clung to her forehead with sweat. It was Loraine. Without hesitation, Adam strode over, steadying her with a firm hand on her shoulder. "What happened? Were you attacked? Are you injured?" Loraine glanced up, her eyes momentarily unfocused, before shaking her head. "No¡­ I''m not injured. I have healing abilities, so I''m fine..." Adam didn''t press her, waiting for her to catch her breath. Loraine swallowed, then spoke again. "There''s an empty settlement about ten kilometers from here. My sister and I were just trying to farm some experience points, but I didn''t expect there to be¡­" She trailed off, her expression tightening. Adam frowned. "What did you see?" Loraine hesitated, struggling to put it into words. Finally, she exhaled and said. "Corpses. Dozens of them!" "But they weren''t just dead bodies... they had holes in their chests. Their mouths were gaping open, and their fingers were clawed, like they had been¡­ twisted into something unnatural!" Adam''s expression darkened. Those wounds¡­ the description fit too well. Celestia''s puppets. His fingers curled slightly as he thought of what exactly she was up to. ''Is she also trying to send people from the second floor to the tenth floor?'' Loraine continued, her voice growing urgent. "I tried to investigate, but the moment I got too close¡­ they suddenly attacked! They weren''t dead at all!" Her breath hitched as she recounted the experience. "I barely managed to escape... My sister made a distraction so I could run." Adam''s brows furrowed. "And your sister?" Loraine took a deep breath, struggling to steady herself. "She''s still there. I sent for help, and some of the other Hunters should be heading there already¡­ but I don''t know if they''ve arrived yet. I don''t even know if they''ll be enough to handle whatever those things are." She turned her gaze to Adam, looking at him with unwavering determination. "I need your help." Adam studied her for a long moment. "I''m not asking for free, of course." She continued. "I have items I can give. And all the coins I have... I''ll give them to you." She was desperate. But Adam didn''t care about the reward. He had already been looking for clues about Celestia''s movements ever since he learned that the guides had been sending newbies directly to the tenth floor. If her puppets were here, that meant she was testing something... or worse, expanding her influence. His answer was simple. "Lead the way." ... The small group, consisting of Adam, Loraine, and a few other Hunters she had gathered, moved swiftly through the ruined outskirts of the floor''s battlefields. The sky overhead was a dull, eternal twilight, neither day nor night, casting long, eerie shadows over the broken structures they passed. Ten kilometers wasn''t a short distance, but they made good time. As they approached the settlement, the air grew heavier. The kind of silence that wasn''t just absence of sound... it was the presence of something lurking, waiting. Adam signaled for the group to slow down, his gaze scanning the area. The settlement had once been a small outpost, likely abandoned during one of the many battles between factions. Wooden barricades were half-collapsed, buildings lay in disrepair, and the cobbled pathways were cracked and uneven. But it wasn''t the ruins that made his instincts flare. It was the corpses. They were scattered across the open square, slumped against walls, lying motionless in the dirt. At a glance, they looked like normal dead bodies. But Loraine had already made it clear that they weren''t. [WeaverOfStories has donated 15 coins] [WeaverOfStories says he has bad memories of these things from the first floor...] [Disciple of Ice] : Hm? Has this happened before? [5th Style Sword Master] : Yes, We''re all unsure how, but the Streamer said that a Stream Hunter from the 10th floor is controlling people on the lower floors due to unknown reasons. [Hazardous Combatant asks how that''s even possible] [nonexnihilio42069 has donated 15 coins] [nonexnihilio42069] : I also find it absurd how she can channel her mana to be sent out all the way towards the bottom floors of the tower. But perhaps that''s why her weakness are distortions, because they disrupt the flow of her mana making it so that it''s hard for her to input control over her puppets... [Prankster of Kingdoms applauds your idea] Adam narrowed his eyes. Even from here, he could make out the holes punched through their chests and their grotesquely gaping mouths. His grip tightened around his weapon. One of the Hunters, a younger man with twin daggers, swallowed hard. "Are they¡­ really not dead?" Adam didn''t answer immediately. He crouched near the closest corpse, studying it carefully. The body was unnaturally stiff, even for the dead, as if something had drained it of vitality. More importantly, there were no signs of rot. Which meant they hadn''t been dead for long. Loraine shifted beside him, anxiety clear in her posture. "Adam? You shouldn''t get too close..." He didn''t look up. "How many Hunters did you call for backup?" "Four..." She answered. "They should''ve gotten here before us." Adam''s gaze flicked around the area. No signs of them. That indicated that they either ran away or they had already died... He stood. "Everyone, stay alert. These things aren''t corpses. They''re going to move." No sooner had he spoken than a sharp, sickening crack echoed through the air. One of the "bodies" jerked unnaturally, its head snapping upward. Then another. And another. The corpses rose. Their movements were erratic, twitching like broken marionettes being pulled by invisible strings. Their hollow eyes turned toward the living with an unnatural hunger. Then, all at once¡ª they lunged! sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 65 - 65: Grave Mistake Adam reacted immediately. The nearest puppet lunged, its clawed fingers streaking toward his chest. He sidestepped the strike in a swift motion, his blade cutting through its shoulder. But the creature didn''t even flinch. Its head twisted at an unnatural angle, body bending in ways that should''ve snapped bone, and it kept attacking as if nothing had happened. Adam clicked his tongue. Behind him, a panicked yell rang out. One of the Hunters had failed to deflect a puppet''s strike. The creature''s claws tore through his defenses, raking across his armor and sending him flying back. His body skidded across the cracked stone, blood splattering onto the ground. He groaned, struggling to push himself up. Adam didn''t even turn to look. "I already informed you earlier!" He yelled. "Don''t let them touch you! Stay in your assigned formation and make sure they don''t break past Loraine!" His voice was sharp, but he didn''t waste time scolding them further. This was the problem with fighting alongside an unfamiliar team... There was no cohesion, no synergy. Had he been with his previous party from the first floor, this fight would have been far easier.... But of course, in battle, a team''s performance reflected its leader''s capabilities. And Adam would make sure they survived. He activated [Body Blood Magic]. From his body, crimson spikes shot out in all directions, impaling the nearest puppets. Their bodies shuddered as the force skewered through them¡ª ¡ªOnly for them to move again, twisting away in impossible angles, dodging the fatal strikes at the last second. Adam had expected this. Just as they repositioned, another set of blood blades slashed at them from behind. The first attack had been an illusion from [Surreal Creation]! The moment the fake blood blades had struck, their movements had shifted just enough for the real attack to land. One of the creatures screeched as its leg was sliced off, but even then, it showed no signs of pain, simply collapsing forward and using its clawed hands to crawl toward Adam. The unnatural resilience of these things unsettled the others, but seeing Adam control the battlefield with such precision seemed to restore some confidence. The team started retaliating. Spells were cast, weapons slashed and stabbed, and the Hunters who had hesitated earlier regained their footing. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] Woman of Specters [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Spiritual Heights!] [Reducing Spiritual Heights to its F-tier version...] [Spiritual Heights has been reduced to Ghost Body.] [Temporary Copy] : Ghost Body (30 Second Duration) [Ghost Body] : Physical attacks will phase through you. However, you will be unable to attack while activated. After dodging another attack from one of the corpses, Adam channeled mana into [Divine Edge] as holy power seeped in. He slashed an attack towards one of the corpses as the holy energy flared it back. However, the holy energy seemed to have no effect on it as the corpse simply stood back up. ''I see, so it''s not like the undead that''s being supplied with necrotic energy to be kept alive...'' After confirming this information, Adam activated [Surreal Creation]. Three illusionary copies of himself split off from his form, attacking the same puppet from multiple angles. The puppet twitched, its head jerking side to side as it tried to process which attack was real. Before it could react, Adam cleaved through its body. He didn''t want to overcomplicate the battlefield with his illusion spells as he was working with a team that was not familiar with his abilities. Hence, he restrained himself from making large scale illusions that could possibly distract his own teammates and get them killed as well. The corpse that was being attacked was confused before Adam cut its body in half. It was just about to regenerate itself when Adam suddenly pulled out a device. It was a compact, metallic sphere with a small activation button on its side. It was the pulse disruptor! From what Adam knew of his previous experience on the first floor, the weakness of Celestia''s puppets were distortions! Adam pressed the activation switch. A faint hum filled the air. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Suddenly, the corpse froze mid-repair. Its body shuddered violently before collapsing to the ground, unmoving. [Trespassed Corpse has been slain.] [+2030 Exp, +1 Basic Soul Core.] [+100 Gold] It didn''t get up again. Adam''s eyes flicked toward the other puppets. Some of them had started shaking, but not enough to fall apart. ''As I thought. The Pulse Disruptor weakens them, but they need to be critically damaged first for it to take effect.'' A sudden voice interrupted his thoughts. "Bless." A teammate, the caster of the group, finished his incantation. A pulse of divine energy washed over Adam. His senses sharpened instantly. He could feel every movement around him, the shift of air before an attack landed, the weight of footsteps even behind him. A sensory buff. ''Good.'' He mentally noted the caster''s capabilities before diving back into combat. From the center of the formation, Loraine let out a soft hum. One of the front-line Hunters, bloodied and wounded, suddenly felt his injuries begin to heal. Loraine''s abilities were taking effect. He gave her a quick nod of thanks before charging back into the fray. Adam adjusted his stance. ''How many more of these things are left?'' He scanned the battlefield. Then... The ground erupted. Numerous hands shot up from below. It was a trap! Adam didn''t waste a second. He activated [Ghost Body]! The grasping hands phased through his form. But the corpses weren''t deterred. Instead of him, they turned to his teammates immediately! Without Adam guarding and holding carry of the team from the front, everyone else became vulnerable! Not to mention, he could not attack while being in [Ghost Body] form! Adam had made a mistake! A Hunter screamed as clawed fingers wrapped around his ankle, dragging him downward. Another barely managed to dodge as hands swiped at his waist. One of the casters panicked, trying to cast another spell, but one of the puppets grabbed his arm before he could finish the incantation! Chapter 66 - 66: Death Mark Activated Realizing the fatal mistake he had just made, Adam did not have time to pond over it! With a sharp exhale, he activated [Body Blood Magic], sending a barrage of crimson spikes lancing through the remaining corpses. The impaled bodies twitched violently but refused to fall. Not yet. Adam dashed forward, weaving through the battlefield. His eyes flickered as he activated the Pulse Disruptor again. A press of a button. A hum filled the air as waves of disruptive energy pulsed outward. Several corpses convulsed, their corrupted bodies trembling uncontrollably before they collapsed like shattered puppets. [Trespassed Corpse has been slain.] [+2030 Exp, +1 Basic Soul Core.] [+100 Gold]... [Level 37 ¡ú Level 38] [Mana Quality has been slightly improved] But the danger wasn''t over. A system notification flashed before his eyes. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] 5th Style Sword Master [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Flow Piercing!] [Reducing Flow Piercing to its F-tier version...] [Flow Piercing has been reduced to Smooth Cut.] [Temporary Copy] : Smooth Cut (30 Second Duration) [Smooth Cut] : All blade attacks will have their sharpness increased by 200%. Adam felt the surge of borrowed power course through his veins. He raised his hands¡ª And conjured whips of blood blades. Their edges gleamed unnaturally sharp. With a flick of his wrist, the blades lashed out, carving through the battlefield like crimson serpents. But Adam wasn''t done. His gaze flickered to the shop interface. [Purchase Pulse Disruptor! 250 Gold deducted.] [Purchase Pulse Disruptor! 250 Gold deducted.] [Purchase Pulse Disruptor! 250 Gold deducted.] [Pulse Disruptors have been sold out] Tch. That was the last of them. Without hesitation, he hurled the activated disruptors across the battlefield. The moment they landed, a wave of energy pulsed outward, their signals colliding with the corrupted mana inside the corpses. A grotesque symphony of shuddering, shrieking, and snapping flesh filled the air. Immediately, Adam''s blood blades struck, slicing into the staggering corpses. The combination of the Pulse Disruptors and [Smooth Cut] caused their bodies to disintegrate into chunks of mangled flesh. [Trespassed Corpse has been slain.] [+2030 Exp, +1 Basic Soul Core.] [+100 Gold]... [Trespassed Corpse has been slain.] [+2030 Exp, +1 Basic Soul Core.] [+100 Gold]... Just then... Adam felt a tap on his back! His instincts screamed. A corpse had touched him. His entire body seized. "Shit¡ª" A force like a battering ram slammed into him. Before he could fully react, a tremendous shockwave blasted him backward. But even as he was thrown, his grip on his weapon never loosened. In one swift motion, he twisted mid-air, whipping a blood blade behind him. Slash! The corpse''s head flew off. But even that wasn''t enough to calm him. Bang! Adam crashed against a wall, the impact rattling his bones. He let out a deep breath, forcing himself to push past the pain. Something was wrong. A foreign sensation crawled along his back, burrowing deep into his skin... No, into his mana. ''It''s trying to latch onto my energy¡­ to take control of my body?'' His expression darkened. He immediately accelerated his process of mana regeneration using a blood crystal to overwhelm the attempt of control. A deep exhale. His gaze swept across the battlefield. There were no more corpses left... He glanced towards his team, only to see them battered up on the ground with grave wounds. Luckily Loraine, their healer, was still safe... ''Good... they listened to me by making sure the corpses don''t reach towards Loraine...'' Adam thought in relief. [DaoistOfCreation has donated a D-tier gift] [You have received] : Instant Rejuvenation : Heal all your injuries and restores mana in an instant. (One-time use) [DaoistOfCreation tells the streamer to patch himself up before more corpses arrive!] [Bird Hunter tells the God-like viewer of Creation that he would like some guidance!] [Experienced Old Knight scolds the Bird Hunter to be more respectful to the daoist!] Adam glanced towards the gift, sincerely thanking the Daoist for it. However, he did not want to waste it as of now. After all, he still had a few blood crystals, and their healer was still alive. Noticing that the fight had come to a stop, Loraine ran towards him immediately. "Are you alright?" She said worriedly. Adam glanced at her before frowning. "Yes, go heal the others first, that one attack isn''t enough to render me disabled or gravely injured." Loraine let out a sigh of relief. "That''s good, let me heal you first so you can protect me while I heal the others..." She said as she extended an arm towards Adam. Seeing this, a question suddenly arose in Adam''s mind. ''Didn''t she only need to sing to heal him? Why is she reaching out her hand?...'' Just as her hand extended near Adam... The [Death Mark] that was in the back of Adam''s palm suddenly lit up! sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It meant that he was about to experience death! The moment Loraine''s hand was about to make contact¡ª Adam''s body vanished. And in his place¡ª A stone fell onto the ground. 20 meters away, Adam reappeared near his injured teammates. He had used [Location Swapper], the gift that one of his viewer''s had gifted him before! [Activated] : Location Swapper (8 uses left) His eyes snapped back toward Loraine. Her hand froze mid-air. She slowly tilted her head back towards Adam as she smiled. A slow, eerie smile. Adam frowned, thinking of ways to escape while being able to drag his teammates along. Just then, he heard Loraine''s voice speak up first. "Hm. Quite incredible." She mused, tilting her head slightly, as if studying a particularly interesting specimen. "I was truly surprised when I found out you were the one called The Chosen Conduit." Adam didn''t respond. He kept his stance firm, muscles coiled, waiting for an opening. Loraine didn''t seem to mind his silence. She took a slow step forward, ignoring the distance he had put between them. "You were the one who killed one of my puppets on the first floor, correct?" She continued, her voice retaining that gentle lilt, as if discussing something mundane. "Celestia...." Adam finally muttered, the name leaving his lips like a warning. Loraine¡ªno, Celestia¡ªlet out a soft, airy laugh. "It''s been on my mind for awhile now, how exactly did you know about my name? Did Elaric perhaps tip you off?" Chapter 67 - 67: Numerous Information Adam remained silent. No wonder she had seemed familiar when he first saw her¡­ It wasn''t because he knew her from a past life. Rather, it was the way mana flowed through her body. It was eerily similar to the corpse puppet he had fought on the first floor. ''It seems she can''t properly conceal the flow of her mana yet...'' Adam thought, narrowing his eyes. ''Is it because the second floor is still too far from her reach?'' That meant only one thing... her puppets would continue to grow stronger the higher he climbed in the tower. Loraine, noticing his silence, smiled. "Well, it''s only fair to say that you''re not the only one with knowledge about the other." Before Adam could ask what she meant, she continued. "Adam Codranel, 19 years old. Born on June 30th. You have an older sister, Miya Codranel, and an older brother, Raiden Codranel, both currently on the 10th floor. Your father is an unawakened, still living outside the Tower of Yxthar. Your mother''s status? Quite possibly dead... also one of the first to enter the tower." Adam''s frown deepened as she rattled off his personal information with casual ease. "Is this a threat?" He asked flatly. Loraine chuckled, her expression unchanging. "No. It''s simply my way of telling you that I''ve been stalking you for quite some time." Then, she giggled, eyes glinting with something unsettling. "I''m kidding, of course. It is a threat." Adam remained expressionless, observing her carefully. "Why have you been sending new Stream Hunters from the first floor to the tenth?" He asked, voice sharp. Loraine gave a dismissive shrug. "And why should I tell you that? From the way you''ve been trying to stop me, you must already know that what I''m doing isn''t exactly orthodox or morally correct." Adam''s gaze didn''t waver. "So you admit to murdering innocent people." "Correct." Loraine''s voice carried no hint of remorse. "But alas, there''s not much I can do. The conditions for the objective I seek require new Stream Hunters as the main component." She sighed, almost theatrically. "Because of you, my experiments had to come to a halt. The puppets I had stationed on the first floor were wiped out by the government." Her expression darkened slightly. "I was planning to eliminate that government officer with the lie-detecting ability¡­ Evelyn, was it? Yes. Her skills are quite troublesome when it comes to sniffing out my puppets. Naturally, I intended to get rid of her. But before I could even execute the plan¡ª" Her eyes gleamed as they met Adam''s. "You foiled it." As she spoke, Adam secretly activated [Temporary Copy] just in case. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] 5th Style Sword Master [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: 5th Style Absolute Untouchable!] [Reducing 5th Style Absolute Untouchable to its F-tier version...] [5th Style Absolute Untouchable has been reduced to Quick Avoidance.] [Temporary Copy] : Quick Avoidance (30 Second Duration) [Quick Avoidance] : Allows the user to heighten their senses and automatically perform the basic steps of the 5th Style Sword Arts to avoid incoming attacks. Adam''s gaze remained steady as he spoke, his voice carrying an edge of curiosity and caution. "You don''t have to tell me your entire objective." He said, measuring his words. "But I want to know.... are you doing this for personal gain? For power? Or do you genuinely believe that what you''re doing is right for the world?" Loraine let out a soft chuckle, tilting her head slightly. "I find it curious..." she mused. "Why do you care so much. Isn''t it enough to simply want to stop me?" Adam''s expression didn''t waver. "It''s important." Loraine raised a brow, intrigued. Before she could speak again, Adam continued, his tone dropping slightly. "What if I told you that I''ve seen a future where none of this will matter? That no matter what you do, humanity is doomed?" A brief silence followed. Loraine''s smile didn''t fade, but there was a flicker of something behind her eyes. "Are you saying you can see the future?" Adam exhaled slowly. "Something like that." Loraine studied him for a moment before laughing lightly. "Now that is interesting. And what exactly did you see?" Adam''s gaze darkened. "Monsters beyond comprehension. A corruption that no human could withstand. The complete and utter downfall of everything." Loraine''s smirk widened. "Fascinating. And let me guess... we all die?" Adam nodded. "Every last one of us." For a moment, Loraine simply looked at him. Then she sighed, as if considering something. "As much as you despise my action...," She said. "I can see you''re someone who values knowledge above all else. You want information, not for the sake of curiosity, but to change that future, don''t you?" Adam didn''t answer, but the flicker in his gaze was enough. Loraine chuckled again, a melodic yet unsettling sound. "Alright. Since you''re so interesting, perhaps I''ll indulge you." She crossed her arms and leaned slightly forward. "Tell me, how many floors do you think exist in the Tower of Yxthar?" Adam hesitated. "Is it endless?" Loraine shook her head. "Some might think so. But did you know that it''s possible to complete the Tower of Yxthar without climbing it at all?" Adam''s eyes narrowed. "What?" Loraine grinned at his reaction. "I see even a so-called prophet like you didn''t know about this." She continued, her voice carrying a tinge of amusement. "Somewhere in this tower, there is a hidden floor. One that no one, not even the greatest hunters, not even the viewers outside our universe has ever found." S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Woman of Specters says they don''t know what she''s talking about] [Bird Hunter] : I''ve never heard of such a thing before... [Devil_Debi58 has donated 15 coins] [Devil_Debi58] : Guess it''s not so hidden since she knows about its existence. [Ken_The_Destroyer has donated 15 coins] [Ken_The_Destroyer] : She said hidden floor, idiot, not unknown floor! Adam stiffened slightly. "How do you know that?" Loraine''s expression remained playful, yet there was something unreadable behind her gaze. "That''s a trade secret." The way she said it sent a chill down Adam''s spine. He wasn''t sure if she was lying or if she truly had knowledge that no one else did. Loraine suddenly giggled, breaking the tension. "You know, you give away a lot about yourself when you talk." Adam frowned slightly. "Luckily for you, you''re speaking to me and not to Elaric." She added. "If it were him, you''d better pray that he just kills you outright instead of doing¡­ other things." The name was unfamiliar, but the way she spoke it sent a warning through Adam''s mind. "Who is Elaric?" Loraine''s smile turned wistful. "A very dangerous individual. One that even I would rather not be near." Then, almost as an afterthought, she added. "Although, if it were my true body, that would be a different story." Adam took in her words carefully, but something still didn''t sit right with him. He studied her closely before asking. "You''ve shared quite a lot. Is there something you want from me in return?" Loraine''s grin widened, but she didn''t answer immediately. Instead, she clasped her hands behind her back and hummed to herself. "Oh, it''s nothing much." She finally said. "I''ve just been waiting." Adam''s brow furrowed. "Waiting for what?" There was no response. And then¡ª Before Adam could react, Loraine lifted her hand ever so slightly. Adam felt a sudden shift. He didn''t know when it had happened, but the distance between them had vanished. The space between them had collapsed as if "distance" itself had ceased to exist. One moment she had been standing several meters away... now she was directly in front of him! His instincts screamed at him to move, but it was already too late. Loraine''s fingers brushed against his shoulder. "For this." She whispered. Chapter 68 - 68: Decomposition As "Loraine" touched Adam''s body, a glimmer of triumph flickered in her eyes. Victory was within her grasp. But the moment her fingers made contact, she felt... nothing. No resistance, no response, and no effect. Her authority and her power had done nothing! A split second later, the Adam before her tilted his head, his lips curling into a smirk. "Me too." Loraine''s eyes narrowed. "What?" "I was just waiting for this too." Before she could process what he meant, the "Adam" before her shimmered, then¡ª vanished! An illusion! It was a deception crafted by Adam''s [Surreal Creation]. Loraine''s mind raced. When Adam had used [Location Swapper] earlier, she had assumed he had only moved twenty meters away. But in truth, that was only part of the trick. The real Adam had escaped much farther, leaving behind a flawlessly realistic illusion to fool her! An A-tier ability like [Surreal Creation] wasn''t something to be taken lightly. And now, she realized her mistake far too late. A wet sound echoed beneath her. Loraine''s gaze snapped downward. A pool of crimson spread beneath her feet... Adam''s blood! Her body tensed. Her instincts screamed at her to move, to escape. But Adam was faster. His fingers clenched. The blood surged. From the pool at her feet, hundreds, no... thousands of razor-sharp crimson spikes erupted upwards, impaling her body in an instant. Stab! Stab! Stab! Loraine''s figure was skewered in place, impaled from every angle. She barely had time to react before another wave of spikes tore into her. Adam didn''t stop there. His hand shot forward, hurling pulse disruptors in her direction. The small devices landed around her in a perfect circle, emitting a low hum as they activated. A low vibration ran through the air as the mana in her body which allowed her to connect to Celestia was being cut off... Loraine convulsed violently, her body twitching under the mana-disrupting force. Adam waited, expecting a cry of pain, a scream, or something. But what he heard instead was laughter. Loraine chuckled. Then, she spoke, her voice unnervingly calm despite the pain she should have been feeling. "To be able to transform into a ghost body, to control blood, manipulate illusions, see through the future, and even swap locations... " Her head lifted slightly, eyes gleaming with something between curiosity and amusement. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You have far too many abilities for an Ember-ranked Stream Hunter who hasn''t even ranked up yet." Adam''s fingers twitched. His mind raced through possibilities as to what she was up to this time. Loraine interrupted his thoughts with a whisper that sent a chill down his spine. "You are the third S-ranker." Loraine''s lips curled upward into a knowing smile. "You are¡­" She leaned forward, despite the spikes running through her body. "The Omnipotence." ... [Trespassed Corpse has been slain.] [+7330 Exp, +4 Basic Soul Core.] [+700 Gold] [Level 38 ¡ú Level 39] [Mana Circulation has been increased by 1%] [E-tier Item has been found!] [All-Purpose Key] : A one-time use key that can open any doors and locks. As Loraine''s body turned lifeless, Adam remained still, his gaze locked onto the corpse. Something about this didn''t feel right. Even in death, she left behind more questions than answers. He frowned, his mind replaying the last moments of their battle. ''It seems she had a misunderstanding...'' Celestia, or at least the consciousness controlling Loraine.believed him to be some kind of Stream Hunter with an ability called [Omnipotence],an S-ranker ability. But that wasn''t the truth. She didn''t seem to know about his [Temporary Copy] and [Permanent Copy] abilities, the ones he had acquired from another universe. The abilities that allowed him to copy skills from his viewers. If she had truly understood what he was capable of, she wouldn''t have been so quick to assume he was some grand, hidden force within the Tower. ''If it weren''t for the fact that I took extra caution, teleporting farther away and fooling her with an illusion, she definitely could''ve killed me with that last ability of hers...'' Adam clenched his fist. A close call like this served as a grim reminder... in the Tower of Yxthar, hesitation meant death. ''Never trust a villain when they start talking too much during a fight.'' His instructor had drilled that lesson into him, and tonight, it had saved his life. His mind drifted to something else Celestia had mentioned... The hidden floor. A way to complete the Tower of Yxthar in a single step. Was it a lie? A half-truth? Or was this something that had existed all along, hidden beyond the perception of even the strongest? Adam exhaled slowly. ''I wish I had a lie-detecting ability like Evelyn from the first floor...'' For now, he had no way of confirming the truth. What he did know, however, was that he had to be more cautious when dealing with anything related to Celestia in the future. [Nalyd has donated 30 coins] [Nalyd says this misunderstanding could be advantageous] [Experienced Old Knight] : I agree, the more she is misinformed about the streamer, the better it is! [WeaverOfStories has donated 15 coins] [WeaverOfStories wants the streamer to avoid Celestia as they find her a bit scary.] [System_Sovereign has donated 15 coins] [System Sovereign says he ships Celestia and the Streamer!] [JustJoeKing] : Ship? Where are you sending them? A faint groan caught his attention. He turned his gaze toward his unconscious teammates, who lay scattered across the battlefield. R elief briefly washed over him... they were still alive! But just as he took a step forward to help them, something unexpected happened. Their bodies began to change. Adam''s eyes widened as his teammates'' flesh twisted unnaturally, decomposing at an accelerated rate. In mere seconds, their skin ruptured, muscles contorted, and bones cracked apart as if something was tearing them apart from the inside. He instinctively stepped back, his blood magic already forming defensive spikes around him. ''This isn''t normal regeneration failure...'' His first thought was that they had been Celestia''s puppets all along, and their connection had been severed due to the pulse disruptors. But that theory didn''t hold up. If they had been under Celestia''s control from the beginning, he would have noticed when he had deployed his disruptors earlier in the fight. Then realization struck him like a hammer. ''It''s the healing.'' His expression darkened. Loraine had healed his teammates during the battle. At the time, it had seemed like a simple act of ensuring they stayed alive for her own purposes. But now, it was clear: the healing had been a trap all along. She had placed something within them. ''That woman... Even when healing others, she was sowing death.'' Adam thought, secretly glad that he still relied on his own blood regeneration during the battle. ''If I hadn''t been careful, I would have ended up the same way.'' Chapter 69 - 69: Skill-Tier Upgrade After the last encounter with Celestia and her puppets, Adam was left with a burning determination to grow stronger and climb the Tower of Yxthar at an even faster pace. He had barely survived that battle, and the thought of being caught unprepared again left a bitter taste in his mouth. More than that, he had a theory... Perhaps Celestia''s obsession with the "hidden floor" was the reason the Tower of Yxthar had deemed humanity as "retaliating", which eventually lead to the catastrophe that wiped out their entire world... Of course, he wasn''t sure about it as he had no proof that what Celestia had said to him was a lie just to let him keep his guard down. However, If it were true, then her actions had set everything in motion, and humanity''s downfall had been sealed the moment she started meddling with the unknown. Adam clenched his fists. Whether or not his theory was correct, one thing was certain. He could not afford to remain weak against the greater powers that stood at the top... The next two weeks were spent relentlessly grinding for experience points. Every waking moment was dedicated to leveling up, pushing his abilities to their limits, and refining his combat techniques. Whenever the opportunity arose, Adam would single-handedly trigger siege wars by invading undead strongholds. The undead faction always reclaimed these strongholds eventually, but he didn''t care. All he needed were the experience points and the resources gained from each conquest. Beyond the strongholds, Adam also scoured forests where undead warriors gathered in bulk, cutting them down in waves. His rapid growth did not go unnoticed of course. Before long, the name [The Chosen Conduit] spread throughout the second floor, becoming synonymous with destruction. At first, other Stream Hunters tried to stop him from conquering strongholds. He was, after all, disrupting the momentum of the Undead Faction, making them unable to retaliate much. Yet, no matter how many times they tried, Adam always managed to claim victory. Even when they rallied C and B-tier hunters to stand against him, he would slip through their defenses, outmaneuvering them time and time again. They could delay him, but they could never kill him... Eventually, they gave up. The moment Adam set his sights on a stronghold, the defending Stream Hunters would simply withdraw, knowing that resisting was futile. They learned to wait for him to leave before reclaiming their lost ground. Adam didn''t care. He wasn''t interested in territory, only in leveling up. Now, standing before a towering Death Knight, Adam raised his weapon. [Divine Edge] shone in his hands, its holy power leaking out as he delivered the final strike. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Death Knight has been slain.] [Faction Points are increasing¡­] [+8,200 EXP] [+5 Soul Cores] [+1,200 Gold] [Level 93 ¡ú Level 94] [Magic Output has improved by 1%] [D-tier item has been found!] : [Death Tattoo] Adam exhaled, surveying his status. He was close now. One last push, and he would reach the next rank... Although it wasn''t unheard of for there to be Stone-ranked hunters lingering on the first and second floors, Adam''s rapid ascent was exceptional. Most Stone-ranked individuals remained on these lower floors out of caution, grinding endlessly to ensure they were fully prepared before advancing. But Adam wasn''t like them. He wasn''t staying behind out of fear. He was here because he needed power fast. [Undead Stronghold 21 has been conquered.] [Objective has been completed] [Siege Battle has been won!] [Faction points have been distributed!] [Siege Battle Ranking] 1. [The Chosen Conduit] ¨C 9,412 points 2. N/A 3. N/A [As the highest contributor of this siege battle, rewards have been given out!] [+900 EXP, +500 Gold] [As the only contributor of this siege battle, extra rewards have been given out!] [+500 EXP, +300 Gold] Adam skimmed through the notifications before opening the stream chat. [nonexnihilio42069 has donated an F-tier gift.] [You have received] Calming Herb: Allows one''s mind to stay calm even under tense situations, maximizing thinking capabilities. [haremphobic has donated an F-tier gift.] [You have received] +3 Soul Cores. [haremphobic] : Next rank is almost there, can''t wait to see what happens when you rank up! [Disciple of Ice] : You have a viewer status, you''re overreacting. You already know what happens. [something_wicked has donated an F-tier gift.] [You have received] +1 Soul Core. [pb_jelly has donated an F-tier gift.] [You have received] +1 Soul Core. Adam allowed himself a small smile. He still didn''t understand why viewers were willing to part with valuable items for his sake, but he wasn''t about to complain. Every little bit helped. During this period of time, two particular names caught his attention. [Nalyd has donated an F-tier gift.] [You have received] +10 Soul Cores. [Nalyd says to keep up the good work.] [Belisarius2018 has donated a C-tier gift.] [You have received] Head of an Ancient Priest: An artifact that contains a very large amount of holy power, which will explode within a 500-meter radius after activation. These two seemed to really enjoy spoiling him with gifts, which made their usernames quite memorable to Adam. They weren''t just regular viewers... they were among the elite, the kind who had deep pockets or high ranks in the strange hierarchy of this viewing system. He speculated that both Nalyd and Belisarius2018 were at the top of some unseen ranking among the strange viewers. Their frequent and high-value gifts made them stand out, and Adam couldn''t help but wonder about their motives. Were they genuinely interested in his success, or was there something more? Either way, he wasn''t about to complain. Their generosity saved him an incredible amount of resources! After taking a moment to sort through his inventory, Adam realized just how much these gifts had bolstered his arsenal. He didn''t have to buy nearly as many items himself thanks to their contributions. As of now, he had an impressive collection: Location Swapper ¨C Swap locations with any desired living target and object that does not exceed five times the mass of the user. (Uses : 5) Information Panel ¨C Allows you to view the skills and abilities of other Stream Hunters. (Uses: 10 One-Time Use Instant Rejuvenation ¨C A powerful consumable that would restore him to peak condition in an instant. Head of an Ancient Priest ¨C A relic imbued with immense holy energy that could explode within a 500-meter radius when activated. Skill-Tier Upgrade ¨C A rare and valuable item he had received from Nalyd''s A-tier gift, capable of permanently tiering up one of his abilities that were still D-tier and below. In addition to these, there were smaller consumables sent by other viewers. Items like calming herbs and blood crystals, useful but not game-changing. The major gifts, however, were going to be crucial in the upcoming battle against Lord Varos. Adam''s gaze lingered on the Skill-Tier Upgrade in his inventory. He hesitated. It was one of the most valuable items he had ever received, and he needed to use it wisely. At first, he had planned to hold onto it until he ranked up. If he could obtain a particularly powerful D-tier ability upon reaching level 100, then he could use the upgrade to push it even further. However, things hadn''t gone according to plan. His two-week grinding period had come to an end, and he had fallen just short of level 100. Now, time was against him. In less than an hour, they would begin their assault on the undead''s main stronghold. There was no room for more grinding for more experience points right now... Once the battle began, he would have to be at his absolute best. Adam mulled over his options. He could save the Skill-Tier Upgrade until after they defeated Lord Varos, using it on a newly acquired ability in the next stage of the tower¡­ Or he could use it now. His fingers hovered over the item in his inventory. He exhaled sharply, making his decision. He had to use it now. Not because he was impatient... But because he would most likely trigger Lord Varos'' [True Body] status. Compared to the first-floor boss with the True Body status, Lord Varos was on an entirely different level. If the first-floor boss had been twice as strong after revealing its true form, then Lord Varos was beyond ten times stronger. There was a reason why players were forced to ally with the Orc Faction just to stand a chance against him. Facing him alone. or even with a small team, was suicide. Adam furrowed his brows as he went into deep thought... He couldn''t afford to hesitate any longer. He tapped on the Skill-Tier Upgrade. [Skill-Tier Upgrade has been used.] [You have applied it to: Body Blood Magic.] A surge of power flooded through him. His veins burned as if molten fire had replaced his blood, and his vision blurred for a moment as his body adjusted to the forced evolution of his ability. [Body Blood Magic''s skill tier is being forcefully changed by an external force.] [Body Blood Magic has evolved to its C-tier version.] [Body Blood Magic ¡ú Crimson Dominion] [Crimson Dominion] ¨C Beyond merely controlling blood, you now possess a caster ability. By channeling a spell for ten seconds, you can temporarily summon a creature forged from your own blood. The summoned entity''s power is determined by the amount of blood sacrificed. Stronger creatures require greater sacrifices. Chapter 70 - 70: Petty Sibling Move After evolving [Body Blood Magic] into [Crimson Dominion], Adam didn''t quite know how to react. In his past life, [Body Blood Magic] had been with him since the beginning of his Stream Hunter journey. It was the first ability he had truly mastered, the foundation of his combat style, and the reason he had managed to survive in the Tower of Yxthar for as long as he did. Every rank-up, every battle, every close call... His survival had always been tied to that ability. And now, it was something else. [Crimson Dominion]. Even the name carried a weight that [Body Blood Magic] never did. It felt like watching a child suddenly grow up overnight, transforming into something far beyond what he had once known. "¡­It''s a bit odd to put it that way." Adam muttered to himself, shaking off the sentimental thought. Dwelling on emotions wouldn''t change anything. Instead, he focused on testing his newly evolved ability. He clenched his fist and willed his blood to respond. Immediately, a surge of power ran through his veins, like molten iron coursing beneath his skin. It wasn''t just control over blood anymore... it was something far more refined! He could feel the change, the added complexity. The ability had expanded, granting him more control, more presence! He concentrated, and dark crimson liquid coiled around his fingertips, pulsing with an eerie light. With a single command, it twisted into a shape, solidifying into a refined blade in his palm. Adam tightened his grip. The weapon was sturdy, nearly indistinguishable from real metal... And this was just a basic application. The description mentioned a summon, didn''t it? He let go of the weapon, letting it dissolve into thin air. There wasn''t enough time to test its full capabilities now. He had an upcoming raid to prepare for. As he turned toward the agreed-upon pathway leading to Lord Varos'' domain, a sudden system notification popped up in his vision. [Arsenal of Combat] : Hello, Mr. Chosen Conduit. It has been two weeks since you added me and Keeper of Essence. If you do not reply and tell us both about your identity and motives, I would like to kindly inform you that I will be unfriending you. Thank you. Arsenal of Combat. It was Miya, his older sister. A few weeks ago, on a whim, he had added both his older sister and older brother to his system''s friend list. At the time, he hadn''t expected much of a reaction, but to his surprise, they had immediately bombarded him with messages. They had been shocked, questioning why the person who triggered a universal system notification had suddenly sent them friend requests. Who was he? What was his goal? Why did he add them? Adam hadn''t answered. At first, it was because he didn''t see the point... He had no other intentions aside from wanting to know if they were still alive. If anything, keeping them in suspense was a small and petty way to amuse himself... A minor payback for all the times they had messed with him when they were younger. His lips curled up slightly at the thought. Miya had always stolen his pocket money to waste it at computer caf¨¦s. And Raiden, his older brother, had forced him into grueling ten-hour study sessions just because he had barely passed a math test. "It wasn''t even a failing grade..." Adam muttered to himself, his expression darkening at the memory. "It was a pass¡­ just barely." Thinking about such carefree moments in a place like the Tower of Yxthar was strange. It felt like recalling a life that no longer belonged to him. But still¡­ He found himself opening the chat. [The Chosen Conduit]: Idiotic sister. A beat passed. Then¡ª [Arsenal of Combat] : Adam?! You''re The Chosen Conduit?! : Wait no, you''re inside the tower?!? Nooo! My precious little brotherrr : Is that really you?! : Hey! Reply! I know you''re quiet in real life, but chatting is different! : Adam, I missed youuuuuu Adam stared at the rapidly increasing notifications. The sheer enthusiasm in Miya''s messages made him hesitate for a brief moment. Then, without a second thought, he muted her for 24 hours. ... After an hour of steady travel, Adam finally arrived at the designated meeting point. [wolfqueen22 has donated an F-tier gift.] [You have received] +1 Soul Cores. [wolfqueen22] : I never knew our streamer had a petty side to him, keeping his siblings on edge for two weeks and then suddenly revealing his name before muting them, hehe. Can''t wait for them to meet again! [Prankster of Kingdoms says a little pettiness between siblings is necessary for the relationship to develop.] [WeaverOfStories has donated an F-tier gift.] [You have received] +3 Soul Cores. [WeaverOfStories] : I''m not complaining, I think it''s nice to see the cute little quirks our Streamer has. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [System_Sovereign has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +5 Soul Cores [System_Sovereign] : Cute and Adam in the same sentence seems wrong... [JustJoeKing has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +1 Soul Core [JustJoeKing] : It''s not wrong if the sentence is, "Adam finds your futile struggles cute." [Frog Eater] : Is it necessary to donate your soul cores for a casual chat?!?! Ignoring the idiotic conversation the stream was having once again, Adam looked towards their surroundings. The location was a ruined outpost at the edge of the decayed forest, where he and the selected Stream Hunters, each chosen for how well their abilities complemented one another, would regroup. The road to Lord Varos'' stronghold was treacherous. Moving in large numbers risked attracting the attention of the Undead Faction''s Stream Hunters, and if that happened, their entire strategy would crumble before it even began. To counter this, they had devised a plan... One that would throw the enemy into complete disarray. Instead of sneaking in or forcing a direct battle, they would trigger a large-scale [Siege Battle] at multiple points across the floor. Not just one or two, but five separate sieges happening simultaneously on the opposite side of the battlefield. It was a gamble, but if executed correctly, it would ensure that almost every enemy combatant rushed to defend their crumbling strongholds, leaving Lord Varos unguarded. The person in charge of the siege distraction was none other than Leila, the Prophet. With her foresight and ability to coordinate large-scale conflicts, she had taken command of the orc forces and allied Stream Hunters assigned to carry out the attacks. Adam and his team, on the other hand, had a much more singular focus. Reach Lord Varos and eliminate threats on the path while the enemy forces were preoccupied. The plan wasn''t foolproof. There was always the chance that some of the smarter or more cautious Undead Faction members would see through their ruse and stay behind to defend the stronghold. But Adam wasn''t particularly concerned. Even if a few C- or B-tier ability users remained, they wouldn''t pose a significant threat to him... They couldn''t handle Adam, let alone Adam who was with other Stream Hunters. As he approached the meeting point, his system notifications flared to life. [Undead Stronghold 3 is being captured.] [Siege Battle has begun!] [Undead Stronghold 8 is being captured.] [Siege Battle has begun!] [Undead Stronghold 15 is being captured.] [Siege Battle has begun!]... Chapter 71 - 71: Caels Ability After an hour of relentless travel, Adam and his team of Stream Hunters finally reached the designated meeting point. A narrow clearing surrounded by the eerie, deadened trees of the Tower''s lower levels. The air was thick with the scent of decay, a byproduct of the undead infestation that had taken root in this sector. Though their journey had been largely uneventful, the tension among the group was palpable. Every step forward felt like a silent challenge to the ever-present forces lurking beyond the darkness. Adam cast a glance toward his team, a diverse mix of abilities and personalities. They weren''t necessarily the strongest, but their skills complemented one another well enough to make this plan viable. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without hesitation, they pressed on toward their objective. Along the way, numerous orc warriors and priests, mounted atop hulking war beasts, unleashed calculated destruction upon the smaller undead settlements. Their goal wasn''t outright extermination but rather to create a large enough disturbance to draw attention. It was a risky move, but one necessary to ensure the Undead Faction remained preoccupied elsewhere. Although they were from the orc faciton, wanting the orcs'' cooperation had been no small feat... Orcs were notoriously stubborn, their tribal nature making them resistant to outside influence. However, a Stream Hunter with a D-tier ability to charm monsters had proven invaluable in swaying the Orc Chief, Karvenis. Once convinced, Karvenis had lent his forces to their cause without further complaint. Now, the battlefield was theirs to manipulate! "Damn, this plan is crazy! But that''s what makes it exciting!" A voice broke through the air, filled with exhilaration. "I finally have time to level up!" Adam didn''t even need to turn to know who it was. Running beside him, eyes gleaming with barely-contained excitement, was Cael... better known as The Atrocious One. The last time they had met, Adam had knocked Cael unconscious and promptly handed him over to a government-affiliated psychologist. Of course, Cael had tried to resist, making several escape attempts. But after a few beatings from Adam, he had fallen obedient, eventually resigning himself to therapy... Now, it seemed he had returned to his usual troublemaking ways... Adam merely shot him a glance before looking away, uninterested in engaging further. Their destination was close, and distractions could be costly. Just then, a rattling noise echoed ahead, and from the shadows of the ruined structures emerged a towering undead skeleton. Its hollow sockets glowed with a ghastly blue light, its bony fingers twitching as it prepared to strike. Adam didn''t waste a second. [Crimson Dominion]. Blood surged to his arms, forming crimson veins of raw power. With a swift downward slash¡ª Shing! A sharp, sickening crack followed as the giant skeleton''s skull split in two, its body crumbling into a heap of bones. [Giant Undead Skeleton has been slain.] [+234 EXP, +0.06 Soul Core] [+1 Gold] The skirmishes continued, their party cutting through the occasional undead monsters with ease. Hours passed in a blur of movement, combat, and rapid advancement. Eventually, they arrived at an open plain, barely five kilometers from Lord Varos'' domain. A new notification appeared in Adam''s vision. [Undead Stronghold 3 has failed to be captured.] Adam frowned. Another failed stronghold... The plan had always hinged on distraction, but their forces needed to hold out just long enough to make it convincing. If too many strongholds fell too quickly, the Undead Faction might catch on... A snicker pulled him from his thoughts. "Oh? Is it my turn to shine now?" Cael stretched, his grin widening. Adam shot him a cold look. "Stay quiet and be quick." "Strict asshole¡­" Cael muttered under his breath. Adam heard him, of course. And because of that, he had already decided to extend Cael''s therapy sessions by two extra hours per day. Despite his complaints, Cael quickly raised his arms as he began the casting process of his ability. As he did, the second phase of their plan unfolded. By now, the Siege Battles that had been triggered on the opposing floors should have reached their peak. Their forces had never been meant to win... only to fight long enough to make the enemy believe the attacks were legitimate! Now that they had served their purpose, it was time for the real strategy to take effect. As the last of their assigned strongholds fell, the surviving Stream Hunters and orcs scattered, retreating into pre-designated hiding spots. After hiding, this was where Cael''s ability would shine! Cael''s first ability allowed him to mark people or objects, teleporting to them at will. His second ability reversed this, allowing him to summon marked targets to his position instead! It was this ability that would enable them to regroup almost instantaneously! As he continued his casting, Cael started tapping his foot on the ground. It was a signal that he was running out of mana. Adam immediately turned toward the freckled woman standing nearby and gave a subtle nod. Understanding his silent command, she stepped forward, placing a hand on both Adam and Cael''s shoulders. Immediately, Adam felt his mana reserves draining, siphoned directly into Cael. [Blood Crystal has been consumed.] [Mana and Health are slowly replenishing.] [Blood Regeneration has increased by 10%.] [Blood Crystal has been consumed.] [Mana and Health are slowly replenishing.] [Blood Regeneration has increased by 10%.] The process was draining, but necessary. Cael couldn''t restore his own mana while actively casting, meaning they had to sustain him through alternative means. Moments later, flames erupted across the battlefield as numerous Stream Hunters materialized, summoned directly to their location. Their numbers rapidly grew, each one appearing in flashes of red-hot embers. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Cael let out a heavy breath and collapsed onto one knee. "Hu... fuck, I felt like I was being sucked dry!" He groaned, shaking his head. Adam''s expression darkened a bit. ''He really has no sense of shame in what he says...'' [Devil_Debi58 has sent an F-tier gift] [You have received] +4 Soul Cores [Devil_Debi58 says he likes Cael''s profanitious personality] [Demodril has donated 15 coins] [Demodril] : I don''t think profanitious is a word... [Experienced Old Knight] : Hmph, profanities are for the low dwellers and peasants. It''s good to be a gentleman with etiquette. [real777 has donated 15 coins] [real777] : Old Knight, your arrogant young master side is showing ^^ Despite the exhaustion, their plan was proceeding exactly as intended. They had successfully regrouped, bypassed the main undead defenses, and were now poised to launch their true assault on Lord Varos'' stronghold! Leila, who had just been teleported using Cael''s ability, stumbled forward, panting heavily as she hurried to Adam''s side. Sweat dripped from her forehead, and her breathing was uneven. The exhaustion from the failed siege battles was evident in her trembling hands, but she still forced herself to deliver her report. "S-sorry!" She stammered, clutching her knees as she caught her breath. "We couldn''t hold out as long as we expected in the Siege Battles... There were way more Stream Hunters from the Undead Faction than we anticipated! They came in waves, overwhelming us faster than we planned!" Adam turned his gaze toward her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, it seemed like he was assessing whether she was too exhausted to continue, but instead of voicing any concerns, he simply gave her a brief nod. "No time for apologies. Get moving." Leila bit her lip but nodded. Adam''s words weren''t meant to be cruel. He was simply stating the truth... There was no time to dwell on failure! The moment Cael finished regaining his composure, the entire team of Stream Hunters sprang into action, surging forward in unison. Their destination... Lord Varos'' stronghold! They could not afford to waste time. The Stream Hunters from the Undead Faction would inevitably start returning once they realized the Siege Battles were just a distraction. Worse, there was no way to tell if any of them possessed teleportation abilities like Cael. A sudden system notification flashed in Adam''s vision. [Warning! You are about to enter an area that can trigger a boss fight.] [Warning! You are about to enter an area that can trigger a boss fight.] [Warning! You are about to enter an area that can trigger a boss fight.] He ignored it. As they sprinted across the barren landscape, an enormous structure came into view in the distance. It was Lord Varos'' stronghold, an ancient castle that had long succumbed to the erosion of time. Its once-grand towers now stood in ruin, the stone walls crumbling with age. The eerie glow of ghostly blue lanterns illuminated the castle grounds, casting elongated shadows that danced with the howling wind. Despite its dilapidated state, the castle emanated an oppressive aura, one that made even the most hardened of warriors feel an instinctive hesitation. Adam had seen this once before, hence he held no fear upon looking. Then, another system notification popped up. [Hidden Conditions Triggered!] [You possess more than 80% of information about the Second Floor''s history.] [Lord Varos has activated True Body status.] [Warning!] [You, alone, possess the qualification to trigger the True Body Status.] [Creating an isolated battlefield for True Body battle¡­] A chill ran down Adam''s spine. ''What?'' Chapter 72 - 72: The Denied Bone Tyrant [You, alone, possess the qualification to trigger the True Body Status.] [Creating an isolated battlefield for True Body battle¡­] Adam had made a mistake. In his previous life, the only reason the Stream Hunters had been able to defeat Lord Varos'' [True Body] status was because of teamwork. The hunters stuck within the orc faction had spent years, literal years, painstakingly studying the second floor''s layout, secret zones, and historical lore. Together, their combined knowledge had surpassed the 80% threshold required to trigger the True Body condition as a group. But this time¡­ Adam was the only one who knew enough. ''Shit¡­'' He cursed inwardly as the notification echoed in his mind. He''d assumed that once a team member triggered the condition, the rest would be brought along. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But the system didn''t seem to work that way... the qualification was personal! His surroundings began to twist. The world distorted like a glitching screen. His fellow Stream Hunters blurred, their forms vanishing as though they were being erased out of existence. In the blink of an eye, he stood alone. The battlefield, the shattered remains of a forgotten kingdom, was quiet now. Towering ruins reached toward a lightless sky, and broken stone walls jutted out from the earth like ribs of a buried beast. No footsteps echoed behind him, and no voices called his name. He was isolated... He sighed, steadying his breath. ''I wonder if it''s doable.'' [WeaverOfStories has donated an E-tier gift] [You have received] Mana Restoration Orb : Fully restore mana in an instant upon use. [WeaverOfStories has donated a D-tier gift] [You have received] Defense Buff : For the next 2 hours, your physical defense has been increased by 30%. [WeaverOfStories] : Don''t panic streamer, you''re technically not alone since we''re still here. [Prankster of Kingdoms has donated 500 coins] [Prankster of Kingdoms reminds you to upgrade your equipment. ''A defense buff and a mana restoration gift... was he worried that I''d get overwhelmed by physical attacks from Lord Varos'' summons?'' Adam thought. Thanking the Story Weaver for the thoughtful gift, Adam took a moment to review his current equipment. [Equipment] ©À©¤©¤ Eldritch Mantle ¨C A flowing dark-red robe that amplifies magic power by 20% and increases mana regeneration rate by 15%. ©À©¤©¤ Runed Arcane Gloves ¨C Inlaid with mystical inscriptions, these gloves enhance spellcasting speed and boost the potency of magical attacks by 10%. ©À©¤©¤ Sanguine Ring ¨C A crimson-etched ring that passively enhances blood regeneration, reducing the cost of blood-related magic. ©À©¤©¤ Predator''s Maw ¨C A mask carved from the bone of an ancient beast. When worn, it exudes a primal aura, instilling fear in weaker foes. Good gear... for a normal boss. But against Lord Varos in his True Body form? Laughable... He quickly accessed his inventory and opened the auction interface. [Gold] 43,534 Gold He still had 43,534 Gold left... That was more than enough. He started with the mantle. The Eldritch Mantle was good, but too vulnerable. Weaver Of Stories'' gift reminded him that he''d need protection against overwhelming attacks rather than equipment that amplified his own magic. [Purchased] ©À©¤©¤ Obsidian Weave Armor (19,000 Gold) ¨C Lightweight black armor made from woven shadowsteel and reinforced mana-thread. Reduces incoming magical damage by 25%, increases agility by 10%, and adds +150 to base mana. Next, the gloves. He needed ones that synergized with magic and increased survival time. [Purchased] ©À©¤©¤ Veinthread Gauntlets (13,500 Gold) ¨C Gloves crafted from living silk infused with magic. Increases magic potency by 25%, reduces mana cost of all spells by 15%, and slightly regenerates mana over time. Finally, with his last bit of gold, he decided to stack on more sustain. Another ring. [Purchased] ©À©¤©¤ Ring of the Leeching Pact (7,500 Gold) ¨C A cursed blood-ring that siphons 5% of damage dealt as health. Can store excess healing as a temporary shield. Slightly increases dark affinity spells. He exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. [Updated Equipment] ©À©¤©¤ Obsidian Weave Armor ¨C Lightweight black armor made from woven shadowsteel and reinforced mana-thread. Reduces incoming magical damage by 25%, increases agility by 10%, and adds +150 to base mana. ©À©¤©¤ Veinthread Gauntlets ¨C Gloves crafted from living silk infused with blood magic. Increases blood magic potency by 25%, reduces mana cost of all spells by 15%, and slightly regenerates mana over time. ©À©¤©¤ Sanguine Ring ¨C A crimson-etched ring that passively enhances blood regeneration, reducing the cost of blood-related magic. ©À©¤©¤ Ring of the Leeching Pact ¨C A cursed blood-ring that siphons 5% of damage dealt as health. Can store excess healing as a temporary shield. Slightly increases dark affinity spells. ©À©¤©¤ Predator''s Maw ¨C A mask carved from the bone of an ancient beast. When worn, it exudes a primal aura, instilling fear in weaker foes. [Gold Remaining: 534 Gold] Just as Adam finished preparing his gear, a system notification appeared in front of his eyes. [The Bone Tyrant, Lord Varos has activated True Body status.] [Floor 2 Authority has been distributed.] [May the battle¡­] [BEGIN!] The moment the word flashed in his vision, the ground trembled slightly beneath his feet. In the heart of the ruined kingdom, surrounded by broken towers and crumbled stone, a figure slowly came into view. The air grew heavier, colder... as if the land itself held its breath. A tall, ghastly figure hovered above the cracked ground. This was Lord Varos. He looked like someone who had been denied death and life both. His body was wrapped in old, torn burial robes. At one time, they were probably majestic... Decorated with golden symbols and writings of forgotten gods... But now they were faded and ruined. The threads hung loose like dried vines clinging to a corpse. A massive bronze mask covered most of his face. A deep crack ran right down the middle of it, showing pieces of dried, mummified skin underneath. That mask wasn''t just for looks. It was part of a failed ritual, one that was supposed to bring him back to life. It didn''t work. Instead, it turned him into this monster... Prayer beads made from bones hung around his neck. Each bone had a name carved into it, names of the dead who were never supposed to rise again. They rattled with every move he made, like a chilling whisper of the souls trapped inside. His chest was wrapped in burial cloth, soaked long ago in sacred oil. Some strips still held a faint scent of it, while others had turned hard and dry with age. In one hand, he held a broken crozier. A staff once used by priest-kings. Now it was split in half, showing how even the gods had turned their backs on him His feet didn''t touch the ground. He floated just above it, gliding forward slowly. It was as if the earth itself refused to accept him. Adam took a deep breath. His heart was pounding in his chest. This was it... The true body of Lord Varos. A monster formed from broken faith and a ritual gone horribly wrong. Another system notification followed right after. [Boss Room Initiation Complete.] [The Bone Tyrant, Lord Varos has activated Soul Entropy.] [All spells used within a 30-meter radius suffer 10% decay in effectiveness every second.] Adam''s eyes narrowed. A deep, uncanny tone rang out, cold and hollow, yet loud enough to fill the entire dead space of the kingdom. It felt as though the voice was not coming from a mouth, but from the very bones of the ruins themselves. "I am your savior... I am your light..." Adam''s expression darkened. He was triggering a chant spell! Chapter 73 - 73: A Daring Idea [nonexnihilio42069 has donated a D-tier gift] [You have received] Sacred Gem : Slightly coats the user in a protective holy energy just until the gem runs out of holy energy. [nonexnihilio42069] : Streamer, you should''ve purchased holy-focused items with the coins you had earlier. Although it''s nice that you''re thinking about how you won''t be able to make use of such holy items in the future, the situation right now is a now-or-never! Seeing Nonexnihilio''s comment, even the other viewers seemed to have realized that Adam may have made a mistake when purchasing. [Disciple of Ice] : I don''t think it was a mistake, it should be because of the peculiarity of Lord Varos'' summons... [Nalyd has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +7 Soul Cores [Nalyd says to have faith in Adam''s actions and decisions] Adam''s glanced towards the comment before his eyes flickered with sharp focus. He wanted to thank the analytic viewer for the gift, but he had to stop the chant-ability of Lord Varos first! He activated [Crimson Dominion] in an instant. Hundreds of blood blades shot out from him, slicing through the air as they headed straight for Lord Varos. But just before they hit, Lord Varos raised his broken staff. A blinding flash erupted. The blood blades disintegrated midair. A low hum echoed as the ground in front of Lord Varos cracked. A figure emerged... fully armored in glowing white. It was a skeletal knight, wrapped in holy energy. Its armor pulsed like it was alive. Adam''s eyes narrowed. That was one of Lord Varos'' tricks. Undead that used holy power. ''There should be numerous of these undead that uses holy power...'' This was exactly why Adam didn''t bother equipping himself with holy resistance gear. If he had, he would''ve only made these types of summons stronger. In this world, holy energy worked oddly. The stronger being always benefited from weaker holy energy. If your affinity was lower, your buffs would only empower your enemy. Adam clicked his tongue. The system beeped in Adam''s mind. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] Disciple of Ice [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Frozen Ocean!] [Reducing Frozen Ocean to its F-tier version...] [Frozen Ocean has been reduced to Ice Blast.] [Temporary Copy] : Ice Blast (30 Second Duration) [Ice Blast] : Release an ice-energy focused blast. Adam exhaled. Cool air filled his lungs. He focused, coating his limbs again with [Crimson Dominion]. Blood rippled across his arms and legs. Then he moved. He shot toward the knight, sprinting full speed. The undead knight raised its broadsword and swung. A wave of holy energy surged from the blade. But Adam''s body vanished. A blur flickered in the air. The holy wave hit nothing. An illusion. The real Adam came in from the side, already gathering energy in his hand. [Ice Blast.] A sharp burst of ice shot out, hitting the knight square in the chest. The knight froze up¡ª literally. Its movements turned sluggish. Before it could recover, blood shot up from the ground beneath it! Razor-sharp and fast! Like a trap that was waiting to be triggered, the blades pierced through the knight''s armor in a flash! It could barely even react to the enhanced blood magic! [Undead Holy Knight has been slain] [+2312 Exp, +0.84 Basic Soul Core.] [+70 Gold.] The surrounding suddenly grew quiet. The chanting stopped. Adam felt the shift in the atmosphere, the tension building as Lord Varos completed the final line of his spell. "Go forth and beyond!" Varos shouted, his voice thick with dark power. In an instant, the air around him seemed to freeze. The ground trembled as something unnatural began to stir. Out of Lord Varos'' body, thousands of souls exploded into the air. They were twisted, ghostly faces... ghastly, hollow expressions that stretched and warped like floating creatures. Each soul darted toward an object, an inanimate part of the environment, and then latched onto it, as if it was trying to invade its very being. The effect was immediate and terrifying. The walls, once sturdy and unmoving, began to twitch, as though they had a life of their own. The stone surface rippled like water, and even the air seemed to grow thick, charged with a malevolent energy. Adam''s heart pounded. He could feel the oppressive force closing in on him. The souls had begun to possess everything around him, warping the battlefield into something twisted and alive. This wasn''t just a fight anymore. It was an invasion of the world itself. Without hesitation, Adam activated [Crimson Dominion]. A blood-red cocoon instantly enveloped him, hardening into a shield made of coagulated blood. The air around him crackled as wind blades formed from the chaotic energy swirling through the environment. The blades moved with precision, aiming to slice through his blood shield. But Adam had already reinforced the blood to be tougher than steel. His defense was solid, but the pressure was relentless. He gritted his teeth. ''Just as I thought... I really can''t beat this guy alone...'' The thought passed through Adam''s mind like a cold shiver. This wasn''t something he could handle by himself. From what Adam had learned, Lord Varos had countless undead summons. The Undead Holy Knight was just the beginning, the weakest of them all. And that didn''t even count Varos'' mastery over necrotic energy! Without an affinity to Holy Energy, Adam couldn''t even begin to fight back effectively. His best shot was to use [Divine Edge], but even that would only scratch Varos. The only chance he''d get would be if he could use the [Head of an Ancient Priest] at a correct time! But with Lord Varos'' power and level, he''d definitely notice the holy energy inside the [Head of an Ancient Priest] and do all it could to get rid of it. This was the reason why numerous Stream Hunters and an army of orcs was required to fight this floor boss! Adam narrowed his eyes as he glanced towards a reddish-black insignia burned into the side of his forearm. It was a mark from Cael! Adam had a daring idea... He immediately sent a message to Cael. [The Chosen Conduit] : Teleport me to your location when I tell you to. [The Atrocious One] : Huh? No thanks... just kidding, alright. Adam''s lips twitched. He didn''t have time to waste on banter. Suddenly, the blood coccoon shattered from the inside as Adam multiplied his figure with [Surreal Creation] The environment seemed to respond as they all attacked the "Adam''s" each one being killed almost instantly. Luckily [Surreal Creation] was an A-tier ability, hence it wasn''t a problem for Adam to create hundred of illusions of himself. Lord Varos raised its broken staff again, tapping it against the ground lightly. The action seemed almost casual, but the effect was anything but weak. A massive wave of necrotic energy pulsed outward from Lord Varos'' body, sweeping across the battlefield. The energy was so dense and powerful that it obliterated all the remaining Adams in a matter of seconds. But the real Adam had already acted. Suddenly, it sensed a flunctuation as it immediately turned around. A gigantic blood axe was hurling itself towards it! Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Lord Varos didn''t panic. Instead, it raised its bony, skeletal hand and pointed toward the incoming weapon. The blood axe, held aloft by Adam''s blood magic, began to decay before it even reached its target. The blood magic sustaining the axe started to unravel, its coagulation melting into nothing. The weapon fell apart, its form dissolving into liquid before it hit the ground. Lord Varos wasn''t done yet. It was already preparing for another summon, its power beginning to surge once more. But Adam wasn''t done either. A sudden shift in the air caught Varos'' attention. The moment it turned, a hand touched its shoulder. It was Adam. The instant Lord Varos turned, Adam activated his plan. [The Chosen Conduit] : Now!! The reddish-black mark on his forearm flared to life, glowing with intense reddish-black flames. The flames surged upward, spiraling around Adam and Lord Varos. That''s right, Adam was going to bring both him and Lord Varos'' [True Body] away from the isolated space using Cael''s ability! There was no way Adam would fight this abomination alone! Chapter 74 - 74: Regretting Lack of Aerodynamic Knowledge Flames surged up like pillars from the ground, wrapping around Adam and Lord Varos in a spiraling vortex of power. Then everything changed. Adam''s boots slammed onto solid ground, but it wasn''t the same eerie, dead space he''d just been in. Instead, he was now in the middle of a battlefield. The air was thick with smoke, blood, and the stench of rot. All around him, Stream Hunters were locked in brutal combat against hordes of undead. Skeleton warriors clashed with armored fighters, zombies swarmed across trenches, and necrotic magic danced through the air like fireflies from hell. Adam blinked once. It worked! He didn''t have time to celebrate. But deep inside, there was a small flicker of satisfaction. ''Was it because that isolation space was just teleporting me somewhere else within the Tower?'' He quickly re-evaluated what he knew about the Tower of Yxthar''s mechanics. The so-called "isolation chambers" used by high-ranking bosses weren''t separate dimensions, just sealed arenas created through spatial locks. It made sense now why Cael''s ability could bypass it... His power was based on marking targets and pulling them through space, regardless of magical barriers. So it''s not that the mechanism was weak¡­ it''s just that Cael''s teleportation breaks the rules entirely. Still, Adam frowned. For a floor boss, that kind of isolation is pretty brittle. [DaoisteRJTzL has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] A coin bag : A bag of coin containing 500 coins [DaoisteRJTzL wonders if the system functions of the Tower of Yxthar can be abused this easily...] [5th Style Sword Master] : That should not be the case. But perhaps the Tower of Yxthar does not care as much? [Disciple of Ice] : That''s true. I heard from my master that as long as it''s not from an external influence then the Tower of Yxthar doesn''t really care what happens internally. [VacantSoul has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +5 Soul Core [VacantSoul] : What kind of external powers could there be aside from the Tower of Yxthar? [Prankster of Kingdoms says he heard a rumor of Temple of Wishes existing far outside] Before he could continue analyzing and reading the chat discussion, a new system message popped up in front of his eyes. [Lord Varos has descended upon the real world] [Necrotic Energy around Lord Varos has increased due to the high number of deaths nearby] Adam exhaled slowly. Never mind... this is bad. He didn''t need the system to tell him that Lord Varos had gotten stronger. He could feel the undead energy radiating off the creature was now twice as thick as before, wrapping the area in a choking fog of decay and death. Without wasting a second, Adam activated [Crimson Dominion]. A burst of blood-red energy exploded from his feet, launching him backward as a protective shield formed around his body. The Blood Cocoon shimmered briefly before hardening into a reflective surface, letting him gain some distance before the Bone Tyrant could strike. But Lord Varos wasn''t chasing. Instead, it lifted its body off the ground with a slow, unnatural levitation as it began to rise, higher and higher into the air. It hovered above the battlefield like a king observing his domain. Its glowing green eye sockets scanned everything below. Its broken staff pulsed faintly, reacting to the mass of corpses piling up across the land. Adam narrowed his eyes. ''What''s it doing? Preparing an area-wide spell?'' He was still trying to figure it out when a familiar voice shouted his name from behind. "Adam!" He turned to see Leila, sprinting through a trail of smoke and undead corpses. Her armor was stained with ash and blood, her face pale from the chaos she had just pushed through. "The Stream Hunters from the undead faction are coming this way!" She said, panting. "What?" Adam asked, brows tightening. "When you and the boss disappeared, a huge wave of undead started pouring out of the ground... and I think the undead faction''s Stream Hunters sent them in advance! They were probably planning for this exact scenario!" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She was right to be alarmed. Dozens of armored undead warriors were marching in from the eastern ridge, accompanied by liches and skeletal mages. Their formation was too clean and too organized to be a random spawn It was definitely a strategic wave. So they were prepared for the possibility that someone might try to kill Lord Varos while they were defending the other strongholds. Adam glanced at Leila again. Honestly, he wasn''t surprised. If the undead faction hadn''t come up with backup plans like this, he would''ve started questioning their intelligence. "Have the others used the holy bombs I told them to prepare?" He asked. Leila shook her head. "No, not yet. I saw a few explosions that looked like holy energy, but those were probably last-minute panic attacks from someone trying to survive." She paused, scanning the battlefield briefly. "I think most of the teams still have theirs. They''re waiting for the signal." Adam nodded once. "Good. Tell them to hold position and wait until our mages have locked Lord Varos down. Only then should they unleash the bombs." "Understood." Leila opened her system interface, her fingers moving fast as she sent alerts and quick commands to multiple team leaders through the friend function. Adam didn''t wait around. He activated [Temporary Copy] again. [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] Bird Hunter [Temporary Copy has been activated...] [Due to low level and low rank, skill picking will be randomized...] The system beeped again. [Temporary Copy is successful!] [Temporarily Copied: Hunting Zone!] [Reducing Hunting Zone to its F-tier version...] [Hunting Zone has been reduced to Territorial Advantage.] [Temporary Copy] : Territorial Advantage (30 Second Duration) [Territorial Advantage] : The surrounding environment feels like familiar territory. Movement speed and terrain awareness are enhanced. Attack Luck increased by 10%. Adam felt a small surge of confidence as the skill took effect. The environment around him seemed to click into place. The cracked ground, the twisted rocks, the pools of black ichor... they all felt familiar now. Like he belonged here. Without wasting time, he activated [Surreal Creation], blending into the shadows with his camouflage. Next, Adam slashed both of his wrists. Blood poured out quickly. It stung, but he had to push through the pain. Then, he activated [Crimson Dominion]. The blood didn''t spill and instead hovered in the air, twisting into patterns around his arms. It moved like it had a mind of its own. He was going to cast the chant ability of [Crimson Dominion]! Knowledge filled up his head as though the chant process was already something he had done numerous times before "In the age before names, power had no price... But now, blood is the currency of gods. I offer what is mine... willing flesh, faithful pain." The blood began to gather beneath his feet, swirling around in circles, connecting together like a puzzle. Each drop seemed to pull the others in, making the spell stronger. "This wound is no wound, but a gate. Through it, I call the forgotten hunger. From sinew and sorrow, from marrow and wrath, Let a form take shape in my shadow." [Ovanni has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +5 Soul Cores [Ovanni] : Is it just me, or if you look closely on the Streamer''s mouth, it looks as though he''s chanting in a really complicated language... [Bird Hunter] : I''m guessing you don''t have a caster-ability? Casters use languages that trigger a response from your universe''s authority. [Devil_Debi58 has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +1 Soul Core [Devil_Debi58 asks what that means.] [Bird Hunter] : I don''t know the principle behind it, but I do know that if you''re up against an S-tier user who holds one of the authorities of your universe, try not to use your chant ability... [Nalyd has donated 15 coins] [Nalyd says he is unsure of what to feel about the edgy chanting...] Just as Adam was about to continue, a loud whistling sound interrupted him. He spun around and saw a massive bone axe flying toward him. It was moving fast, aiming right for his head! His instincts kicked in. He almost stopped the chant, but then he saw one of the Stream Hunters beside him raise a shield made of hollow bone. The shield absorbed the impact of the axe, blocking it just in time. The Stream Hunter shot him a quick nod. Adam gave a small nod back. ''Teammates... always good to have.'' He returned to his chant, ignoring everything else. "Bound by pact, sealed in scar, Beast of blood, awaken beneath my will. You are no demon. You are no man. You are mine... born to tear, born to kill." "So rise from the red, And answer the thirst. Crimson creature, forged from body!" The last words hit him with a rush of power. The blood beneath him surged. It didn''t just pool... it started to rise! Pulling itself up from the ground, a shape started to form. It was a monstrous, blood-soaked wolf. Its size was terrifying, towering over Adam. It had muscles rippling with blood and bone spines sticking out of its back. Its fur was blood, dripping down its body in streams. The creature''s glowing eyes locked onto Adam. It growled, a deep, rumbling sound that shook the ground. [Crimson Dominion has analyzed the sacrificed blood] [Blood Summon: Crimson Hound ¨C Active (10 Minutes)] [Bonded Creature ¨C Follows Combat Intentions] ''It seems the amount of blood I''ve sacrificed can only amount to a crimson hound...'' He thought. ''But that''s good enough.'' "Charge towards Varos." Adam ordered, his voice calm but firm. Without hesitation, the Crimson Hound obeyed. It crouched low, its powerful muscles coiling, and then, without warning... Massive, blood-red wings sprouted from its back. The wings flapped once, sending a gust of air through the battlefield, and the Hound launched itself into the sky, soaring towards Lord Varos. Adam stood there for a moment, watching the creature ascend. He couldn''t help but wonder. ''Does that mean I could technically fly too?'' The thought hit him, and he felt a wave of confusion. He had no idea how the wings worked, how they supported the weight of the Hound, or how they could even support his own. He tried to calculate the wing structure in his head, thinking about the strength-to-weight ratio, the anatomy required to lift his mass into the air. But before he could go any further, he stopped himself. ''I should''ve studied aerodynamics before...'' He grumbled, a little annoyed at his own lack of creativity. Chapter 75 - 75: Spamming Holy Power! The Crimson Hound roared as it soared through the sky, its blood-soaked body cutting through the air like a bullet. Lord Varos, unfazed, raised both arms high. A wave of thick, greenish-black necrotic energy exploded out from him, sweeping across the battlefield and rotting everything in its path. But the Hound didn''t slow down. Its wings flared out wider, accelerating instead of retreating. The necrotic blast ate away at parts of its body, melting blood and flesh, but it didn''t matter... The blood simply regenerated. New tendrils of red wrapped over the decayed areas, like the beast was made of endless living liquid. Adam stood far behind, watching closely. The Crimson Hound drew closer. Lord Varos narrowed his eyes. His skeletal frame radiated power, and in a sudden motion, his massive arm shot forward. He caught the Hound by the neck mid-air. The entire battlefield seemed to pause. It seems like Lord Varos'' strength stat wasn''t low either... A low growl rumbled from the Hound''s throat. Instead of struggling, its form suddenly changed. Bursting apart into dozens of thick, red chains. They shot in every direction, wrapping around Lord Varos''s arms, legs, and torso like living snakes. The blood hound wasn''t trying to damage or attack Lord Varos, it was trying to restrain it from the start! The chains tightened, growing darker and thicker by the second. The blood hardened into metal-like bonds, locking the Bone Tyrant in place. Lord Varos tried to tear through them, but they pulsed and reformed with every movement he made. Then, even more bindings followed. Thin white threads came from above, wrapping tightly around Lord Varos''s shoulders and legs. These weren''t normal strings, they shimmered, reinforced with sealing magic. At the same time, glowing blue runes lit up beneath his feet, forming a magic circle around his body. Pillars of earth rose from the ground, stacking themselves around him like a prison of stone. Adam turned his head slightly and saw several Stream Hunter mages from the Orc Faction holding their staffs in the air, chanting furiously. They had been waiting for the perfect time to activate their restraining abilities just like how it was discussed! In the original plan, Adam thought about using [Body Blood Magic] to form chains around Lord Varos. But with the Blood Hound present, things were a lot easier than expected! Without wasting time, Adam raised his hand and activated [Surreal Creation]. Above the battlefield, a massive glowing sign appeared in the sky, written in bright red text: "NOW!" It was the signal for the Stream Hunters to indicate that they could activate their holy-powered attacks! Adam wanted to be creative at first, like perhaps use a certain symbol as the signal, but he thought that it would be too inefficient rather than the word "now"... [fireravenfx has donated an E-tier gift] [You have received] Large Blood Crystal :A dense, crimson crystal that boosts blood regeneration and mana recovery by 70%. [fireravenfx says the Streamer should work on his creativity...] [Belisarius2018 has donated 15 coins] [Belisarius2018] : I agree. Does any viewer have any ability that can increases creativity to help the streamer? [5th Style Sword Master] I have an ability that can help the mind function at 200%! [Prankster of Kingdoms says that''ll just make the Streamer rewrite the "NOW!" signal to "GO!" signal] Several Stream Hunters nearby jumped at the sight of the signal. "That''s the signal!" Someone shouted. "Holy barrage, now!" One by one, holy-powered projectiles began to rain down from all sides. Spears of light, glowing swords, magic bullets... Dozens of different attacks, all charged with sacred energy, launched toward the restrained Lord Varos. Adam watched as the glowing sky lit up with holy brilliance. For a second, it almost looked like they had summoned the heavens themselves. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Explosions echoed across the battlefield as each holy attack landed. The ground shook, and light blasted outward, swallowing everything in a giant blinding cloud. Some of the Stream Hunters started cheering. "Did it work?" The smoke began to clear. But instead of finding a broken corpse, they saw something horrifying. Lord Varos was still standing... untouched! The chains around him were smoking. But the Bone Tyrant himself stood tall in the middle of it all, his skeletal figure glowing with divine light. The undead boss slowly raised a hand... And absorbed the remaining holy energy around him. Like water flowing into a sponge, the light bent inward, vanishing into his body. ''As I thought, he really is a monster attuned to holy power...'' Adam thought. He already knew that Lord Varos used to be a well-respected holy-magic user when he was human. The battlefield went silent for a moment. "What just happened?" Someone muttered. "Wasn''t that holy magic?" "How did he¡­?" A notification suddenly popped up in front of Adam. [Floor 2 Boss Authority has activated.] [Authority: Corrupt Divinity] [The dark side of a righteous power has revealed itself.] The ground beneath them rumbled again. All across the battlefield, corpses began to rise... but they weren''t like normal undead. Their bodies shimmered with holy power. These weren''t monsters of death. They were twisted parodies of saints and knights, glowing with false righteousness! This was the second floor''s authority. The corruption that stemmed from good! "Holy undead¡­" Someone whispered in fear. From the ground, these corrupted warriors emerged... wielding weapons of light, but serving darkness. Panic spread among the Stream Hunters. The Orc Faction members were backing away, unsure of how to fight something that looked so¡­ pure, yet felt so wrong. Adam didn''t flinch. He reached into his inventory and pulled out an old, rotten skull. It was wrapped in ancient symbols and covered in dried gold paint. Its eye sockets glowed faintly with soft white light. [Item: Head of an Ancient Priest] [Description: A sacred artifact holding a massive amount of sealed holy power. Upon activation, it will unleash a divine explosion with a 500-meter radius. Anything impure caught within its radius will be purged.] Adam held the artifact in both hands. ''I wonder if the holy power inside this thing has a higher tier than Lord Varos...'' Adam secretly thought. He whispered the activation phrase that had appeared in the system tooltip. "By forgotten rites and sealed breath, Release what sleeps beneath the flesh..." The skull glowed bright... Then exploded! A wave of pure white light burst out, swallowing the entire battlefield. The corrupted holy undead didn''t even have time to scream. Their bodies shattered into dust, purified in an instant. Even the regular undead evaporated where they stood. The light was blinding. Anyone who tried to look at it turned away immediately, covering their eyes. Adam stood at the edge of the blast radius, his cloak flapping wildly from the force of the wave. He squinted into the glow. In the center of it all¡­ Lord Varos fell. His body hit the ground with a heavy thud. The chains were burned away. His robe was gone. Even parts of his skeletal form were cracked and crumbling. The giant undead tyrant wasn''t moving. But he wasn''t dead either. As the blinding holy light faded, Lord Varos''s body twitched. His bones cracked and shifted as they began to pull themselves back together. A dim green glow wrapped around his chest, starting to rebuild what had been broken. Adam narrowed his eyes and glanced at his system notifications. [JustJoeKing has sent a D-tier gift] [You have received] Holy Grenade : A compact high-tiered holy-powered bomb that will explode within 20 meters. [JustJoeKing has sent a D-tier gift] [You have received] Holy Grenade : A compact high-tiered holy-powered bomb that will explode within 20 meters. [JustJoeKing has sent a D-tier gift] [You have received] Holy Grenade : A compact high-tiered holy-powered bomb that will explode within 20 meters. [JustJoeKing has sent a D-tier gift] [You have received] Holy Grenade : A compact high-tiered holy-powered bomb that will explode within 20 meters. [JustJoeKing] : With my richness, I was gonna donate a holy-powered nuke, but figured this was enough. No need to thank me! Just kidding¡ª thank me. Adam blinked. He stared at the row of glowing grenades lined up neatly in his inventory. His mouth twitched. "¡­Thank you." He muttered, trying to force a smile for the chat. It came out more awkward than he intended.... But to the viewers watching the stream, it didn''t look awkward.... It looked terrifying! [pockyslee has donated an E-tier gift] [You have received] Anti-Mind Ravage Herb : Increases resistance against mind-attacks by 1% [pockyslee] : Ah! Streamer! Don''t smile please! It scares me! [Nalyd has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +5 Soul Cores [Nalyd says he felt as though smiling demon had stared into his soul] [Chaos_Reader has sent 15 coins] [Chaos_Reader] : He must really like items that bring destruction... Adam''s smile quickly vanished. "¡­I was just trying to say thanks" He muttered under his breath, rubbing his forehead. His face turned slightly red in embarrassment. He wasn''t even doing anything sinister... He glanced back towards the Floor Boss. Lord Varos was still trying to regenerate. Bones popped back into place. Cracks were healing. His corrupted holy aura was flickering back to life. Adam''s eyes locked onto him. He grabbed the four Holy Grenades from his inventory. Each one was small, about the size of a palm-sized orb, glowing faintly with pure white light. He didn''t hesitate. One. Two. Three. Four. Adam threw them all at once toward the fallen tyrant. The moment they landed¡ª BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Silence. And then, a system notification came through. [You have defeated the Floor 2 Boss.] [The Bone Tyrant, Lord Varos has been slain.] Chapter 76 - 76: Rank Up Rewards The battlefield fell into an eerie silence. The four holy grenades had turned Lord Varos into little more than scattered bone fragments, his corrupted divinity dissipating like smoke in the wind. Adam exhaled, flexing his fingers where the grenades had once been. The sudden emptiness in his grip was a stark reminder that it was over. [Floor 2 Cleared!] [All surviving participants will be granted a one-hour rest period before the next floor opens.] [All losing participants will be isolated in a confined singular room and will be released until the floor has reset] [Rewards will be distributed based on contribution.] A holographic leaderboard flickered into existence above the battlefield. [1st Place] ¨C The Chosen Conduit (103,424 points) [2nd Place] ¨C The Atrocious One (19,312 points) [3rd Place] ¨C Distant Eye (17,531 points) Adam barely glanced at it. He already knew he would score as the first placer... His focus was on the next set of notifications. [Hidden Condition: been fulfilled!] [Hidden Condition: been fulfilled!] [Rewards have been upgraded.] The system didn''t waste time. [+250,000 EXP] [+40 Soul Cores] [+20,000 Gold] His body thrummed as energy surged through him as his levels climbed in rapid succession. [Level 95 ¡ú Level 96] [Mana Capacity Increased.] [Level 96 ¡ú Level 97] [Control Over Mana Improved Slightly.] [Level 97 ¡ú Level 98] [Magic Damage +1%] [Level 98 ¡ú Level 99] [Blood Regeneration has increased by 1%] [Level 99 ¡ú Level 100] A final notification of the level ups sounded. [You Have Reached Max Level for Your Current Rank.] [Conditions for Rank Advancement Met.] Adam''s eyes flicked to the next prompt. [Calculating Soul Cores¡­] [Soul Core Amount Detected: 310] [Your Rank Has Increased.] [Ember ¡ú Stone] A deep, resonant hum vibrated through Adam''s bones as his very existence reshaped itself. It wasn''t just power filling him... It was his entire being being reforged at a fundamental level! In the Tower''s merciless hierarchy, ranks weren''t just fancy titles or simple power boosts. Each promotion represented an actual evolution of one''s existence, with Stone rank marking the first true step beyond mortal limits. An Ember-ranked Streamer was still essentially human. A vessel filled with borrowed power. Their flesh could be pierced by blades. Their bones shattered under sufficient force. Their minds could break from exhaustion or terror. They were sparks... brilliant but fleeting, capable of being snuffed out by any sufficiently strong gust of wind. Stone rank changed a lot of things. The transformation wasn''t metaphorical. When the Tower''s system elevated someone to Stone rank, it physically rewrote their body at a cellular level. Their bones gained the density of compressed marble, making them nearly unbreakable by conventional means. Their muscle fibers realigned into tougher, more efficient configurations that could generate terrifying force without tearing. Even their blood changed, becoming thicker and more potent, each drop carrying far more oxygen and nutrients than human blood possibly could. Adam flexed his fingers as the changes settled in. He could feel the difference immediately... like his entire body had been replaced with something more solid, more real. The air itself seemed to press against him differently, as if recognizing he now occupied more space in the world''s natural order. But the most important change wasn''t physical. Stone rank Streamers developed what veterans called "Soul Core independency" An internal wellspring of energy that made them less dependent on the Tower''s systems. Where Embers were like lanterns, burning fuel given to them, Stones became furnaces that generated their own heat. This was why they could survive wounds that would kill lesser Streamers, why they could fight for days without rest, why they could shrug off poisons and diseases that would drop an Ember in seconds. The tradeoff? Everything weighed more now. Not just physically... Adam could already feel his movements requiring more deliberate effort existentially. [Due to Overqualification of Soul Cores, Your Evolution Has Been Altered.] [New Ability Has Been Modified¡­] A cold sensation spread through his veins. [You Have Gained a New Ability: Crimson Rebirth (A-Tier)] [Crimson Rebirth]: Upon death, Adam will revive as long as a single drop of his blood exists somewhere in the world. Cooldown: Once every two months. True Death Condition: Complete annihilation of all blood traces. Adam stared at the description. This wasn''t what he got last time... In his past life, his rank-up had granted him Enhanced Blood Regeneration (E-Tier), a passive ability that boosted his healing by 120%. Useful, but not this. Crimson Rebirth was¡­ A second chance. No, not just a second chance. The two month cooldown was basically saying that he could continuously be reborn...! His fingers twitched but he didn''t smile. He didn''t react outwardly either as he kept his stoic face... But deep inside¡ª Adam was elated! The system wasn''t done. [All Stats and Abilities Have Been Upgraded.] [Would You Like to View Your Status Window?] Adam didn''t hesitate. "Yes." A translucent blue screen materialized before him. ? [User] Adam Codranel ? [Rank] Stone (Requires 2,000 Soul Core points and max level for the next Rank) ? [Level] 1 ©¤ (Capped at level 100) ? [Soul Core] 0 ? [Honor] 85 ¡ô [Abilities] ©À©¤©¤ [Temporary Copy] (?-Tier) (Upgraded) - Copied skills now degrade to E-Tier versions. - User can now choose between two skill options. ©À©¤©¤ [Permanent Copy] (?-Tier) (Refreshed) - 1 usage per rank increase. - Can only copy a viewer''s skill. ©À©¤©¤ [Crimson Dominion] (C-Tier) (Upgraded) - Control over external blood improved. ©À©¤©¤ - [Surreal Creation] (A-Tier) (Upgraded) - Illusion mana cost reduced. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. - Size limit increased. ©¸©¤©¤ [Blood Reborn] (A-Tier) (New) ¡ô [Stream Information] ©À©¤©¤ [Stream Codename] The Chosen Conduit ©À©¤©¤ [Sponsors] None ©À©¤©¤ [Average Viewers] 213/sec ©À©¤©¤ [Subscribers] 213 ©À©¤©¤ [Gold] 20,534 Gold ©¸©¤©¤ [Pending Gifts] : 23 Adam took a moment to process his upgraded status, but the flashing notifications from his stream chat demanded attention. The flood of donations had turned into a tidal wave... viewers celebrating his victory, showering him with gifts, and some just there to witness history in the making. [Lector_3 has donated numerous F-tier gifts!] [You have received] Mana Cake x5 ¨C Delicate pastries infused with stabilizing energy. Consuming one temporarily reinforces the soul core, preventing mana fluctuations during high-stress situations. ''Mana cakes... I have never seen items like this before... Hm. Perhaps Miya would like these as my personal gifts for when we meet on the 10th floor...'' ''She is quite fond of sweets after all.'' Adam thought as he stored them away. [nthnth_9 has donated a C-tier gift!] [You have received] Rogue''s Necklace ¨C A silver chain bearing a faintly glowing obsidian pendant. Crafted by a legendary thief who vanished from history, this artifact automatically dampens the wearer''s presence when no interaction is detected for five seconds. Perfect for those who prefer to move unseen. A faint smile tugged at the corner of Adam''s lips. Now this was valuable. He fastened it around his neck, feeling an immediate change... like the air around him grew heavier, blurring his outline ever so slightly. [nthnth_9 congratulates the streamer on his 1st place ranking!] Adam gave a slight nod. "Appreciated." The donations didn''t stop. [Prankster of Kingdoms has donated 4,000 coins!] [Experienced Old Knight has donated 500 coins!] [DaoisteRJTzL has donated an F-tier gift!] [You have received] +5 Soul Cores [DaoisteRJTzL] : Another smile as thanks, Streamer? Adam ignored the request immediately. There was no way in hell would he put on an embarrassingly "appreciative" smile! [Flaming_Climax has donated an F-tier gift!] [You have received] +5 Soul Cores [Disciple of Ice] : ¡­Flaming¡­ Climax¡­? The chat erupted into chaos... some questioning the usernames of other viewers, others making crude jokes, a few even debating the philosophical implications of such names in a death game like the Tower. Adam exhaled through his nose, resisting the urge to smack his viewers... As the notifications continued to pile up, Adam couldn''t deny the truth. His greatest advantage wasn''t [Temporary Copy], which allowed him to mimic skills. It wasn''t even [Permanent Copy], granting him a rare chance to copy an ability permanently. No... his real cheat were probably these guys... The viewers. The whales who tossed around high-tier items like candy... The strategists who analyzed every move and offered advice... The meme lords who kept morale high even in the darkest battles... Most Streamers struggled through the Tower''s trials alone, forced to rely on nothing but their own grit and whatever meager rewards the system tossed their way. Even those lucky enough to attract viewers rarely saw substantial donations... unless they were already high-tier ability users with flashy skills worth watching. But Adam? He had an entire audience fueling his ascent. And they weren''t just donating... they were practically investing in him! Every gift, every coin, every piece of equipment was a bet placed on his survival. Some did it for entertainment. Others hoped he''d uncover the Tower''s secrets. A few, he suspected, had darker motives. But for now? He''d definitely use it all... Especially the items that these odd-usernamed viewers would send him. Although they were quite random at times, they were definitely really useful... Just as he was about to continue reading the chant, a soft and small pat suddenly touched him from behind. Just as he turned his attention back to his status screen, a light touch brushed against his shoulder¡ªhesitant, almost nervous. Adam turned to find Leila standing behind him, her usual timid demeanor replaced by uncharacteristic excitement. Chapter 77 - 77: Adams Three Nodes [Announcement!] [The Bone Tyrant, Lord Varos has been defeated!] [All Stream Hunters from the Third Floor can now freely travel to the Second Floor!] [Floor 2 Defeated by: The Chosen Conduit.] The golden system text hung in the air, shimmering with divine authority. Around them, the surviving Stream Hunters erupted into cheers, their voices a cacophony of relief and triumph. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Adam barely registered the announcement. His attention was wholly captured by the young woman before him - Leila, her usual timid demeanor replaced by uncontainable excitement. Dark brown hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves, framing a face of delicate beauty that wasn''t immediately striking, but lingered in one''s memory like the afterimage of a candle''s glow. Her lips parted in a radiant smile that reached her hazel eyes, making them sparkle with something akin to pride... an expression so unlike her usual self that it gave Adam pause. "Thank you so much, Adam!" She said, her voice trembling with genuine gratitude. The words carried more weight than simple appreciation for their victory. They held the relief of someone who had survived against impossible odds. Adam simply nodded, his face its usual impassive mask. He watched as Leila''s smile faltered slightly at his lack of verbal response, her fingers twisting nervously in the fabric of her robes. "Um... do you still remember the deal?" She pressed on, forcing enthusiasm back into her voice. "I can use [Personalized Destiny] on you now!" The mention of her unique ability brought a flicker of interest to Adam''s eyes. From what he remembered... [Personalized Destiny] was a skill that allowed her to glimpse the future events that would most significantly impact a person''s life. With a cooldown of three months, using it on him was definitely a fitting requirement. "Mm. Alright." Adam replied tersely. Leila''s smile returned in full force. "Alright, I''ll begin!" Before Adam could react, she reached out and grasped both of his hands in hers. Due to the nature of her mana, her touch was surprisingly cold. Her fingers trembling slightly with nervous energy. As she activated her ability, her eyes suddenly glazed over, the rich hazel irises turning milky white as visions flooded her mind. Adam watched with detached curiosity as Leila''s expression shifted rapidly. First came confusion, her brow furrowing as if trying to decipher some complex puzzle. Then, without warning, her face contorted in shock, her mouth falling open in a silent scream. Blood began trickling from her nose, then her ears, thin crimson trails marring her pale skin. Before Adam could intervene, a sickening crack echoed through the air as Leila''s head jerked violently to the side, her neck twisting at an impossible angle. Her body convulsed, limbs bending in ways they shouldn''t, bones audibly snapping under some invisible pressure. ''Shit...!'' Adam''s usual composure shattered as he watched the young woman''s body begin to crumple in on itself like a piece of paper in an invisible fist. With reflexes born of countless battles, Adam yanked an item from his inventory. [Instant Rejuvenation], a rare one-time use item gifted by one of his more weird usernamed viewers! He had not used it yet! The crystal vial glowed with golden light as he crushed it in his palm, releasing its healing energies directly into Leila''s convulsing form. The effect was immediate. The invisible force crushing Leila dissipated as golden light enveloped her body. Broken bones snapped back into place, blood vessels repaired themselves, and color returned to her deathly pale skin. With a gasp, Leila collapsed to her knees, her entire body trembling as cold sweat drenched her robes. Adam knelt beside her, his usual stoicism replaced by rare concern. "What happened?" He demanded, his voice low but intense. Leila looked up at him, her hazel eyes wide with terror and confusion. Her breathing came in ragged gasps as she struggled to form words. "T-three nodes..." She finally managed to whisper. Adam''s brow furrowed. "What?" "I... I saw three nodes!" Leila repeated, her voice gaining strength but still shaking. "The first one... it was hard to process. But I saw a tall man in formal clothes with dark blue hair..." She shuddered violently. "Adam. One day, he will attempt to understand you. Adam, whatever you do, don''t ever give him the chance to do that!" Adam felt an unfamiliar chill crawl down his spine. "Who is he?" He demanded, his free hand unconsciously moving to the hilt of his weapon. "Did you see anything else about him?" "I... I don''t know..." Leila admitted, wrapping her arms around herself as if suddenly cold. "I was about to see more but... the man suddenly saw me for some reason and blocked my vision..." A chill ran down Adam''s spine despite himself. "What..." "After the first node was blocked, the second one appeared." Leila continued, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I saw a woman... she looked just like you..." Adam went very still. "Just... like me?" "Yes!" Leila confirmed, her fingers digging into her own arms. "This node wasn''t quite clear either... I''m so sorry... But I saw numerous corpses piled up behind her... And you were there too! "For some reason, you looked sad and grieving rather than angry..." She trailed off, her breath coming faster as she recalled the final vision. "The third node..." Horror twisted her features anew, her pupils dilating with remembered terror. Adam reached out, gripping her shoulder firmly. "Leila. Focus. What about the third node?" She met his gaze, her own eyes glassy with fear. "A-Adam... I saw monsters..." "Monsters?" Adam repeated, his grip tightening unconsciously. Leila nodded jerkily. "Yes... they were all eating you..." The words hung between them, heavy with ominous implication. Before Adam could press for more details, a gust of wind swept through the battlefield, carrying with it the faint scent of decay and something... metallic. ... Far away, in a dilapidated building on one of the Tower''s higher floors, a man with neatly combed dark blue hair paused in his examination of the crumbling walls. Dressed in immaculate formal attire that seemed out of place in the ruinous surroundings, Elaric ran his fingers along the weathered stone, muttering to himself in a precise, analytical tone. "Fascinating... this mortar composition suggests pre-Collapse architecture, yet the weathering patterns indicate no more than seven years of exposure." His gloved fingers brushed against a crack in the wall. He moved along the wall with precise steps, his polished shoes avoiding debris without needing to look down. "Lateral pressure fractures..." He noted, pausing at a particular crack. "Not structural fatigue. Something hit this wall from the side with tremendous force. But the direction is all wrong for seismic activity..." His analysis cut off mid-sentence. Every muscle in his body tensed at once. And then slowly, with deliberate precision... He turned his head toward a gaping window frame where only empty sky was visible. A slow, knowing smile curved his lips... His eyes darkened for a bit before it became clearer. Had Leila been present, she would have recognized him instantly... The man from her vision! The one who had somehow detected her supernatural scrutiny across time and space. Elaric paused as he let out a low hum in contemplation. "Hm. Someone just peeked into my future..." ... [End of Volume 1 : Shared Fate] Chapter 78 - 78: The Death Curse Adam exhaled slowly through his nose, the tension in his shoulders easing just slightly as he confirmed Leila was stable. He didn''t let the relief show on his faces as he was not quite used to showing concern, but his fingers unclenched from their white-knuckled grip. A heavy hand clapped his back hard enough to stagger a normal man. "Haha! Seven damn months rotting on that godsforsaken second floor, and we''re finally moving up!" Cael''s boisterous voice echoed through the ruined battlefield, his wavy blonde hair catching the dim light as he grinned. The massive broadsword strapped to his back clanked against its harness as he gestured wildly. "Though I gotta ask... we all fought that bone bastard, so how come the system only announced your name, huh?" Adam turned his head just enough to meet Cael''s gaze, his expression unreadable. Before he could respond, the blonde leaned in conspiratorially, his breath reeking of cheap healing potions. "Level with me..." Cael whispered, his eyes darting around as if expecting eavesdroppers. "You got some deep-pocketed sponsor rigging the system for you?" Leila opened her mouth, her brows furrowing at the rudeness. She wanted to say that it was rude to ask about a person''s sponsor. However, she hesitated. The question had crossed her mind too. Even her viewers had been spamming her chat with theories about Adam''s unnatural strength... How he''d held entire strongholds alone, not once but multiple times. Adam studied Cael for a long moment before answering in his usual monotone. "Mm. You could say that." It wasn''t a lie. His viewers... with their donations and gifts were definitely his greatest advantage. Cael''s face twisted in envy. "Lucky bastard..." Adam didn''t respond to his curses as he just replied calmly. "Your therapy sessions will continue on the third floor." Seeing the change in topic, color drained from Cael''s face. "Is that really necessary?" He gestured at himself frantically. "Look! No red name! Totally mentally stable!" When Adam didn''t respond, Leila¡ªbored now that the adrenaline was fading¡ªchimed in. "Most people with mental illnesses don''t realize they have them." She tilted her head, her dark brown hair swaying. "They think their behavior is normal because it''s normal to them." Cael opened his mouth to protest, but Leila continued, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Speaking of questionable decisions, why did you join the orc faction? Unless you could see the future like me, the undead faction was obviously the better choice..." Cael''s expression soured instantly. "Because my damn viewers told me orcs were the best!" He spat, kicking a pebble in frustration. "Said they had ''better stats'' or some shit. Fucking liars." Adam and Leila exchanged a glance. ''So even his viewers hate him...'' They thought simultaneously. Before the awkward silence could stretch further, a system notification materialized before them: [Second floor will now begin resetting] [Would you like to enter the third floor?] [Other Options: Return to first floor] Adam glanced towards Cael and Leila before just nodding. Leila was about to say "See you on the third floor" when Adam suddenly tapped "Yes" without looking at them. The world around Adam blurred, colors melting together like wet paint. For a brief, disorienting moment, he felt weightless... Then his boots hit solid ground with a thud. [All viewers of ''The Chosen Conduit'' have been rewarded 4x their donated coins.] A chorus of cheers erupted in his chat, but Adam ignored them as his vision cleared. [Welcome to the Third Floor.] [3rd Floor ¨C The Sunken Catacombs] The air was thick with the scent of damp stone and something older... something rotten. The darkness was absolute, pressing against his eyes like a physical force until his vision adjusted. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He stood in a massive underground chamber, its vaulted ceiling lost in shadow. Ancient tombs lined the walls, their surfaces etched with faded runes that made his eyes ache if he stared too long. [Description] A labyrinth of forgotten tombs and buried ruins, where the dead do not rest. The silence here is heavy, broken only by the occasional whisper of something unseen. Every step could trigger ancient traps or awaken horrors best left buried. [Story ¨C The Forgotten Crypts] No records remain of the civilization that built these catacombs. They buried their dead here¡ªthen vanished. Now, only their restless corpses remain, cursed to wander the tunnels for eternity. Some say a vault lies in the deepest depths, holding an artifact that can cheat death itself. None who sought it have ever returned. [Objective] Escape the catacombs before the death curse consumes you. [Common Monsters] Wraiths, Mummified Guardians, Bone Golems [Boss Monster] The Tombkeeper, Xel''Shaar ¨C A relentless guardian who hunts those who linger too long. [Game Mechanics] ? Curse Timer ¨C The death curse weakens you the longer you stay. ? Shifting Labyrinth ¨C The catacombs rearrange themselves periodically. ? Cursed Relics ¨C Powerful artifacts grant temporary boosts but accelerate the curse. Adam''s fingers twitched toward his weapon as he scanned the shadows. For some reason, he was still bothered by Leila''s prophecy about him. The man with blue hair, the woman who looked like him, the monsters that would feast on his flesh. He forced the thoughts away. ''Overthinking it will only affect my judgement...'' Adam thought as he looked around. The smell of his surroundings hit him... Like rotten meat left in a damp basement. ''Still just as disgusting as I remember'' He thought. The room was huge and dark, with old paintings on the walls showing people being buried alive. Dozens of stone coffins lined the walls, some broken open, others sealed shut. Dust and bones covered the floor, crunching under his boots. The air felt wet and heavy, making his skin clammy. From what Adam knew of the third floor''s history, it used to be a sacred burial place for an ancient kingdom. The people here believed in preserving their dead, mummifying their kings and warriors to keep their spirits alive. But something went wrong. The mummies didn''t just stay dead... they woke up angry for some reason! Now the place was cursed, and the boss monster, Xel''Shaar, was once the high priest who performed the rituals. Instead of guarding the dead, he hunts the living. Adam noticed claw marks on the walls. Probably from other Stream Hunters who got trapped here. Some skeletons looked like they''d died screaming. As he stepped forward, a bone crunched under his foot. At the same moment, glowing red text appeared... [The Third Floor''s death curse has been activated.] [The authority of death has denied you...] [You are immune to the death curse.] Chapter 79 - 79: A Special Viewer Adam stared at the glowing red system text, his expression unreadable. [The Third Floor''s death curse has been activated.] [The authority of death has denied you...] [You are immune to the death curse.] This was... unexpected. In his past life, the death curse had been one of the most dangerous mechanics of this floor. The moment a Stream Hunter stepped inside, the curse would latch onto them like a parasite, slowly draining their strength and life force. The longer they stayed, the weaker they became... Until eventually, their body would fail, and they''d become one of the catacombs'' mindless undead. Unlike other floor bosses, whose floor authorities only activated during battle, Xel''Shaar''s authority was always active. Just like death itself, it was a constant, creeping threat. So why was he immune now? Adam ran through the possibilities methodically. Had a viewer done something? He doubted it. While his audience could donate items, some of them incredibly powerful, it didn''t seem possible to override the Tower''s core mechanics. Maybe it had something to do with his regression? That sounded a lot more plausible... He''d already died once... His soul had tasted the void and come back. Perhaps the Tower recognized that now...? Maybe this second life had changed something in the system''s judgment of him. A flaw in the curse''s criteria? Still, it didn''t really sum up any sort of proper explanation as of now... Then his eyes drifted to the flickering icon near his status panel. [Blood Reborn], the ability he''d gained upon ranking up. That ability was different. Not just defensive or healing, it actively rejected death itself. It allowed him to remain conscious even after fatal blows, to resist death''s pull. Could that be it? Whatever the reason, this was an advantage he couldn''t ignore. Everyone else on this floor was living on borrowed time. The moment they entered the catacombs, a countdown started. They had to rush, kill, loot, move, and get out before the curse claimed them. They couldn''t waste a second! But for Adam''s current situation... This meant that he could take his time. He could walk through these halls like a tourist in a museum, run his hands along the dusted relics, and grind for as long as he wanted too... As for the cursed relics that other Hunters avoided like poison? Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He could claim them all. Artifacts scattered through the tombs normally carried side effects that accelerated the curse. For him, they were just raw power waiting to be taken. And when it came time to face the boss of this floor... Xel''Shaar, the Tombkeeper, it would be a completely different battle. Everyone else fought the boss with their stats already drained, half-dead, barely holding on. Adam would be at full strength. Still, it wasn''t all upside. There were risks to be considered.. If he stayed too long gathering relics, he''d fall behind schedule for reaching the tenth floor. And there was something else. Xel''Shaar wasn''t mindless. He was one of the rare bosses with a soul. A lingering mind. He watched the intruders that entered his tomb. He studied them. Adam standing here immune might not go unnoticed. If the Tombkeeper suspected something... If he marked Adam as a threat earlier than intended¡ª the battle ahead might become much harder. Adam weighed the options. Grinding here could make me stronger... but the real prizes are on higher floors. He glanced at the dark corridors ahead. The catacombs were a maze of traps and undead, but he knew the general layout from his past life. The fastest route to the exit was through the central tomb... Where the most valuable relics were kept. ''If I move quickly, I can grab a few useful items and leave'' Adam thought. He had a few relics in mind... Items he had failed to secure in his past life due to the constant pressure of the death curse. Now, with time on his side and the curse unable to touch him, they were finally within reach. The first one was located in the west wing of the catacombs, locked behind a cracked obsidian gate that most Hunters didn''t dare to approach. The tomb was guarded by Wailing Souls... Spirits that shredded the minds of anyone who came too close. But inside, buried beneath shattered bones and cursed stone, was a relic called the [Soul Mirror Fragment]. He remembered it clearly. In the right hands, the Soul Mirror Fragment could amplify a caster''s magic output by over three hundred percent for ten minutes. It didn''t boost mana, and instead it magnified the effect! A single spell could melt through crowds. Barriers became walls of divine light. Blood-based skills like Adam''s own could be turned into devastating tools of destruction. Of course, most players couldn''t use it without dying from the feedback. But Adam wasn''t most players. His [Blood Reborn] ability, combined with the natural healing from Blood Crystals, would be enough to keep him alive through the burn. The second relic was trickier. Tucked inside a forgotten chamber at the far edge of the catacombs was the [Graven Idol of Hollow Eyes]. A grotesque, statue-like object shaped like a twisted skull with countless eyes sealed shut. It was the kind of relic that most Hunters skipped entirely, simply because its effect came with a heavy curse. But Adam remembered its true function. With enough focus and willpower, the Idol allowed its wielder to brainwash low-level undead. Not through commands or direct control, but through influence. A whisper in their thoughts. A call they couldn''t ignore. Wraiths, Mummified Guardians, Bone Golems, even undead mages could be guided into attacking their own allies or clearing the way ahead. The Idol didn''t last long. Ten, maybe fifteen uses at most. But that was more than enough to turn entire fights around. And on this floor, where enemies were endless and Hunters were few, having a personal army of monsters, even temporary, was a power no one should ignore. The third relic was hidden in the tomb''s heart itself. Past the central chamber, beyond a locked gate that required a key only dropped by one of the elite Bone Golems, rested a small, unremarkable ring. It looked like tarnished silver, almost useless. But Adam knew its name well: [Ring of Stillheart]. It granted the wearer complete immunity to death for exactly fifteen minutes! No fatal blow would land. No curse would take hold. No skill that relied on death would function. For that short period, the user became a walking paradox... alive even when they should not be! A ghost with flesh... A soul without a tether! Adam thought as he glanced towards the chat notifications which was having a discussion. [Belisarius2018 has donated 15 coins] [Belisarius2018 says that if the streamer manages to rush at the fastest pace ever recorded, he''d give a good gift!] A subtle twitch tugged at Adam''s mouth but he thanked the viewer anyway. [LORDTEE has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] Blood Crystal : Crystallized essence of condensed blood energy. Used as a catalyst for blood magic, replenishing both health and mana over time. [LORDTEE contemplates spamming donations to get the streamer up to the higher floors even faster...] Adam accepted the item silently as he sent a thank you message. More gifts flooded in. [AbsoluteZero01 has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +12 Soul Cores [AbsoluteZero01]: Hm. Am I the only one bothered by the fact that both the second floor and the third floor are focused on the undead? The tower could''ve at least been more creative... [Frog Eater]: It''s not like the Tower of Yxthar is sentient enough to gain creativity... [Memester_Damon has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +4 Soul Cores [Memester_Damon]: Is it...? Adam''s gaze lingered on that last question. His footsteps slowed. Something about it struck a chord. Was the Tower really not sentient? He glanced ahead, the corridor bathed in a faint, eerie blue glow from the ever-burning braziers. The deeper he went, the more unnatural it felt... like the place was watching him. He''d considered this before. Often, in fact. But back then, the idea had been dismissed as paranoia. Now, with his memories of the past life intact and the strange inconsistencies stacking up... he wasn''t so sure anymore. ''The fact that it can set up objectives for floors that feel like minigames must definitely mean that there''s some sort of intelligence...'' ''Not to mention...'' He thought, eyes narrowing slightly. ''It expressed huge amounts of anger during humanity''s retaliation in my past life... Entire environments changed to hunt us.... rewards were altered... and traps began to spawn in places they never had before.'' It was as though the tower was reacting with intelligence... [JustJoeKing says that it''s best not to question the Tower of Yxthar as of now] [DaostOfCreation has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +4 Soul Cores [DaostOfCreation]: Why? Will the Tower of Yxthar get angry at us if we question it? [JustJoeKing]: No, it''s just because I don''t have answers to any of your questions ^^ Adam exhaled through his nose. That viewer was always quick to dodge with humor... But others weren''t joking. [Hazardous Combatant is grinning] [Hazardous Combatant]: Back when I didn''t have a viewer status, one of the S-tier users in my universe got obliterated into atom particles because he tried to put his consciousness inside the Tower of Yxthar and influence it. [Experienced Old Knight is shocked by your S-tier user''s stupidity] The messages came fast, one after another. ''So it is sentient¡­ or at least something close to it. A machine with rules that reacts like a god.'' Just as Adam was about to close off the system chat to focus on finding artifacts... A new message popped up at the top of the feed, glowing with golden edges. [A viewer from the Universe where lands are interconnected has entered your livestream] [Holder of Severance shows curiosity towards the streamer] Adam''s eyes widened immediately as there was a slight pause in his actions. He knew what the golden edges meant in a system viewer notification... It signified the arrival of an S-tier viewer! Chapter 80 - 80: The Poorness of the Rich In his past life, Adam had only ever interacted with a few powerful viewers. Most of them came and went, leaving behind only faint memories and the occasional cryptic message. But he remembered one incident clearly, an S-tier viewer had once entered his stream! Of course, it hadn''t lasted long... The viewer had stayed for less than ten minutes, growing bored with Adam''s content and leaving without a trace. At the time, Adam had lacked the strength or creativity to catch the attention of someone at that level. Back then, he''d barely been scraping by on lower floors, constantly pressured by death and time. But things were different now... So when the system notification popped up with a glowing message, Adam paused, his heart beating just a little faster. ''Holder of Severance...'' That name didn''t ring any bells. It wasn''t one of the S-tier viewers he remembered from his past life. Then again, there were millions of viewers scattered across the multiverse. He hadn''t known them all. Some S-tier users preferred to lurk in the background, silent observers who only interacted when something truly caught their interest. Still, it wasn''t every day that someone like that showed up. Adam tapped open his system menu, eyes narrowing as he scrolled to his abilities. [Permanent Copy] ¡ª Cooldown: Refreshed. Perfect. This was the best chance he''d had in a while. Permanent Copy was one of his most valuable abilities, allowing him to randomly select one of three S-tier skills and make it his own permanently. But it wasn''t guaranteed... The ability selection was randomized. If luck wasn''t on his side, he might be forced to choose from a trio of underwhelming powers. Worse, the S-tier skill he wanted might not even appear at all! He needed an edge just in case... "System." Adam said aloud, keeping his tone calm. "Open the shop and filter for items that enhance luck effects." The interface blinked for a moment before displaying a message. [Only three results have been found.] It was to be expected. Items that affected the domain of luck were some of the rarest in the Tower. Most had been hoarded by players or taken off the market entirely. And even when they were available, their prices were beyond absurd... Three options appeared on the screen, each accompanied by a dazzling golden frame and glowing item descriptions. [Fortune''s Thread (1.2M Gold)] A silver bracelet woven with enchanted threads of destiny. Increases the effectiveness of chance-based abilities by 40% for one hour. Cannot be stacked. Single-use. [Wishing Ember (950K Gold)] A glowing coal from the remains of a divine star. When held, grants the user one randomized ''fortunate'' outcome within the next five minutes. One-time use. Cannot be controlled or predicted. [Clover Sigil (4.7M Gold)] A carved emerald charm blessed by a forgotten deity. Raises the probability of gaining higher tiered skills by 10% when ranking up. Passive effect lasts until one ability is chosen. Adam leaned back slightly, arms crossed as his gaze settled on the upper corner of his interface. Current Balance: 20,713 Gold. He clicked his tongue. It wasn''t awful... there were beginners in the lower floors who would''ve killed for that kind of money. But for someone aiming to get his hands on anything remotely tied to luck enhancement, it was laughably low. He let out a breath. "Still not enough¡­" The shop window stayed open in front of him, displaying the three luck-related items the system had managed to dig up. Just three... That alone told him how rare luck-affecting artifacts were. All of them far out of reach. Adam rubbed the back of his neck. He exited the shop window and opened his inventory instead. Maybe he could sell some stuff. It wasn''t ideal, but he didn''t have a choice if he wanted to maximize the effects of [Permanent Copy]. The cooldown had just reset, and this could be his only shot at copying a truly game-changing S-tier ability... He began scrolling through his list of items. Seven [Death Tattoos] sat neatly in his storage. They were decent loot from the Death Knights on the second floor. Valuable? Sure... But stacking them didn''t do much. The effect was the same no matter how many you had. He only needed one. The others were just taking up space now. Further down, he saw five [All-Purpose Keys] from Celestia''s Corpse Puppets. They could unlock almost anything within the dungeon. Useful, definitely, but five was overkill. Keeping two for emergencies made sense. The rest? Up for sale... Adam opened the System Shop and hovered over the selling tab. There were two ways to go about this... Auto-Sell or Queue-Shop. Auto-Sell meant instant payment, but a much lower price than the market value. The system gave you the bare minimum, which made sense. You were trading speed for value. Queue-Shop was slower. Hunters from other floors would have to find your listing, decide it was worth it, and make the purchase. But the key difference was that you could set the price as you please Adam stared at the screen for a moment longer. He remembered how the Stream Hunters in his past life manipulated prices in the Queue-Shop. One time, a coordinated group started buying out all the [Healing Orbs] under market value. When the supply was drained, they relisted them at three times the price. It caused chaos... People couldn''t afford them during boss raids, and entire parties wiped because they didn''t have healing backups. That little trick earned them a fortune, and ruined a few climbs in the process... Adam had no plans to start a market war, but he wasn''t about to sell rare loot for pennies either. He clicked into Queue-Shop and began listing. [Death Tattoo] x6 ¨C Listed at 20,000 Gold each [All-Purpose Key] x3 ¨C Listed at 2,500 Gold each He set the prices slightly under the current market average. Not too low to hurt his returns, but just enough to move them quickly. As he hit confirm, notifications popped up in the corner of his screen. [nthnth_9 has sent an F-tier gift] [You have received +11 Soul Cores] [nthnth_9]: Hm? Why''s the streamer suddenly selling stuff? Need cash that badly? [Frog Eater]: With how loaded his rewards have been, what''s he buying that costs this much? [WeaverOfStories has sent an F-tier gift] [You have received +1 Soul Core] [WeaverOfStories] : I bet it''s a pet! A strong, mysterious one with some hidden power, maybe? [Disciple of Ice] : A¡­ pet? Why would he need a pet? [WeaverOfStories] : Uhm.. I don''t know. But if we follow the cliche, usually a powerful magical pet should be accompanying him right now... [Experienced Old Knight is confused by the Story Weaver''s words.] [Prankster of Kingdoms says he does not understand the cliche that the Weaver is talking about.] Adam glanced towards the chat. His viewers were sharp. He hadn''t told them about [Permanent Copy] refreshing, but the sudden push to liquidate items wasn''t subtle. He tapped his fingers against the edge of his console. Should he say something? Most streamers wouldn''t hesitate to exploit rich viewers. Drop a hint, act desperate, let the gifts roll in. But Adam had always been¡­ different about that. Asking directly felt cheap. He didn''t want to beg as it didn''t really align towards the personality that he was trying to show towards his viewers. After all, a streamer''s personality was something that was quite important to viewer''s... Still, if someone just happened to send him something useful, he wouldn''t complain. [LORDTEE is contemplating about the Streamer''s richness...] [LORDTEE says he has an idea] [LORDTEE has sent an F-tier gift] [You have received] Stylistic Prosthetic Boot Leg: A mana-enhanced prosthetic for those missing a limb. Comes with adjustable enchantments and glittery decals. [LORDTEE has sent an F-tier gift] [You have received] Enchanted Elbow Brace of Unpredictable Flexibility: Grants the user spontaneous elbow control. Functions may include impossible yoga and surprise joint rotations. [LORDTEE has sent a D-tier gift] [You have received] Mystical Monocle of Skeptical Appraisal: Grants the wearer the passive ability to squint judgmentally at enemies, lowering their morale by 50%. Adam blinked. "What?" [LORDTEE is glancing towards the streamer with an expectant gaze] [LORDTEE] : I have a lot more, do you want them all, streamer? [Woman Of Specters is stunned] [Bird Hunter] : What in god''s name are those items... [5th Style Sword Master asks what kind of universe LORDTEE is living in to have these kinds of items....] [Prankster of Kingdoms asks if he could buy some...] [Holder of Severance stares at the other viewers as though he is looking at strange creatures...] Adam was about to thank the viewer "Lord Tee" for his... oddly useful gifts. But he stopped mid-sentence. He glanced around him. The ground beneath his suddenly feet trembled. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It wasn''t much at first... just a faint vibration in the stone floor. But it deepened quickly, becoming a low, grating rumble that echoed across the ancient walls of the catacombs. Dust fell from the ceiling, drifting through the air like ash. Adam''s eyes narrowed. His hand instinctively reached for the hilt of his weapon as he turned in a slow circle, scanning his surroundings. That''s when he saw them. Figures emerging from the shadows. Dozens of them.... maybe more. Wraiths. Shimmering, translucent, and gliding silently over the ground. Their hollow eyes glowed faintly, like dying embers. Beside them, wrapped in rotting linens and ancient armor, mummified guardians began stepping out from behind broken pillars and shattered tomb doors. Their movements were stiff, unnatural... each step sending cracks along the stone. But none of them attacked. They simply... stood there. Watching. Adam shifted his stance slightly, ready for an ambush... But it didn''t come. The wraiths hovered around him in a wide circle. The guardians took position like silent statues, their rusted weapons drawn but unmoving. It was quiet. Too quiet. Then, a crisp notification rang in his ears. [Warning! You are about to trigger a Boss Fight.] Chapter 81 - 81: XelShaar, The Living Relic "What?" Adam''s heart dropped. Xel''Shaar¡­ was coming toward him? Panic flooded his body before he could even think. It hadn''t even been an hour since he left the second floor. He hadn''t rested, hadn''t properly prepared. His HP was still low, he had no sort of buffs, and he was absolutely not ready to face the Tombkeeper of the third floor! He wasn''t supposed to show up yet! Not unless someone reached the final tomb chamber... or unless they triggered a major floor event. Was it because of the [Death Curse Immunity]? That reward he''d gotten earlier... had it marked him as something more? Had it been a flag? A trigger? Adam''s mind raced. He didn''t have the strength to fight this thing head-on. Not now. Without hesitation, he ripped open his inventory and activated one of the strange items a viewer had gifted him¡ª [Location Swapper]! A flash of light burst outward, and Adam''s body flickered. In an instant, he switched places with one of the nearby mummified guardians... Appearing exactly where the undead monster had stood. At the same moment, he activated another skill¡ª [Surreal Creation] A cloak of illusion fell over him, reshaping his appearance. Rotted wraps coiled around his limbs, dust settled into his skin, and his eyes dimmed with the same dull glow as the other guardians. He had completely taken on the appearance of one of the floor''s mummified guardians. ''Blend in. Hide. Just long enough to think...'' But before he could even begin formulating an escape plan, something strange happened. All of the nearby monsters... Wraiths, guardians, even the half-sunken ones embedded in the walls... Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Slowly turned their heads toward him. Their glowing eyes locked onto him like searchlights. What...? His illusion hadn''t fooled them? Just as Adam thought this, a system notification rang out. [Hidden Conditions Triggered!] [You possess more than 80% of information about the Third Floor''s history.] [The Tombkeeper Xel''Shaar has activated status.] [Floor 3 Authority has been distributed.] [May the battle¡­] [BEGIN!] Adam looked up. And he saw it. Emerging from a sunken mausoleum wall, slowly dragging itself out like a buried god returning to the surface¡ª Xel''Shaar. It was no ordinary monster. A stitched-together horror of mummified corpses and shattered bones, fused into a single towering abomination. Its four massive arms hung at uneven angles, two ending in broken blades, the others in clawed fingers made from sharpened bones. Its "face" was not where a face should be. Instead, a swirling vortex of screaming spirits spun endlessly within its open ribcage, their tortured expressions flickering like candlelight behind old glass. Chains and burial wrappings coiled around its entire body, some loose, others pulled taut, as if struggling to hold the entire structure together before it collapsed in on itself. Its lower half didn''t walk. It melted into the stone. Its massive frame was bound eternally to the labyrinth, its legs fused with the floor, its body half-merged with the walls. The catacombs didn''t hold Xel''Shaar... Xel''Shaar was part of it! Adam''s eyes widened. He dropped the [Surreal Creation], revealing himself fully. If hiding wouldn''t work, then he had no choice. Seeing that he couldn''t avoid such a sudden fight, Adam immediately dispelled [Surreal Creation] as he silently activated [Temporary Copy]. [Temporary Copy has been activated] [Select a viewer to copy] 5th Style Sword Master. [Select between two skill options] 5th Style Absolute UntouchableHeaven''s Parameter [Heaven''s Parameter has been chosen] [Reducing Heaven''s Parameter to its E-tier version...] [Heaven''s Parameter has been reduced to Area of Wrath] [Area of Wrath] : A 10-meter zone around the user becomes a killing field. Invisible slashes strike all enemies within range. Adam raised his weapon, prepared to launch his first strike¡ª But the monster spoke first. Or at least, it tried. Its voice wasn''t sound. It was pressure. A mental scream laced with ancient whispers, slamming directly into Adam''s mind like a wave of freezing water. The words formed not in his ears, but in the empty space of his thoughts. "You..." It wasn''t angry. It wasn''t hostile. It was... curious. The vortex of spirits in its chest pulsed slowly, and Adam could feel the way its gaze pierced through him, ancient and blind. "I knew your kind in the Age of Silence..." "They are all gone now..." "Why are you still here?" Adam stood frozen. The words felt like they didn''t belong in this time. As if they had been spoken thousands of years ago, and only now reached his ears. The chains on Xel''Shaar rattled with every syllable, groaning against the monster''s movements. Adam didn''t answer. He couldn''t. Because he didn''t even understand the question. "My kind¡­?" The monster''s voice returned, each syllable like a groan of breaking stone and the screech of chains dragged across hollow tombs. "You... The smell of a... Deathspeaker..." Adam''s breath caught in his throat. That word¡ª Deathspeaker. The term sparked something from what he''d learned about the third floor''s history... Long before the catacombs were sunken, before the dead forgot their names¡­ There had been an era known as the Age of Silence. A time when Death itself had a voice. It chose heralds... those who could speak on its behalf! They were called Deathspeakers! Not cultists, not necromancers. But something far more terrifying... Living vessels of the Authority of Death itself! They were beings that could unmake a soul with nothing but a whisper. Adam''s thoughts turned grim. Xel''Shaar hadn''t always been this abomination. He was once a king. A mortal ruler of a powerful nation that dared to defy the natural cycle. Obsessed with eternal life, his civilization dug too deep, reaching into forbidden rites. They tried to steal the secrets of the Deathspeakers... those who communed with the void beyond life. It was a mistake. The Deathspeakers didn''t retaliate with weapons. They didn''t send armies. They simply erased the kingdom. One night was all it took. No fire, nor blood, and not even screams. Just silence... Every trace of Xel''Shaar''s empire vanished. Its people. Its records. Even the memory of their name was swallowed. Only the king remained... Not as a survivor... but as a warning! The Deathspeakers hollowed out his soul. Bound it in chains. And shackled him to these catacombs. Xel''Shaar, the eternal tombkeeper. Cursed to remember a world no longer remembered by anyone else... Adam swallowed hard. Xel''Shaar... A living relic from a time when death had rules no one understood. And suddenly¡­ He remembered something else. During the day of the retaliation, before dying, he and his team had encountered a strange monster. A towering figure with six legs, each ending in jagged talons. The one who carried a staff carved from something blacker than night, its head crowned with twisted horns. It was the same one that whispered "Death"¡ª The one that had killed him and all his teammates, before Adam was sent back to the past! ''Was that... a deathspeaker?'' Adam thought, his mind racing. A theory formed in his head. Could it be that, because a deathspeaker had marked him with "Death," the Death Authority had officially labeled him as dead? And if so, did that explain why he had gained [Death Curse Immunity]? Perhaps the reason Xel''Shaar had found him so quickly was that he recognized the mark left by the deathspeaker. But it''s already been weeks... Not to mention, time had already rewound... The death mark should have faded by now, shouldn''t it? Adam frowned, turning the idea over in his mind. Could this be the power of the Death Authority? Even after time had rewound, the mark might have remained on him¡­ Truly, the power of an S-tier ability was something Adam couldn''t help but covet even more! After making up the theory in his mind, Adam glared towards Xel''Shaar, preparing for a fight. But suddenly, Xel''Shaar bowed its hideous body, its voice a low rasp. "I seek forgiveness..." Xel''Shaar''s voice was the groan of tomb doors opening after millennia, the sound layered with echoes of long-dead kings. His monstrous form shuddered as he pressed his forehead to the cold stone, chains shrieking in protest. "You who walk with Death''s hand upon your shoulder... you who bear the Mark of Ending when all others have faded..." The vortex of souls in his chest stilled, the screaming faces turning their hollow gazes upon Adam. "I have kept my vigil. I have borne the weight of memory. The ages have turned to dust around me, yet I remain." His claws scraped against the catacombs floor, etching ancient runes of surrender. "If the Deathspeakers yet live in you... then do what they would not." "Unmake me." The word hung in the air, not as a plea, but as a sacred invocation. The catacombs themselves seemed to hold their breath. "Let me sleep, as all things should." Adam stared into Xel''Shaar''s hollow eyes. ''Does he think he''ll be granted true death if I kill him in his [True Body] form?'' ''He probably doesn''t know that even the those terrifying Deathspeakers have fallen to the Tower of Yxthar already...'' Even if the Deathspeakers, with all their power, were to somehow unbind Xel''Shaar from the catacombs... Even if Adam ended Xel''Shaar''s [True Body] here and now... It would still be at the mercy of the Tower of Yxthar''s twisted hand. Their fates were not theirs to decide. Chapter 82 - 82: Cowardly Spectators [XxARKxX has donated an F tier gift] [You have received] Blood Crystal : Crystallized essence of condensed blood energy. Used as a catalyst for blood magic, replenishing both health and mana over time. [XxARKxX is confused about the floor boss'' actions] [Holder of Severance says he has never seen this happen before...] [Nalyd has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] + 2 Soul Cores [Nalyd asks what a deathspeaker is] [5th Style Sword Master] : They''re vessels of the death authority from a powerful universe which governed life, death, Silence. They are quite well-known and are often feared due to the S-tier Death Authority user. [Nawh has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +13 Soul Cores [Nawh] : I can understand life as the counterpart to death... but why is the third authority Silence in that universe? [Woman of Specters] : Because silence comes before the first cry¡­ and after the final breath. Adam glanced towards the kneeling Xel''Shaar, he didn''t feel much pity, but he could vaguely understand the feeling of wanting freedom from this abomination of a monster who has been trapped in the Tower of Yxthar for so long. ''This is the first time I''ve seen a floor boss be so conscious and intelligent enough to talk...'' Adam thought to himself. [AbsoluteZero01 has donated a D-tier gift] [You have received] Eyeball of Ice : Once activated, all beings that glance at the eye will have their movement slowed by 45%. (One time use) [AbsoluteZero01] : Streamer, you''re seriously under-leveled right now. If he changes his mind and attacks, you need to run. Like, right now¡­Wait. The catacombs are crawling with undead. You probably won''t get far. Give me a moment. [AbsoluteZero01 has donated an C-tier gift] [You have received] Barrier of a Frozen Moment The user projects an aura that manipulates the kinetic behavior of atoms in the surrounding area, drastically reducing their movement. This effect spreads like a dome around the user, freezing the flow of space itself. (One Time use) [AbsoluteZero01] : Here! This should be better! At the very least you can protect yourself if the boss monster suddenly attacks! [Hazardous Combatant argues that the boss monster can just wait till the barrier disappears] [AbsoluteZero01] : ¡­Ah crap, you''re right. Gimme another second. [AbsoluteZero01 has donated a B-tier gift] [You have received] Absolute Zero Environment : Brings the entire current floor to a standstill by forcing the temperature to absolute zero, freezing atoms in place and halting all motion for 10 full seconds. (One time use) [AbsoluteZero01] : Okay¡ª this should work! Ten seconds where nothing moves!] [Disciple of Ice is stunned.] [Bird Hunter] : What a worrying viewer¡­ I wonder how rich he is. Wouldn''t be surprised if he throws in an S-tier gift out of panic next. [Frog Eater crunches his face out of jealousy] Adam couldn''t help but glance towards his system chat, as he sent out a thank you message to the viewer who called themselves Absolute Zero. ''A viewer that worries about my safety too much...'' S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Adam thought as he couldn''t help but shake his head with a slight smile. Such worrisome behavior reminded him a lot of his older brother, Raiden, who would always overprepare for everything. School projects, field trips, even birthday parties. He''d scold Adam for being careless, then go and buy twice as many supplies as they needed. Just in case. The memory warmed him for a moment. He immediately shook away the unnecessary thoughts as he glanced towards Xel''Shaar. This is a good opportunity to get to know more about the Tower of Yxthar... Adam narrowed his eyes at the grotesque figure in front of him. His thoughts churned as the foul-smelling wind drifted through the chamber, thick with the stench of rot and old blood. The air had weight, like it remembered every battle that had taken place here. He remained still, body tense, weapon at his side, though for once he wasn''t preparing to strike. The boss before him wasn''t just screaming mindlessly or attacking on sight. It spoke and reasoned with intelligence. Since the boss monster was capable of speech, then this was the perfect opportunity to learn more about the Tower of Yxthar! After all, who could possibly know more about the Tower than a floor boss themself... Adam''s gaze sharpened. Every floor of the Tower had taught him something new about monsters, about survival, and sometimes, about the Tower itself. But never had he encountered something like this. He stepped slightly closer, boots scraping the stone floor. The creature''s massive, twisted frame loomed ahead, wrapped in chains, flesh stitched and scarred with symbols of pain. Its mouth... if that hideous hole could be called one, moved slowly. Adam glanced toward Xel''Shaar as he spoke, voice calm but direct. "Are you aware that you are currently inside the Tower of Yxthar?" The creature''s massive eye twitched. A faint pulse of dark energy rolled through its body. "I... am aware." The reply came slowly, but without resistance. There was clarity in the voice, not madness. Adam frowned, brows drawing together. "Then why do you insist that I kill your true body form?" The question came out before he had fully thought it through. But it had been gnawing at him since Xel''shaar had spoken earlier. Xel''Shaar''s chains rattled lightly as the beast shifted its weight. "Because my existence is weak. I am but a cursed remnant of what Death had punished. My existence cannot continue to climb the Tower of Yxthar any longer..." Adam blinked. Climb? He stared at the creature, confused. The concept didn''t fit. Floor bosses didn''t climb the Tower... they were the obstacles! They were guardians, not challengers! "Climb? But you''re a floor boss of the Tower of Yxthar..." His voice carried disbelief. He couldn''t help it. For his entire life, for everyone on Earth, the Tower had been a test. They had assumed that each floor of the Tower of Yxthar''s were from universes that had failed to conquer or climb the tower of Yxthar, eventually succumbing to its powers and becoming one of the Tower of Yxthar''s floors. A dead universe, turned into a battlefield! To hear a boss say it was climbing¡­ Adam did not understand. Xel''Shaar''s ruined head lowered slightly. "I... chose to be. I do not wish to be... a cowardly spectator..." Adam tilted his head slightly. A what? "A cowardly spectator?" His tone had shifted, now laced with curiosity more than doubt. Xel''Shaar''s voice deepened, vibrating through the room like a low drumbeat. "They are climbers who have given up on the path to the summit... They are cowards who think themselves high though they have surrendered their path already..." The words echoed in Adam''s mind. He stared at the boss for a long second, silent. ''Cowardly Spectators¡­ Is he talking about the viewers? Viewers are beings who have chosen to give up on climbing the Tower of Yxthar?'' [Prankster of Kingdoms is silent] [Experienced Old Knight shakes his head saying he had no choice] [Bird Hunter looks away] [DaoisteRJTzL has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +2 Soul Cores [DaoisteRJTzL] : Heh. Cowards. [Frog Eater] : ...Aren''t you a viewer too? That had always been a mystery. The viewers... those strange entities who observed from somewhere beyond, who sent gifts, who gave advices, who watched every move that stream hunters made¡­ No one knew where they came from, or why they watched. And now this boss was calling them cowards? Adam''s eyes flickered. His breath caught in his throat, only for a moment. The implications were shocking... He immediately proceeded with his next question, voice steady again. "How are you climbing the Tower of Yxthar as a floor boss?" Xel''Shaar''s disgusting body moved, joints cracking as it shifted in place. The sound of flesh dragging against stone filled the chamber. "Once you reach the rank granted to legends, you are given the option to give up the climb and become a cowardly spectator... Or continue as a floor boss to reach the pinnacle..." The idea chilled Adam more than he expected. So even the strongest had the chance to quit... To walk away and just¡­ observe. The same beings he''d always assumed were gods or outsiders... they were just failed climbers? Fallen legends who chose not to move forward anymore? [Heavendefier130 has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] Mana Blueberry Milkshake : A sweet and delicious blueberry milkshake that helps slowly recover mana by consuming it. [Heavendefier130] : The rank granted to legends? Is that the highest rank a Stream Hunter can have? [WinterBored188 has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +1 Soul Core [WinterBored188] : Well, Xel''Shaar is implicating it as though there''s something higher to achieve if you continue climbing, so probably not. [Holder of Severance is confused as to why these viewers are asking questions they should already know about] Adam ignored the chat as he asked again, his voice quieter this time. "The pinnacle... you mean to be the most powerful being? By then, will you be able to escape the Tower of Yxthar?" That was the ultimate question, wasn''t it? The Tower had always felt like a prison. Something that dragged in worlds and tested them until they broke. Was there an end to it? A way out? Xel''Shaar shook its hideous body. Veins of black energy rippled across its chest. "The Tower is not a prison... it is a gateway..." A gateway? Adam raised an eyebrow, heart beating a little faster. "A gateway... to what?" Xel''Shaar''s voice grew quieter. It no longer sounded like a monster. Not entirely. There was a trace of longing in it now, buried beneath the rage and pain. "To the summit, to the land away from corruption, to what we call as heaven..." It paused. Then, almost as if it were sharing a sacred truth, Xel''Shaar continued. "To meet Yxthar." Chapter 83 - 83: Eavesdropping The chamber fell silent. Even the swirling rot in the air seemed to hesitate at that name. Yxthar. Adam''s breath caught. The Tower bore that name... Tower of Yxthar. But no one had ever truly confirmed what "Yxthar" referred to. Was it a creator? A god? A system? The theories were endless... "Who exactly is Yxthar?" Adam questioned, voice calm, but his curiosity sharpened. If he could just figure these things out more... If he could learn what lay at the top... Maybe he could find a way to avoid the catastrophe that had ended everything in his last life! Xel''Shaar''s grotesque chest rose, then fell. A deep, rasping breath that sounded more like the grinding of stone than anything organic. "Yxthar is the one who remembers." Adam''s brow furrowed. He didn''t quite understand what Xel''Shaar meant... He stayed quiet, waiting. "He remembers every fall. Every war. Every scream in every world swallowed by the climb. He is the witness of ends... and the architect of beginnings." The grotesque creature slowly lifted its head. For the first time, Adam noticed something strange. A brand. Not a symbol of corruption or blood or pain... But a mark glowing faintly in violet and silver burned into Xel''Shaar''s neck. "Yxthar does not speak. He does not interfere. But he waits. At the summit. Always waiting for the one who can remember as he does." Adam''s heart began to race. "Remember what?" The chains around Xel''Shaar rattled. Its voice quieted to a near-whisper. "What came before the Tower." The rot in the air thickened again. The chains hissed softly, as if agitated by truths too deep to be spoken freely. Adam took a step back, his thoughts racing. ''Before the Tower? But¡­ that''s impossible. The Tower exists outside time. It pulls in worlds, collapsing entire civilizations into floors... How can there be a ''before''?'' Across from him, Xel''Shaar stay quiet. The ancient creature had remained still for so long that Adam had mistaken almost mistaken it for dead. It moved slowly, as though the weight of ages resisted even that. Adam''s brows furrowed. "I heard about a hidden floor in the Tower of Yxthar. Does it actually exist?" For a moment, the silence returned. Then Xel''Shaar''s many eyelids blinked in slow succession. Its voice emerged from its body in pulses, low and distorted like echoes from deep underwater. "The prophet woman who climbed with you¡­ she shall know soon enough..." It said. "She bears the mark of fate on her¡­" Adam stiffened. ''The prophet woman¡­? that is definitely Leila.'' [5th Style Sword Master] : That doesn''t quite align with the oldest legends I have heard from my master... He said Yxthar isn''t a being but a force of nature! Reality''s final arbiter! [WinterBored188 has sent an F-tier gift] [You have received] +1 Soul Core [WinterBored188] : Arbiter... like a judge? Then what happens to those who pass its judgment? [5th Style Sword Master] : My master did not tell me. Adam opened his mouth to press further... When Xel''Shaar suddenly stiffened, his massive head snapping toward an empty section of wall. "Someone... is listening..." That wall, just seconds ago completely solid, trembled. From its center, a bulging crack formed, oozing out rot and purple mist. A moment later, the stone split apart, revealing a corpse. Its chest was torn wide open, gaping like something had reached in and pulled its heart from the inside out. Its mouth was agape in a perpetual scream, its fingers curled into claws. Adam recognized it instantly. ''Another one of Celestia''s puppets¡­'' The corpse trembled, then twitched. Its limbs spasming unnaturally, like a puppet whose strings were suddenly yanked. It turned, trying to flee... not from Adam, but from Xel''Shaar''s presence. The corpse scrambled backward, but Xel''Shaar''s gaze was already upon it. [Floor 3 Boss Authority has activated.] [Authority : Prisoner] The moment the message appeared, Adam''s body tensed. A cold weight dropped into his chest, spreading like lead through his veins. His thoughts slowed, his limbs dulled. It wasn''t just restraining him physically, instead it felt like something worse! It was bounding his emotions! Wrapped around his will! And clenched down on the core of his being! And yet, as he looked toward the escaping puppet, he saw something strange. It wasn''t affected at all. And Adam knew why! After a few more conversations with his older siblings, Miya and Raiden, he had found out that Celestia possesses one of the S-tier authorities in his universe! The Authority of Omnipresence! The ability to be anywhere at any given moment. As someone who held that authority, of course it was impossible to restrain her! He also finally understood the context behind the similar features between Celestia''s puppets! The wide opened mouth, the clawed fingers, and the gaping chest hole! These were not random deformities. They were designs that seemed to be intentional... Each one a reflection of the Authority she wielded. The mouth, stretched unnaturally wide, wasn''t frozen in a scream. It represented something deeper... permission! It was a permanent invitation, carved into flesh to make it seem like the vessel was saying : "I give you permission to come in." The fingers, curled and elongated into jagged claws, weren''t made for slashing. They resembled antennae... like fractured spires reaching outward. Always grasping, always sensing. They scraped at reality itself, pulling on invisible threads that tied her to every corner of space. They were receivers, tuned to the frequency of her will! And then there was the chest. A gaping hole where a heart should have been. Not an injury nor was it a wound. It was a vacancy! A deliberately hollowed space... designed to be filled! It wasn''t just the absence of humanity. It was the erasure of identity, the erasure of self. The void acted as a placeholder, allowing Celestia''s essence to descend instantly and take control, like slipping into a prepared shell! It was how she inhabited her puppets! Not by sending commands across distance. But by being there. Fully and instantly! Her omnipresence wasn''t just a normal ability as it represented an authority... it was more like a state of being. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The puppets weren''t drones, they were extensions of her consciousness! No wonder the Authority of Prisoner hadn''t worked. How do you restrain something that''s already everywhere? ''Also, she heard everything...'' Adam thought, eyes widening. The implication struck him like a spear. ''She knows about Leila. She heard what Xel''Shaar said...'' His pulse raced. That couldn''t happen! If Celestia figured out the truth, if she traced the hidden floor from Leila... Then it might possibly lead to the catastrophe in his last life! He couldn''t let Celestia reach her! A rush of warmth surged from his chest, spreading down his arms. Blood spiked from his wrists like blooming thorns, shooting forward in jagged streaks of crimson. The room trembled as dozens of blood spikes launched at the puppet in an instant. Chapter 84 - 84: Missing Teammates Slash! The sharp sound of tearing flesh echoed through the dark hall. Blood sprayed like a fountain as crimson spikes erupted from the ground, skewering Celestia''s puppet mid-step. The creature jerked violently, twisting unnaturally as the red spikes punched through its body. For a brief moment, it looked like Adam had gained the upper hand. He narrowed his eyes, preparing another barrage, ready to finish it. But before he could act, the puppet suddenly went limp. Its head dropped. Its limbs hung like strings had been cut... Thud! The puppet collapsed to the ground with a lifeless crash. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Adam froze. ''It died?'' The thought came quickly, but something didn''t sit right. His gaze sharpened, and almost immediately, he corrected himself. ''No... this isn''t death. Celestia cut the connection between her and the puppet...'' He lowered his hand slowly, the blood surrounding him still pulsing with energy. But his brows furrowed as a heavy silence settled over the hallway. The spikes slowly retracted into the floor, leaving behind a pool of blood and a still corpse that wasn''t really a corpse. It was just a shell. A puppet that had been discarded. ... Deep in the far side of the Sunken Catacombs¡­ In a different corridor twisted with decaying stone and glowing fungi, Leila stood with her back against the wall. Beside her, Cael dashed forward, slicing through a skeleton with a clean upward swing of his sword. Bones shattered and ash scattered into the air. Dozens of undead had risen to block their path, but they were barely a delay. Leila raised her staff high, the blue gem at its tip lighting up with a surge of mana. "Move!" She called. Boom! A burst of magic exploded forward, wiping out the last group of monsters that staggered toward them. The blast shook the walls and blew the rotting bodies into dust. As the echoes died down, Leila lowered her staff and took a deep breath. "We''re clear... for now." Cael dusted his coat with a grin. "Not bad. You''ve been getting stronger." Leila gave him a faint awkward smile, but her expression didn''t fully relax. "I sent messages to Kristoff and Adam about where we are¡­" She murmured, still scanning the path ahead. She hesitated before continuing. "Kristoff''s having a hard time pinpointing our location. The catacombs keep changing its layout... making it hard to track signals. A-adam, on the other hand, hasn''t responded at all." Cael turned to look at her, his sword resting on his shoulder. He grinned calmly. "Don''t stress over Adam. Worry about Kristoff first. The floor objective is to escape, right? As long as we regroup with him, we can focus on finding the exit." He walked a few steps forward and gestured for her to follow. "No need to bother with the floor boss." Leila raised an eyebrow. "B-but what if it finds us first..." Cael shrugged. "If it does, we run. Simple." That was true... With Cael''s ability, running away was always an option. Leila thought. Then, as if remembering something amusing, Cael chuckled lightly and added. "As for Adam... he''s probably already hunting the boss down." Leila didn''t reply right away. Her smile faded as her thoughts drifted. She stared ahead, eyebrows slightly furrowed, clearly thinking hard about how to locate Kristoff. The shifting structure of the catacombs made it nearly impossible to track anyone without a direct signal. And with Adam''s lack of response... this was definitely gonna take quite some time. Her fingers tightened slightly around her staff. Just then, a soft and sweet voice echoed from one of the nearby tunnels. "Ah, hello? Are you also stream hunters who just got here?" The sudden voice made both Leila and Cael tense up. They turned to face the direction it came from. Out of the dim tunnel emerged a young woman. Her long black hair flowed like ink, gently swaying with each step. Her features were sharp, yet graceful, refined in a way that made her look like she didn''t belong in the filth of the catacombs. One of her eyes shimmered with a strange silver gleam, while the other burned with a deep crimson glow. Her presence was unsettling, yet calm. Like someone too composed in a place filled with death. She wore a deep plum-colored cloak with embroidered patterns of silver thorns curling around the edges. Underneath, a fitted, sleeveless combat dress clung lightly to her frame, its material dark and smooth... clearly made for mobility. She had gloves that went past her wrists and boots built for silent movement. Elegant, but practical. "Sorry for the sudden conversation." The woman said, giving them a small, polite smile. "I arrived alone and ended up losing the teammates I was climbing with." Leila blinked, then returned the smile, feeling slightly relieved. At least it wasn''t another monster... "Ah, hello. It''s alright." She said kindly. "We''re actually looking for one of our team members too." The tension in her shoulders eased just a little. "If you want..." Leila continued. "You can come with us for a while, at least until you find your teammates." She glanced at Cael, silently asking if it was okay. Cael gave a lazy shrug, showing he didn''t mind either way. His expression remained neutral, but a teasing grin tugged at the corner of his lips. "Mm. One more beauty to look at wouldn''t hurt." He mused aloud. Leila rolled her eyes and ignored him, focusing back on the strange woman. "Say..." She asked "How many teammates are you looking for?" The woman took a few steps closer. Her gait was slow but smooth, almost too perfect. "Mm... around five of them." She said softly. Leila nodded. "Ah, did any of them message you? Maybe told you where they were heading?" The woman tilted her head slightly, as though pretending to recall. "Yes. They all did, actually." She said. "That''s great!" Leila replied, her expression brightening. "Where did they say they were?" The woman''s smile grew just a little wider. She stopped walking. A strange silence followed. Then, with a calm and quiet voice, she said. "Below you." Leila blinked, confused. "What?" The woman didn''t miss a beat. "I said..." She repeated, her smile never fading. "They''re below you." Before either Leila or Cael could react or even process what she meant, the ground beneath their feet suddenly cracked open. Shhlk! Dozens of pale, rotting hands shot out from the floor, attempting to grab at their legs and ankles! Cold, deathly fingers almost coiled around them like snakes. The hands dragged themselves up from the stone, fingernails scraping, wrists twisting unnaturally. "Leila, move!" Cael shouted, slicing down at the first hand that almost touched him. However, many more came as they dug themselves out of the ground with sheer strength! The strange woman just stood there, watching with a tilted head. Her silver eye glowed faintly. The crimson one burned brighter. And then she whispered something that chilled the air. "I never said they were alive." Chapter 85 - 85: A Battle of Wit and Authority Just as one of the corpse puppets reached out to grab her, Leila''s eyes suddenly went blank, like a light switch flipping off. In that instant, a whisper tickled her ears. Not a voice... and not a sound. Just a feeling. A silent command from fate itself: Move. Now. Without thinking, her body shifted to the side on pure instinct. A clawed hand missed her face by mere inches. The corpse crashed to the ground beside her, and Leila''s eyes snapped back into focus. Her heart pounded, but she didn''t hesitate. She raised her staff and channeled a surge of mana into it. Boom! A deafening explosion rocked the catacombs as she blasted the ground beneath the incoming corpses, forcing several of them to stumble or collapse. Cael didn''t wait either. As soon as the opening appeared, he grabbed Leila''s wrist and activated his teleportation ability. Flames flared beneath their feet as the magic kicked in. But just as they should have blinked out of the space¡ª They didn''t move... Nothing changed! They were still standing in the same exact spot! Cael''s eyes widened in confusion. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Across from them, the strange woman stood quietly, her silver and crimson eyes watching with mild amusement. A smile curled on her lips. "Using a teleportation ability right in front of me?" She said, tilting her head. "How quaint." Cael''s jaw clenched as realization hit. ''Corpse puppet and being able to cancel out my teleportation ability¡­'' He gritted his teeth. ''Just like that guy said. My abilities are useless against someone with the Authority of Omnipresence.'' His eyes narrowed as he glanced toward Leila. "Buy me time." He said quickly. "Just ten seconds." Leila met his gaze. He wasn''t always pleasant to work with... Sarcastic, smug, and a little too proud. But when it came towards situations such as this, he was quite the trustable teammate. She nodded without hesitation. Celestia, still wearing that eerie smile, raised her hand. Her puppets surged forward like a tide of crawling bodies. Leila didn''t wait to fight them directly. Instead, she dug into her pocket and pulled out a small, metallic keychain. It looked ordinary... but it wasn''t! It was a shielding item, bought from the system store for emergencies like this. She poured mana into it. The trinket glowed, then¡ª Boom! The keychain burst with light, and in the next instant, a wide, bluish dome of energy expanded around them. A shield. Strong, reinforced, and just big enough to protect both her and Cael. The first wave of corpse puppets slammed into the barrier. Thud. Thud. THUD. Their hands clawed and scratched at it, teeth gnashing, bodies piling up, but no matter how hard they attacked, the barrier held strong. For now. Celestia didn''t move. She simply stood in place, eyes calmly watching the shield. She didn''t look worried. Of course not. A shield this powerful was bound to have a short duration. Already, cracks were forming. Tiny flickers of energy danced across the surface as the barrier began to weaken. Leila grit her teeth, gripping her staff tighter. She couldn''t let herself get distracted. On the other side of the barrier, Cael''s body was surrounded by fire. He stood still, one hand raised as he chanted under his breath, eyes closed in full concentration. Time ticked down. Celestia tilted her head slightly. Her voice was soft. "Three seconds left." The shield started to flicker violently. "Two." She raised her hand to direct the next wave. "One." Just as the barrier was about to shatter¡ª FWOOOSH! A massive burst of flames erupted from Cael''s feet, roaring upward like a pillar of fire. The force of it knocked several of the nearest puppets backward. The heat rolled through the chamber like a shockwave. From within the fire, a silhouette began to take shape. Leila shielded her eyes as a figure stepped forward through the swirling flames. A man. He emerged with calm steps, the fire parting around him like obedient servants. His dark blue hair was neatly combed, and he wore a tailored black coat over a high-collared shirt and vest. His pants were sharp, his shoes polished. Everything about him screamed discipline, elegance, and power. His face was striking. Not the rugged type, but refined... sharp jawline, intense dark eyes, and the kind of quiet presence that drew attention without effort. Celestia''s eyes widened in shock. Her voice came out barely above a whisper. "...Elaric." The man looked up. A soft smile played on his lips as he met her eyes. "What a shame." Elaric said, his voice smooth, almost regretful. "For a moment, I actually thought this was your true body." Celestia''s smile faded. She didn''t respond with words. Instead, she raised one hand and brought it down with a sharp gesture. From hundreds of meters away, a massive boulder made out of tangled, petrified bones... shimmered into view and vanished! A second later, it teleported above them, blotting out the light as it plummeted toward Elaric like a judgment from the heavens! Leila and Cael gasped, stepping back instinctively, unsure of how to dodge such a massive boulder in this tight spaced catacombs! Elaric didn''t flinch. He tilted his head up and spoke evenly, as if delivering a lecture. "The gravitational pull of this structure has already been reversed and reoriented through its calcic density matrix." "Bone, after all, is mostly composed of hydroxyapatite.... a crystalline form of calcium phosphate. Manipulating the lattice alignment allows me to adjust its mass distribution, which in turn modifies its gravitational influence." He snapped his fingers. FWUMP. The boulder twisted in midair with a groan of stressed bone and momentum. Its trajectory bent unnaturally, then veered sharply to the side... It slammed into the stone ground dozens of meters away in a deafening crash. Dust erupted. Cracks spidered out across the walls. Elaric casually dusted imaginary ash from his shoulder. Then his gaze shifted back to Celestia. "You could have teleported that boulder a meter right above us, but instead you teleported it at a distance where we could still avoid it. I''ll take this as a sign that you don''t have much control over your authority as of yet." He said as he walked slowly towards Celestia. Celestia didn''t respond as she clapped her hands and used the authority of omnipresence once again. Elaric paused as he found himself unable to walk any further. Celestia had removed their ability to walk through her authority! Elaric didn''t even blink. He glanced toward Celestia again, his expression unreadable. "Hm. The thing is..." He began, his voice calm and measured. "What separates S-tier users isn''t just raw power. It''s alignment. Alignment between authority and intention." He took a step forward, unhurried, his hands still casually at his sides. "You are weak, Celestia." He continued. "Not because your authority is flawed... but because you are." "You were given Omnipresence. An authority rooted in movement, multiplicity, and perception. But your goal isn''t to exist everywhere, is it?" He tilted his head, eyes glinting. "Your goal is to control everything." His voice dropped slightly, a knowing edge in it. "That''s why your grasp of your authority is unstable. You''re treating it like a leash instead of a path." Celestia didn''t respond. She didn''t change her stance nor did she alter her attack pattern. She simply stared at him, motionless, the corpses around her still waiting for her command. Because she couldn''t acknowledge his words. If she so much as hesitated in her current methods... if she changed her approach Then it would validate Elaric''s observation! And with his authority of Omniscience, the moment a theory was confirmed, it became reality in his mind. His understanding would evolve, and so would his control over it. Silence... But even silence had meaning. "Pfft." Elaric held back a little laugh. "Even without a reply, I''ve already learned a lot." He smiled again. "You''re logical. Cool-headed. Calculating. The kind of person who stays quiet when silence is safer than lies. Rational." Snap. He flicked his fingers. A barely perceptible ripple flowed outward. Celestia''s mind lurched. Her thoughts, normally pristine and layered with foresight, suddenly fogged. Her judgment which was normally rational suddenly twisted. Why was he still standing? Why hadn''t he attacked? Why was she still listening to this man? Why wasn''t she doing anything?! Without realizing it, she clenched her jaw and commanded the puppets to lunge forward. Then... snap! Clarity returned! Her eyes widened in frustration. Elaric had twisted her rationality itself! He transmuted her composure into impulsive irritation! Chapter 86 - 86: A Dangerous Game of Tag Celestia clapped her hands together sharply. A pulse of authority surged through the air as the space between her and Elaric stretched... The catacombs warped unnaturally, expanding as if reality itself were being pulled apart at the seams. What was once a few meters widened into dozens! Elaric raised an eyebrow, amused. She was trying to create distance... Desperately. She couldn''t let him close nor could she allow him to touch her... or the puppets she controlled. Because if he did¡­ Then Elaric would begin analyzing the mana pathways she used to jump from vessel to vessel. He would isolate the core resonance frequency, track its repeating pattern... And from there, trace it back to her real body. No. That cannot happen. ''I can''t risk it as of now.'' She thought grimly. ''It''s best to retreat.'' She reached inward, focusing on the connection tethering her consciousness to the corpses. She willed the link to sever¡ª But instead of fading... the thread thickened! A sudden surge of mana shot through the link, like vines wrapping tighter around her mind. Her eyes widened in alarm. The connection between her and the puppets had grown stronger. Elaric smiled, slow and deliberate. His voice was as casual as if he were lecturing a student. "You see, Celestia¡­ Your puppets are extensions of your will, projected through a specific mana wavelength. Ordinarily, it''s a one-way current." He gestured absently to the air, like tracing patterns on an invisible blackboard. "But I introduced an artificial mana loop into the field... a reverse-cascade of my own understanding." "Essentially, I reflected your signature frequency back into the tether, with enough matching data to cause sympathetic resonance." His smile widened. "You tried to sever it. But because my understanding aligned with your intent before your decision was complete... the link stabilized instead. Now, you''re reinforcing the connection from both ends." Celestia''s breath caught. If she didn''t act fast, he wouldn''t just trace the mana back to her. He could invert the connection... extract memories, locations, thoughts! She''d be exposed! Without waiting another second, she snapped her fingers. Her puppets sprang to life and scattered in all directions... Through the tunnels, broken archways, decaying stairwells. A flurry of movement, like a nest of birds suddenly taking flight. A calculated spread. He couldn''t follow all of them! But Elaric didn''t move. He simply watched, his hands folded behind his back, eyes reflecting cold amusement... Like a man watching dominos fall in slow motion. And then¡ª They stopped. Every puppet froze mid-motion. One, halfway up a staircase. Another, buried within a crumbling hallway. Several others, caught mid-lunge... arms outstretched, weapons raised, expressions blank. Still as death. "Dead bodies aren''t supposed to move after all." Elaric''s voice echoed softly through the distorted space, almost absentminded. As if what he said was just an afterthought¡­ not a declaration of control. Celestia''s eyes narrowed. ''I see now¡­'' She thought grimly. ''The reason he kept talking, explaining everything so deliberately¡­ it wasn''t for my benefit. It was bait. He was forcing me and my puppets to linger in place long enough for him to analyze them...'' This time, Elaric said nothing. He simply reached a hand toward the nearest puppet, his gaze calm, focused. Though he still couldn''t move as Celestia took away his ability to walk due to her Authority.... But he didn''t need to. He could just bring the puppet to him. Mana twisted around his fingers as the nearest puppet was drawn forward. Slowly... Obediently.... Its hands rose, inches away from Elaric''s own. Then¡ª Its appearance changed. The puppet''s flesh warped and reshaped into a woman with long black hair, silver and red eyes glowing with faint amusement. Celestia had switched places with her puppet! Elaric''s eyes widened slightly. He tried to pull back, to avoid contact¡ª But it was too late! Their hands touched. And in that instant¡ª BOOM! A violent blast erupted from Elaric''s side. Chunks of his shoulder and stomach tore free in an instant, scattering through the air like splattered glass. The force sent him stumbling sideways, his expression still composed, but his body clearly damaged. Celestia raised her hand to finish it. But Elaric''s remaining arm shot forward... Grabbing her by the shoulder! "Like this?" He said evenly. Then her arms detonated. Both limbs exploded into shards of blood and bone, launching her backward across the hall. She crashed into a cracked wall with a sickening crunch, her "body" slumping from the impact. Celestia coughed violently. Blood spilled from her lips as she forced herself to sit upright. She locked eyes with Elaric and managed a weak, sardonic smile. "Indeed¡­ you really do counter my abilities far too well." Elaric tilted his head slightly, expression unreadable. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Counter? Surely you jest. I personally think it''s just because you''re not using your authority very well." Celestia chuckled dryly through the pain. "Oh? And what makes you so sure I''m not simply faking it? To keep you from truly understanding me?" She smirked despite the blood trailing from her mouth. "After all, if you did understand me so well¡­ you wouldn''t be struggling this much just to find me." Elaric wasn''t fazed. He blinked slowly, then gave a faint smile. "You''re right. But it doesn''t matter." His eyes gleamed. "I''ll find your true body. Sooner or later." Celestia''s expression didn''t change. "Hm. I wonder¡­" She said softly. "Between you and him, who exactly will find me first?" Elaric paused. "Him?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "Who¡ª" He didn''t finish the question. Because in that moment, his own blood turned on him. The crimson liquid pouring from his wounds suddenly twisted, curling unnaturally. Dozens of blades formed from the flowing red, each one gleaming with a sharpened edge. Then¡ª Shlick! They pierced through him all at once! His eyes widened as blood-forged spears tore through his chest, arms, and legs... Puncturing his body from every angle like a storm of invisible swords! Celestia wiped the blood from her mouth as she stood shakily. "The Omnipotence." Elaric, still impaled, glanced upward toward the stairway that overlooked the chamber. A man stood there. Tall and broad-shouldered. Clad in lightweight black armor lined with faint silver veins. His face was stern and resolute. Adam. And behind him... A looming, monstrous, its grotesque limbs folded in submission was Xel''Shaar... The corrupted floor boss of the catacombs. The creature followed behind Adam like a chained beast, its grotesque eyes lowered in deference. A floor boss¡­ obeying a Stream Hunter. Elaric''s eyes rose in interest. Celestia turned her head slightly, recognizing the shadow of a grin on Adam''s face. Leila had sent him the message. She had warned him that Celestia was here. And more importantly¡­ that he was here too. The man from the node! The one in her vision! Adam''s fist clenched as he raised a single hand into the air. The blood around both Celestia and Elaric began to spiral, reacting to his presence. It twisted into dozens of crimson blades... sharp and merciless that swirled around them like a storm. Then¡ª They fell. A chorus of slicing steel filled the chamber as the blades rained down. Shlick. Shlick. Shlick! Blood sprayed in every direction as both Celestia and Elaric were cut down, their already injured bodies torn further into fragments by the merciless crimson edge. The catacombs fell silent. Adam slowly lowered his hand. Chapter 87 - 87: Adams Controlling Self Adam''s gaze flickered between the dozens of Celestia''s puppet corpses strewn across the chamber and the man with neatly combed dark-blue hair standing untouched amidst the carnage. ''Another fake body?'' His fingers twitched near his weapon as he analyzed the impossibility before him. Celestia''s Authority of Omnipresence explained her puppets'' presence anywhere in the Tower... But this man? How had he projected himself so flawlessly onto this floor? Before Adam could deepen his analysis, Elaric sighed dramatically, brushing nonexistent dust from his immaculate sleeves. The blood spikes impaling his torso seemed as inconsequential as raindrops on glass. "Such a shame..." He mused, tilting his head with predatory interest. "Unlike our dear Celestia, I lack the Authority of Omnipresence. Teleporting between floors is... taxing." He gestured to his bleeding wounds with a smile. "Cael''s ability only permits temporary relocation to floors where other stream hunters reside. A limited loophole, really." Adam didn''t wait for him to continue talking. His hand snapped up. [Crimson Dominion] erupted in a whirlwind of razor-edged blood, shredding Elaric''s body into crimson mist. Only the man''s head remained intact as it dropped to the floor. Adam felt that if he let Elaric continue talking, something bad would happen... Yet the disembodied head only chuckled, lips curling as disintegration began claiming it. "The Omnipotence, hm?" Elaric''s voice turned liquid, melting with his fading form. "That''s funny." Then he was gone. Silence. Adam exhaled slowly, his gaze shifting toward Celestia''s fallen puppets. But she was no longer connected to them. The mana threads had been severed completely. Lifeless now... Just husks of meat and bone. He frowned. ''Is she that afraid of this floor''s boss monster...?'' [Tony_Castagnino has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +15 Soul Cores [Tony_Castagnino] : Chat, any idea why Celestia seems to be afraid of this floor''s boss? [Experienced Old Knight] : Hm. Perhaps it''s because the floor''s authority is a weakness of hers... it is the authority of Prisoner after all. [Danyz has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +5 Soul Cores [Danyz] : But she uses puppets as a way to travel, how would it even affect her? [Woman of Specters] : Authorities are different from how normal abilities work, each one is too different to be able for us to fully comprehend it. Celestia probably knows something dangerous about it. [JustJoeKing] : I don''t blame her, prison sucks. [Frog Eater] : ... [Bird Hunter] : Who was that dark blue haired guy just now? [Haremphobic has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +2 Soul Cores [Haremphobic] : He had the looks of someone who could have a harem... I dislike him already. Adam charged down the stone stairs, taking them two at a time. His boots echoed through the narrow passage as he raced toward Leila and Cael. Behind him, Xel''Shaar moved like a shadow.... silent as his hollow eyes fixed on Adam''s back. [Frog Eater] : Why the hell is the floor boss following the streamer... [pb_jelly has donated an F-tier gift] [you have received] +4 Soul Cores S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [pb_jelly] : Obliviously, he has recognized our Streamer''s greatness! [Heavendefier130 has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +3 Soul Cores [Heavendefier130] : Is this the legendary main character pet cliche? [wolfqueen22 has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +3 Soul Cores [wolfqueen22] : Honestly, I expected a better looking one... Adam ignored the flickering stream chat as he turned his gaze toward Cael and Leila, his expression as unreadable as ever. His tone dropped to something colder. "Leila. From now on, you''re not to stray too far. You stay by my side at all times." The way he said it left no room for negotiation, just a command with consequences. Leila blinked. "Why? What¡ª" Adam cut her off before the question fully formed. "Celestia is targeting you because of your ability." He said plainly. "And I don''t know what she''ll do if she gets her hands on you..." The words were delivered without emotion, but they struck hard. Leila''s lips parted slightly, but nothing came out. Adam''s gaze then shifted, sharper now, turning toward Cael. He silently stared as though expecting an explanation from him. Cael returned the look evenly, but the weight in the air had changed. "I had to come up with some way to protect us." Cael finally said, his tone lighter than the situation warranted. "I can''t fight someone with the Authority of Omnipresence. I deal with space and travel... she could erase me before I even blink. Against her, I''m an ant." Adam''s expression didn''t move. His voice stayed level. "You know that''s not what I''m talking about." A pause. "Who was the man you called?" Cael''s smile faltered for just a breath before returning, thinner this time. "I don''t owe you an explanation." He said with a shrug. "Besides, he saved both me and Leila. You should be thanking him." Leila opened her mouth, trying to find something to say, but then her eyes drifted to the grotesque creature kneeling silently beside Adam. Xel''Shaar... the Floor Boss... bowed like a loyal servant. And Adam stood beside it, utterly calm. Leila''s breath caught. ''What the f*ck did this guy do to the floor boss¡­?'' The thought chilled her more than anything Celestia had done. Adam''s eyes remained on Cael. The truth was that Cael was right... whoever that man was, he had helped. Possibly even saved them both. But the problem was deeper than that. That man''s presence involved one of Adam''s future nodes... an important one. Adam couldn''t afford to leave any loose ends. Not when it involved something this significant.... His voice was quiet now. "Xel''Shaar." The towering beast stirred slightly at its name. "Imprison him." Cael flinched. His eyes widened in sudden understanding. "Wait¡ª" He moved fast, hand glowing with the familiar shimmer of teleportation magic... But it was already too late! [Floor 3 Boss Authority has activated.] [Authority: Prisoner] The system messages echoed like divine decrees. Chains of blood-soaked light exploded out of the ground beneath Cael, wrapping tightly around his arms and chest. His teleportation spell fizzled the moment it activated, snuffed out by a higher will. "What the¡ª?!" Cael gritted his teeth as he dropped to one knee, every movement restrained as if gravity itself had betrayed him. The glow in his eyes dimmed. "You''re seriously doing this!?" He hissed. Adam didn''t answer, clearly unimpressed by Cael''s attempt to control his emotions... He walked slowly toward Cael, step by step, his figure casting a long shadow that merged with the kneeling Xel''Shaar. "You''re involved with a man who tampered with one of my future nodes. That''s not something I can overlook." Cael clenched his jaw. "I didn''t even know about your nodes until recently. I made a judgment call to keep Leila and myself alive..." "And now I''m making mine." Adam''s voice shot back. But the tension in the air felt like the pause before a guillotine dropped. Leila finally stepped forward. "Adam, wait... maybe if we just¡ª" Adam turned his head slightly toward her. "If I leave this unchecked, it''ll snowball into something worse. I can''t afford that. Not with what''s coming in the future." Cael''s breathing grew steadier as he stared up at Adam, the resistance fading from his face. "I never knew you were such a controlling asshole..." Adam didn''t respond right away. Then¡ª "Good." He turned his back to them both. "Because if I weren''t, we''d all be dead already." The chains tightened with a deep hum, anchoring Cael to the center of the catacomb. And the silence that followed was more suffocating than the fight. Chapter 88 - 88: Lustful Intentions Seeing the argument unfold between Adam and Cael, Leila kept her mouth shut. She gripped the edge of her sleeve tightly. She wasn''t dumb... If she spoke now and said the wrong thing, she might end up bound in chains right next to Cael. After all, Adam had just made a floor boss kneel. Who knew what he''d do next?! Adam''s eyes flicked to her briefly, catching the fear in her silence, but he said nothing. His attention returned to the hulking creature beside him. Xel''Shaar... Adam had already pieced some things together. The reason he could command this beast wasn''t some hidden skill or trick... It was because of the Death Mark that the Deathspeaker had placed upon him. To Xel''Shaar, cursed and broken by the very beings who shaped this floor, that mark wasn''t just a symbol... It was a command seal, one that made Adam his superior in the eyes of Death''s will. Adam spoke quietly, voice almost respectful. "I apologize for ordering you around like that." Xel''Shaar lowered his head without hesitation, shadows rippling beneath his form. "It is not your fault..." The floor boss said calmly. "It is instilled upon my form to obey the bearer of Death''s authority. Such is the law of my punishment." Adam gave a small nod, thoughtful. "Earlier, you said you needed me to unmake you." A pause. "How exactly do I do that?" The creature''s many eyes glowed faintly as he turned toward Adam. "You must bind me to your existence." Adam blinked. "¡­What?" "I apologize for the demanding tone." Xel''Shaar replied solemnly. "But I require you to carry me to the Tower of Yxthar." Adam''s face remained unreadable. Then he spoke, voice sharp and measured. "There are three problems with that." He raised a finger. "One. Neither of us knows whether I''ll even survive long enough to reach Yxthar." Another. "Two. I have absolutely no idea how to bind you to me." And the third. "And three. I have no way of knowing whether you intend to betray me the moment I let my guard down." Xel''Shaar took it all in without offense. "Regarding the first problem¡­" His grotesque voice grew quieter. "I am willing to take the risk. I have heard legends whispered among the marked... that those who can resist Death''s authority are destined to defy it, to fulfill a purpose before their end." Adam didn''t interrupt. "As for the second problem..." Xel''Shaar continued. "You need only to provide a vessel¡­ and a sustainable mana core to house my essence. Then, with the Floor''s Authority still tethered to me, I shall imprison myself within it. A self-imposed confinement." Adam narrowed his eyes slightly as he glanced towards Cael. Cael shivered at Adam''s glance as he listened to the conversation... "Will the Tower even allow you to leave this floor? You''re its boss." "I am bound here." Xel''Shaar admitted. "The Deathspeakers tethered me to this place. I cannot leave unless commanded by them." Then he looked directly at Adam. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "But you... you bear Death''s authority. That mark on your soul speaks with their voice. Through it, their command becomes yours. I can obey." He paused. "As for the Tower of Yxthar itself¡­ it does not care for what occurs within its floors, so long as external influence is kept at bay. It will not interfere." Adam folded his arms. "Then what about the third problem?" Xel''Shaar gave what could almost be called a smile... if a floor boss made of shadow and bone could smile. "You wield the authority of Death. I am incapable of disobeying your commands." "Furthermore..." He added. "Once I enter the vessel, my strength will be sealed and heavily diminished. At your current state, you could destroy me with ease. If I betray you, I would do so knowing I hand you the blade to end me." Adam stared at him for a moment, expression unreadable. Then he asked quietly¡ª "Let''s say I agree. Let''s say I follow through with your request. What do I gain from this?" Xel''Shaar''s voice carried no arrogance... only cold, quiet certainty. "I possess knowledge. Knowledge born not of surrender, but of relentless pursuit." "Unlike the cowardly Viewers who stagnate in their floors, I have never given up on reaching Yxthar." He tilted his head slightly. "Another is that even if I leave this floor, I will retain partial access to its Authority... Prisoner. In battle, I will be of use to you." A moment of silence. Then... "All I ask in return¡­ is a chance to see Yxthar with my own eyes and make him finally erase my existence as a floor boss." [Daoist_Iveyflame has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +6 Soul Cores [Daoist_Iveyflame asks that If Xel''Shaar follows Adam, what would happen to this floor''s boss.] [5th Style Sword Master] : Dear respected fellow Daoist, most likely Yxthar will create a fake body like it usually does. [Memester_Damon has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +4 Soul Cores [Memester_Damon] : Y''know, I expected the streamer''s cliche pet to be some sort of dragon or perhaps a dark black wolf... [Disciple of Ice] : What are you talking about... [Subsonicmods has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +2 Soul Cores [Subsonicmods] : Isn''t this better? An Ancient Beast of Horrors as a pet! Adam would be lying if he said he wasn''t tempted. Having Xel''Shaar, the floor boss of the third floor... as a subordinate? That was too good to ignore. Not to mention, the creature''s knowledge of the Tower of Yxthar far surpassed anything the Viewers could provide... Still, Adam frowned slightly, his thoughts shifting toward the real reason he was hesitating. ''Going back in time to change the future means risking to change the course of events that I know should happen¡­'' He thought to himself. ''But if that change is inevitable, then I''ll just have to force my way through. With power.'' Just as he was about to open the system shop to search for possible vessel materials¡ª [LORDTEE] : Hehe. For the vessel requirement, perhaps I can try to help? [LORDTEE has donated a D-tier gift] [You have received] Sexy Female Mechanical Iron Body Puppet : A female puppet that can be commanded by the user to fight. Possesses the strength of a bear and the flexibility of a talented gymnast. Adam stared at the item for a moment, unmoving. [Chaos_Reader] : Oh, good idea. I''ll provide the core! [Chaos_Reader has donated a D-tier gift] [You have received] Lust-filled Aura Core : The core of a monster that seduces its prey before killing and devouring them. Users of this core may develop lust-driven personality traits. [Prankster of Kingdoms is giggling at the gifts.] [Experienced Old Knight] : I would like to ask why you two possess such items in the first place¡­? [LORDTEE says it''s confidential.] Adam was silent for a long second. His hand hovered above the screen, and for the briefest moment, he wondered whether the viewers watching him were truly insane¡­ or just deeply, deeply bored. Still, he sighed and spawned the items. The puppet''s curvaceous metallic form materialized in front of him, faint steam rising from the joints. Right beside it floated the pulsating, pink-red core... exuding a subtle, almost instinctive aura of seduction that made even Adam involuntarily furrow his brows. He turned to Xel''Shaar without saying a word. The creature had already begun to shift toward the items, his grotesque, shifting body preparing for integration... But the moment his many eyes fell upon the form of the puppet and sensed the nature of the core, he froze. Then¡­ he slowly turned to Adam. No words. Just a long, disappointed stare. Adam met the look with one of his own... equally deadpan. "¡­Try it." There was no need for unnecessary explanations about the personalities of his viewers... Xel''Shaar, bound by the Authority of Death, obeyed without argument. His monstrous body began to phase into ethereal mist, wrapping around the puppet and absorbing the core''s energy. A sickly glow began to build in the room. [Floor 3 Boss Authority has activated.] [Authority: Prisoner] The puppet''s eyes lit up, the core binding within the shell, and for a moment... It looked like the transformation was working. Until¡ª Boom! The vessel exploded. Metal shards clanged against the stone floor as the aura core cracked into pieces and dissolved into smoke. Whatever energy Xel''Shaar had tried to compress into that form had been too overwhelming. It wasn''t just a rejection... it was obliteration! [LORDTEE holds disappointment¡­] [Chaos_Reader bares LORDTEE''s pain¡­] [Frog Eater] : ¡­Idiots. Adam stood still, bits of puppet arm still falling from the ceiling behind him. He sighed. Guess he needed to buy a really expensive vessel and core after all... Xel''Shaar reformed nearby in a hunched, flickering mist-like state¡ªsilent, as if embarrassed. Then, the system chimed again. [Belisarius2018 has donated a B-tier gift] [You have received] Crimson-Black Warden Shell :A high-grade vessel crafted by the Warden-Smiths of Hollowreach. Reinforced with mythril bones and abyss-fiber muscle threads. Designed to contain powerful entities and beings with unstable cores. Equipped with reactive armor plating, and a pseudo-heart for mana conduction. [Belisarius2018] : My wallet is running dry... but well, I did promise that I''d send the streamer a proper gift if he rushed the third floor¡­ ^^ Chapter 89 - 89: A Suitable Vessel Seeing the notification from one of the viewers he was familiar with, Adam wanted to smile. He really did. As a silent way of thanking Belisarius for the gift, the edge of his mouth twitched, his facial muscles ready to pull upward. But he stopped himself just in time. His expression went flat again as he instinctively retracted his cheekbones. He knew exactly the kind of person Belisarius was. ''If I let out another one of those devilish grins, he might take the gift back out of fright¡­'' A soft sigh escaped him as he looked at the Crimson-Black Warden Shell before turning his thoughts toward the remaining problem. ''Now... the core.'' A vessel of this grade... Refined, enchanted, and reinforced with so many high-quality material wouldn''t function with just any core. It needed something sturdy and potent... Capable of both stabilizing Xel''Shaar''s volatile essence and fueling the vessel''s complex mechanisms. If he gave it a weak core, it would just collapse again... maybe even worse than what had just happened. He opened the system shop, filtering through the available cores. [System Store ¨C Core Selection] [Cracked Flameheart Core] ¨C 10,000 Gold A slightly damaged core left behind by a minor fire spirit. Generates weak mana pulses but burns out quickly if overused. Unstable under high pressure. [Obsidian Pulse Node] ¨C 35,000 Gold Common among elite golems. Steady energy output with moderate capacity. Can be used to power mid-tier constructs. [Stellar Vein Reactor] ¨C 88,000 Gold A rare mana-core mined from a fallen meteor. Contains star-infused energy that regenerates over time. Can amplify magic slightly and sustain prolonged usage. [Eclipse Soul Core] ¨C 200,000 Gold Forged from the essence of a fallen celestial. Powerful, with multi-affinity mana flow and exceptional capacity. Extremely hard to control without soul-binding experience. Adam narrowed his eyes, scrolling through the options. The last one looked promising¡­ but 200,000 gold wasn''t a joke. And he wasn''t exactly in his richest state as of yet... Then another ping echoed. [Nawh] : Perhaps I could be of help for the core required to keep the vessel going? [Nawh has sent a B-tier gift] [You have received] : Status Infinity Core : Converts kinetic movement into endless magical energy. Its output scales with motion, more movement equals faster regeneration. Passively amplifies all magic used by the host by 350%, while boosting physical stats (strength, speed, durability) by 300%. Automatically regulates spiritual pressure to prevent internal breakdown. Adam''s hand hovered over the gift notification, eyebrows lifting slightly as he read the description. Even Xel''Shaar stirred beside him, his shapeless mass reacting instinctively to the overwhelming presence of the core that had just manifested mid-air. "I sense no instability in this core. If I may¡­ this should suffice." A faint hum radiated from the Status Infinity Core... It spun gently in place, pulsating with rhythmic energy. It was about the size of a heart, semi-transparent, and inside swirled a small storm of black essence. Adam didn''t answer right away. His gaze was steady, unreadable. Then, with a faint motion of his hand, he gestured toward the core and the vessel. "Don''t waste it. It''s a gift from my viewers." His voice was calm, but firm. Almost like a command. There was weight behind his words. A quiet reverence. In his past life, the viewers were fickle... throwing praise and scorn depending on what made for a better stream. But here and now, things were a bit different. These viewers, despite still seeing him as a source of entertainment, carried something else beneath their antics. Attachment.... and maybe even concern. And to Adam who was only ever used to the coldness and cruelness of viewers, he quite liked this a lot better. At first he wasn''t comfortable with it, finding God-like beings act childishly... But perhaps the joy of a streamer with good viewers was just something he was not familiar with. Xel''Shaar''s eyes dimmed slightly as he bowed his misshapen head in understanding. "Then I shall not take it lightly." He turned toward the shell. Its sleek, humanoid frame stood tall and unmoving... sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Beautiful in a way that contrasted its terrifying design. Crimson patterns traced the black plates, pulsing like veins, awaiting life. The Infinity Core floated down, settling in the cavity of the Warden Shell''s chest. It slid into place without resistance. Xel''Shaar''s body shimmered, becoming increasingly ethereal. Like shadows losing form. Wisps of his essence stretched out, curling through the air toward the vessel. [Floor 3 Boss Authority has activated.] [Authority: Prisoner] A wave of blackened symbols flared across the shell''s surface as the system''s authority took effect. Chains of mana wrapped around the vessel and Xel''Shaar''s soul, not to restrain, but to fuse, seal, and bind. The merging began. The Crimson-Black Warden Shell twitched. Once. Then again. Light burst from its seams as the Infinity Core surged, adapting to the incoming soul. Screeching magic spiraled around it... violent, but controlled. A low growl filled the chamber as Xel''Shaar''s form slipped completely into the vessel. Plates shifted as the chest locked shut. And then¡­ silence. A slow exhale of black mist drifted from the shell''s mouth as its eyes flickered open... Now glowing with dual pupils of red and violet. The transformation was complete. Xel''Shaar dropped to one knee before Adam. The once-monstrous aura had been tempered... still powerful, but now shaped by discipline and loyalty. His voice, now carried through the resonance of the Warden Shell, came low and solemn. "May the gods bless us into reaching Yxthar." Gods¡­ Adam blinked slowly at the words. To him, the closest things to gods weren''t distant divine figures... but the ones watching him behind the screen. The viewers. And such "gods" were already blessing him... with numerous coins and gifts. Just as the thought began to trail into something deeper, Xel''Shaar took a step forward. The metallic thud of his armored heel echoed slightly in the chamber. He straightened, voice now firm and direct. "Hunter¡­ no, my lord. I know the location of every cursed relic buried within this floor." His words carried weight, the tone shifting into something eager... like a loyal knight offering weapons to a war-hardened king. "Do you wish to claim them all?" Chapter 90 - 90: Rustfang Dogs Adam''s brow rose slightly. He didn''t answer right away, instead letting the silence stretch as he considered the offer. "Can they be taken out to the next floor?" Xel''Shaar shook his head slowly, the glowing red-violet lights of his eyes dimming slightly with the motion. "No. They are bound to this floor''s authority. Their power will fade beyond it." Adam clicked his tongue quietly. He suddenly fell into deep thought as he thought of something. "Is there an artifact that can temporarily alter one''s luck¡­ or grant a blessing of fortune?" The question hung in the air like smoke. Xel''Shaar paused, the faint glow within his hollow eyes flickering. He considered for a moment as he tried to recall of one... "Yes, there is one... near exit of the catacombs..." When he suddenly felt a small tug at his sleeve. He looked down. It was Leila. Her hand trembled faintly, but her grip held. Her face was pale, lips pressed into a thin, uncertain line. For a moment, she didn''t speak. Adam remained still, waiting. Then, she leaned in close and whispered something in a tone too soft for anyone else to hear. He didn''t react outwardly. His expression remained unreadable and calm. But after a pause, his eyes shifted toward Xel''Shaar again, cold composure returning to his voice. "¡­Before that, help me find one of our teammates first." ... In one of the areas of the catacombs, Kristoff a few other stream hunters fought hard to fight against Bone Golems that were roaming around their area. Kristoff braced his body as another hulking Bone Golem charged forward, its heavy arms slamming against his raised shield. The impact rattled through his bones, but his shield held in place due to his strength. Sacred flames charged out from the engraved edges, wrapping around the golem''s frame in brilliant arcs of light. Though the holy fire wasn''t strong enough to destroy it outright, it was enough. The Bone Golem''s movements slowed. That was all the opportunity they needed. A nearby stream hunter, wielding a massive golden axe, charged with a roar and cleaved through the creature''s weakened core. Boom! Shards of bone and ash scattered across the chamber like dry leaves in the wind. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The echo of the explosion faded, leaving only the sound of shallow breathing and shifting gravel. Kristoff lowered his shield, panting. His eyes swept across the scattered corpses of the defeated golems, then turned to the other stream hunters standing nearby... Three in total, armored and breathing just as hard as he was. He gave a tired but sincere nod. "Thanks for helping me out¡­" One of the hunters stepped forward. He was tall, gaunt-faced, and holding a bloodstained spear. There was no smile, no nod of understanding. Only a cold voice. "Helping? What are you talking about?" He leveled the spear directly at Kristoff''s chest. "Take off your gear. Strip off Everything." Kristoff blinked, stunned. "What¡ª?" "I said strip." The words hit like a slap. Kristoff''s fingers twitched at his shield. His jaw tightened as suspicion turned into realization. ''Rustfang Dogs... fucking knew it.'' The name rang in his head... An infamous bandit group known for masquerading as allies in the Tower of Yxthar, only to rob and kill their own. He gritted his teeth. ''They really are dogs...'' Kristoff took a half-step back, body tensing for a possible retaliation... But the one with the golden axe, the same man who helped him seconds ago, now stepped closer. His expression was unreadable, but his weapon wasn''t lowered. "Fuck, fuck¡ªokay, chill man!" Kristoff shouted, trying to stall. "You don''t have to go full psycho on me!" His eyes flicked between them. There were too many.... and he was worn out. Fighting them would be suicide! But the shame of it clawed at him harder than fear. ''Man¡­ even dying to the floor boss would''ve been better than getting mugged naked by these bastards¡­'' He swallowed his pride and clenched his fists, fury burning behind his eyes. The humiliation boiled in his chest. Just as Kristoff began unlatching the first strap of his armor, a sudden chime echoed in the air. [Warning! You are about to trigger a Boss Fight.] The system notification hovered in front of all of them. Kristoff blinked. ''Shit I was just kidding!'' The other stream hunters froze. Panic swept across their faces. "W-What the hell?!" One of them stammered, lowering his weapon. "Boss fight? Now?!" They were too underleveled to face off Xel''Shaar! How had they been marked? Didn''t Xel''Shaar only attack those who lingered too long within the third floor! "We didn''t even get close to the center!" [The Tombkeeper, Xel''Shaar, has arrived.] [Floor 3 Authority has been distributed.] [May the battle¡­] [BEGIN!] They didn''t wait. The would-be robbers turned victims bolted, sprinting toward the only corridor that wasn''t caved in. Dust and desperation kicked up under their boots. Kristoff followed instinctively, shield up and legs moving! But then¡ª They stopped. A shadow stood at the tunnel''s mouth. It moved not with rage, but with purpose. Its frame was humanoid, tall and menacing. T he sleek, obsidian-black armor shimmered with crimson threads that pulsed like living veins. The very presence of it exuded pressure, weight, dominance. Xel''Shaar... "T-That''s him¡­" One of the stream hunters whispered in horror, stumbling backward. Kristoff''s mouth went dry. For a second, he even forgot about the attempted thievery... His instincts kicked in as he raised his shield, stance lowered. But then¡ª Through the shifting dust, he saw another figure stepping through the shadows behind the Warden. A man. Tall. Broad-shouldered. Dark hair. Lightweight armor of black leather etched with faded red glyphs. His face was calm... but there was something deadly in the stillness of his posture. "¡­Adam?" Kristoff muttered, heart leaping in disbelief. Behind Adam, a smaller figure emerged... Leila. She was dragging someone who was wrapped around in chains. Kristoff narrowed his eyes. "Cael¡­?" Cael was bound in glowing chains, unconscious or half-dazed, his head lolling with each step. Kristoff''s brain spun as the situation shifted faster than he could process. A moment ago, he was about to be stripped by fake allies. Now, a Floor Boss had arrived¡­ and Adam, of all people, was walking with it. Chapter 91 - 91: Chance Alteration Sheet "Who''s that beside Xel''Shaar¡­" One of the bandit stream hunters murmured to his companions, voice barely above a whisper. "I-I don''t know¡­ some kind of special undead? One of Xel''Shaar''s elite summons?" Another stammered, panic twisting his tone. They stared wide-eyed at the figure walking casually beside the Floor Boss, not realizing the situation had taken a sharp turn for the worse. Adam didn''t bother explaining. He barely even acknowledged their presence. He looked straight at Kristoff and spoke flatly. "Stop wasting time. Let''s head to the exit." Without another word, Adam turned and walked past the bandits like they were beneath notice. Xel''Shaar followed in silence. His armored footsteps making a subtle, metallic hum against the stone floor. Kristoff blinked in disbelief, struggling to process what he was seeing. Adam... Walking beside the Floor Boss... It should''ve been impossible¡­ but Kristoff had known Adam long enough to stop trying to understand him. This guy soloed undead settlements alone in the second floor... If Kristoff were a floor boss, he would kneel to this guy as well! Still, his eyes drifted to the chained man being dragged by Leila. "¡­Is that Cael? What the hell happened to him..." He opened his mouth to ask but caught himself. He already knew what Adam would say. He followed after them, jogging slightly. "Wait! Adam!" Adam paused. He turned just enough to glance over his shoulder, expression unreadable. "Don''t ask me questions. Ask Leila. I don''t waste time with explanations." His voice was curt, matter-of-fact. But Kristoff quickly shook his head. "No, it''s not that!" He said, breath catching as he pointed toward the bandit stream hunters still frozen near the corridor wall. "Kill them for me! They''re from that bandit group... Rustfang Dogs! They tried to rob me, strip me, and take advantage of me!" There was a moment of silence. Adam''s eye twitched slightly. His mouth curled in restrained annoyance. ''Seriously... stop misleading people with your choice of words.'' He thought with a grim look on his face. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The bandits, who were already pale from the appearance of Xel''Shaar, visibly recoiled. "H-Hey! That''s not what we meant!" One of them stammered. "We were just... trying to scare him! That''s all!" Another took a trembling step back, sweat running down his face. "W-We didn''t know he was with you!" They looked between Adam and the towering Warden Shell behind him, their faces going from panic to full-blown terror. After all, how the hell were they supposed to fight someone who had the literal Floor Boss following him around like a loyal guardian? Adam glanced at them, eyes cold. ''Rustfang Dogs, huh? That bandit group¡­'' He recognized the name immediately. In fact, he was more than just familiar with them. The leader of that group¡ªKrev Malgor¡ª was someone Adam had quietly admired in his past life. A ruthless A-tier combatant with enough destructive capability to level buildings on his own. Krev wasn''t just strong... he was calculated, loyal to a fault, and a name that brought fear to both monsters and men alike. More importantly, the Rustfang Dogs weren''t just lowly thieves. They had once been one of the few rogue factions that stood on the frontlines during humanity''s desperate defense against the invasion of the Tower of Yxthar. They bled for the cause when many others fled. ''Still¡­ robbing others inside the Tower?'' Adam thought, gaze darkening. ''That''s the same as condemning them to death. Leaving them vulnerable in a place like this¡­'' He looked toward Xel''Shaar, the echo of contempt in his tone. "Imprison them for a few days. Just enough for the death curse to take noticeable effect." Xel''Shaar gave no verbal reply. He simply raised one arm and activated his authority. [Floor 3 Boss Authority has activated.] [Authority: Prisoner] From the ceiling above, spectral chains surged downward like vipers. They wrapped tightly around the bandits'' limbs, binding them mid-air as they were lifted from the ground and suspended, helplessly struggling against invisible force. Adam looked at them once more, his voice calm, detached. "If you make it out alive¡­" He paused, letting the weight of his words linger. "¡­tell Krev Malgor that the Chosen Conduit wants to make a deal." "If he refuses, tell him I know of a way to kill his sister." The bandits stared at him in disbelief, some of them still trying to wriggle free in vain. ... After the charade with the bandits, Kristoff trailed behind in silence, casting uneasy glances between Adam and the towering presence of Xel''Shaar. The former was calm as ever, while the latter walked with a weight that made every step echo with dominance. Kristoff''s eyes shifted to Leila, who walked quietly beside them. Hoping for answers, he whispered. "Hey¡­ seriously, what''s going on?" Leila just gave him a shrug and a helpless look. "D-don''t ask me. I''m as in the dark as you are..." She muttered back, clearly just as baffled. Further behind them, Cael was being dragged across the uneven floor, bound in chains of energy. His face was bruised, but oddly peaceful. Despite the rough scraping, the man had somehow managed to doze off, his soft snores cutting through the tense silence. Kristoff was dumbfounded. "Is he¡­ sleeping?" Leila gave him a look. "Somehow, yeah... I guess that guy could nap through an earthquake..." The silence stretched on, thick with unspoken questions, until Xel''Shaar suddenly stopped in front of a cracked section of the wall. "The artifact is here." He declared, his voice like metal grinding on stone. Without hesitation, he dropped to one knee and slammed his clawed hand into the concrete with a sharp, echoing crack. Dust and rock split open beneath his strike. A faint, amber glow began to emanate from the fracture. Xel''Shaar slowly drew his arm back, and from the jagged break in the floor, he pulled out a curled, brittle-looking sheet of brown paper. Time had clearly worn it down, yet it shimmered faintly with arcane energy. He stood and offered it to Adam in silence, holding it with both hands as though presenting a relic to a king. Adam took the paper without a word, giving Xel''Shaar a firm nod of acknowledgement. A silent thank-you. The moment he laid eyes on the item''s details, his heart skipped a beat. [Chance Alteration Sheet] : Using mana, anything written on this paper has its chance of happening increased by 25%. One-time use. (Effectiveness decreases with unrealistic or absurd requests.) [Warning! Upon use, the Death Curse''s effectivity will increase by 10%!] A rare smile formed on Adam''s face. Subtle, but unmistakable. This¡­ was exactly what he needed! He turned slightly, glancing toward his stream chat, where the viewer numbers were steadily ticking upward. With ease, he activated a familiar skill: [Permanent Copy Activated] [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] The stream shimmered with choices. One line pulsed brighter than the rest. Holder of Severance. Chapter 92 - 92: Authority of Disconnection [Permanent Copy Activated] [Select Viewer Skill to Copy] Holder of Severance. The name flickered onto the interface like a divine brand. Adam''s pupils narrowed. [Due to rank limitations, you may only select one ability from a randomized list of four.] [Randomizing three additional choices¡­] A loading circle pulsed on the translucent interface. Ten seconds. Adam didn''t wait. His hand moved quickly, pulling out the weathered parchment. The Chance Alteration Sheet. Without hesitation, he funneled a surge of his mana into it and etched a single line across its surface with the tip of his finger, glowing faintly with arcane intent: "Among the choices presented by my Permanent Copy skill, the S-rank ability will appear." As soon as the message was completed, the sheet began to tremble. Small cracks formed across its surface as glowing embers raced along the edges. Then, with a soft whoosh, the entire parchment ignited. Pale, ethereal flames consumed it, not with violence, but with eerie serenity. In seconds, it was reduced to floating motes of gold, which scattered into the air and vanished like stardust. Adam exhaled slowly, his heart pounding in his chest. He clenched his fists. ''Even if it''s not the main one, just give me something solid. With an S-rank viewer, I shouldn''t be walking away empty-handed.'' He secretly comforted himself. Xel''Shaar and company didn''t disturb him, although albeit confused as to what Adam used the artifact immediately for. The last pulse of light faded from the interface. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then, the options appeared. [Ability Selection ¨C Holder of Severance] [Soul Thread Severance] (B-Rank) Severs lingering soul connections. curses, tethers, bindings¡ª temporarily or permanently depending on mana input. Can be used on yourself or others. [Weightless Drift] (A-Rank) Allows the user to enter an intangible state, becoming immune to both physical and magical attacks. There is no cooldown for said ability. Although the user will not be able to interact with their environment, they can stay in said state for as long as they wish for. [S-Authority: Disconnection] (S-Rank) Grants minor access to the Authority of Disconnection. (Reminder: Due to the status of the current Disconnection user, you will only wield a minor version of the Authority.) [Veilpiercer''s Gaze] (B-Rank) Passive ability. Allows the user to see hidden structures, invisible entities, and cloaked traps. Also reveals weak points of enemies if focused on for more than 3 seconds. Adam''s eyes locked immediately on the third. S-Authority, Disconnection.! A chill rippled through his body, but not from fear... but from ectasy! He could feel the system warning brush against his mind like cold wind. ''Authority¡­ I finally obtained it...'' Even if only a fragment, even if incomplete... it was still a piece of a power only the highest beings could wield! And now it was within reach. He didn''t hesitate. [You have selected: S-Authority ¨C Disconnection.] [Minor Version Granted.] [System Integration in Progress¡­] The moment the system began integrating the Authority, Adam''s perception fractured. The world around him split into jagged fragments. His own hand... gone. It floated beside him, disconnected from his arm as though cut away by a blade of logic, not steel. He turned, only to see the catacombs themselves unravel. Walls separated from ceilings, floors from their foundations, like puzzle pieces torn apart mid-game. Kristoff stood ahead... But his head slipped cleanly off his neck, drifting calmly in the air as if nothing had happened. Leila''s torso twisted apart from her legs. Even Xel''Shaar, the imposing guardian of the third floor, was neatly diced into segments, hovering in the air like anatomical models suspended by unseen threads. And then it turned inward. Adam gasped. His vision blurred, and in the next moment, he felt his soul being peeled away from his body... No pain, just a terrifying weightlessness, like falling into a void where his name, his past, his identity¡ªeverything that made him Adam... was slipping away. And it only got worse. He saw time lose sequence. Leila blinked before she opened her eyes. Kristoff was running backwards. Footsteps echoed before boots hit the floor. The system notifications repeated themselves, distorted and echoing in different voices: [Granted... Granted... Authority... Minor Version... Granted...] The longer it went, the more reality bent. It wasn''t just disconnection from space... But from cause and effect. From self. From understanding. Every "rule" that held reality together was being momentarily undone before his eyes. Then, as quickly as it began, it ended. Everything snapped back. The catacombs stitched themselves together in an instant. Adam''s hand reattached. Everyone returned to their original state, unaware of what he had seen in that sliver of Authority. But now¡­ Adam saw them. Strings... Invisible, countless threads stretched across the space. Some delicate, vibrating like silk under pressure. Others rigid, thick, binding like chains of fate. They extended from walls, objects, people... even from himself. They were connected to moments, memories, outcomes. He blinked as they flickered. The strings looked half-real and half-imagined. But they were definitely there.... From Leila''s perspective, she only saw Adam standing still. His eyes were hollow, locked onto something she couldn''t see. Then... he raised his hand. His fingers casually pointed toward something in the distance. The Mummified Guardian, one of the monsters lurking at the far end of the catacombs, had been watching them in silence. No spell was cast. And yet¡ª Thump. The creature''s head dropped cleanly from its body. No blood, nor sound... and there wasn''t even any resistance. It simply¡­ disconnected. Leila''s heart skipped a beat. She took a slow step back, breath caught in her throat. ''¡­What the hell did he just do?'' She quietly thought. The oppressive stillness that followed only deepened her unease. Even Xel''Shaar turned its head slightly, as though silently acknowledging something had just changed. As for Kristoff, he furrowed his brows in confusion. "¡­Why''s he raising his arms like that?" He muttered in confusion as though Adam looked like an idiot. He shrugged it off quickly enough and let his eyes drift to the chained figure being dragged behind them. A smug grin tugged at his lips. ''Serves that idiot right.'' Cael, even while being dragged across the dirt and rubble, somehow managed to remain asleep, his head lolling slightly to the side. Adam, meanwhile, lowered his arm and flexed his fingers slowly, observing the nearly imperceptible threads still flickering in and out of existence around him. So this is what an Authority feels like¡­ It wasn''t just an ability that granted power... It was understanding... a glimpse into the mechanical guts of reality itself. The way things were stitched together. Not just the physical world, but concepts... identity, memory, time. He frowned. Does each Authority come with its own lens like this? Disconnection let him perceive the strings that bound everything... from cause and effect to loyalty, to perception itself. What would other Authorities let him see? Before he could explore that question further, a system ping echoed in his peripheral vision. [Holder of Severance is in shock.] [Holder of Severance] : Wait. What was that just now? [Holder of Severance] : I felt that. Adam''s gaze slid to the corner of his vision where the chat window hovered faintly. ''He sensed it...'' Adam mused. ''Makes sense. Using someone''s Authority, even a minor version, probably resonates with the original user.'' Another line blinked into view. [Holder of Severance asks the streamer to do it again.] Then another. [Holder of Severance says that if you don''t, he will hunt you down himself.] Adam raised an eyebrow. Adam was about to retort when his chat suddenly exploded in anger. Chapter 93 - 93: Aloof Little Brother [Holder of Severance says that if you don''t, he will hunt you down himself.] Adam raised an eyebrow. Adam was about to retort when his chat suddenly exploded in anger. [WeaverOfStories has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +6 Soul Cores [WeaverOfStories] : Oh yeah? Hunt if you dare! Come, let me write a story of how I crush your balls and mince it into a smoothie! Adam blinked. [Prankster of Kingdoms dislikes Holder of Severance''s attitude] [David_Hughes_9017 has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +31 Soul Cores [David_Hughes_9017] : Hunt? Hunt who down? Better hide your IP and not come out... [Angel_Breack has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] : +4 Soul Cores [Angel_Breack stares at the Holder of Severance with the intent to drag him into hell] Adam stared at the screen, lips twitching. [Bird Hunter] : For an angel, you sure are quite cruel... [Icy_Chaos has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +3 Soul Cores [Icy_Chaos] : >:C [Disciple of Ice tells the chat to cool down...] [JustJoeKing has donated 30 coins] [JustJoeKing] : Cool down? Easy for a disciple of ice to say... Adam sighed as he frowned. He didn''t want chaos to ensue amongst his stream chat. He didn''t mind when arguments flared over builds, item drops, or which monster had the best death quote. That kind of drama helped with engagement. But personal attacks and threats amongst his viewers... That was crossing the line. Adam knew better than anyone how quickly a few angry messages could spiral into all-out chaos. Although his chat had a reputation for being rowdy, unpredictable, and downright weird, he didn''t want real tension to actually develop... Tension bred instability. His viewers were his life support right now. His growth, his coin gain, everything. If they started turning on each other his entire foundation could collapse. Suddenly, a new notification popped up on the screen. [nonexnihilio42069 has donated a D-tier gift.] [You have received] Fatesplit Fang : An old, worn dagger once used by those trapped in an endless cycle of fate after angering a forgotten god. It allows the user to "mark" a target, increasing damage dealt to that target by 50%. (Uses 3/3) [nonexnihilio42069]: To the new viewer, please calm down. You''re overreacting. Our streamer has the ability to copy skills from his viewers. That''s part of the appeal... A pause in the chat. Then... [Holder of Severance]: Copy skills...? I''m not overreacting. I felt my Authority of Disconnection get interfered with. That''s not something I can just ignore. Adam frowned slightly. So he really did feel it... The moment Adam used [Authority of Disconnection], the original wielder had sensed it, even from whatever corner of the world, or specifically universe, they were in. [Bird_Hunter]: He copied your Authority? How the hell is that even possible¡­? [Woman of Specters is stunned by the streamer''s capability.] [Azlina_Cross_2330 has donated an F-tier gift.] sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [You have received +3 Soul Cores.] [Azlina_Cross_2330]: Did your Authority weaken after he copied it? Is that why you''re upset? The stream hung in silence for a moment. [Holder of Severance hesitates to answer¡­ then slowly shakes his head.] [Experienced Old Knight]: Then there should be no problem. Don''t resort to violence so quickly. It makes you look childish despite being an S-rank user... A second later¡ª [Ken_The_Destroyer has donated an F-tier gift.] [You have received +2 Soul Cores.] [Ken_The_Destroyer] : No, no. Carry on. Violence is the simplest way to solve problems like these... Adam narrowed his eyes. Without saying a word, he reached for the moderation panel and muted Ken_The_Destroyer for 24 hours. The chat froze. For a brief moment, the stream went eerily quiet... like a classroom where the teacher had just slammed a book shut. And then, as if the collective tension had been punctured, the viewers began behaving again. The insults stopped. In their place came playful banter, cautious comments, and the occasional emoji spam. The chaos hadn''t completely subsided, but it was no longer spiraling. The storm had passed replaced by curiosity and uneasy laughter. Adam let out a small sigh. Crisis averted... He glanced toward the silent figure at the edge of the corridor¡ª Xel''Shaar. The Tombkeeper hadn''t spoken a word since Adam had triggered the Authority earlier, but its presence still loomed like a shadow on the edge of memory. "Lead the way to the exit." Adam said sternly. Xel''Shaar''s head tilted slightly, its bones creaking as if in thought. Then it nodded once and turned, its long, silent strides gliding across the floor as it began to move. Behind them, Leila shifted her grip and passed the unconscious Cael to Kristoff. "Your turn." She muttered. Kristoff rolled his shoulders with a sigh. "Finally. Been waiting to use him as a mop." With a smirk, he grabbed Cael by the chains and began dragging him without the slightest care. Instead of avoiding the jagged rocks or uneven terrain, Kristoff made a point to steer through the roughest patches of the ground. Cael''s body bounced and jerked, occasionally catching on a sharp ridge or getting thumped by a jutting stone. "Oops." Kristoff muttered every time, without a hint of sincerity. Their small party continued moving deeper through the dim corridors. The shadows shifted with every step, and only the faint pulse of Adam''s system notifications reminded him he wasn''t completely alone. [New Message from: Keeper of Essence] A familiar name. It was from his older brother Raiden. [Keeper of Essence] : Adam. Sorry I couldn''t text you earlier. I saw the Tower announcement¡ªyou defeated a¡­ true body boss? Is that what it''s called? In any case, you should be on the third floor now, correct? Let me know how many coins you need. I''ll send some over right away. The third floor''s dangerous, so don''t take any risks. Get out of there quickly. Adam stared at the message for a moment, then tucked his hands into his pockets. He waited a few minutes. He wasn''t about to answer too quickly... Not because he didn''t appreciate the message, but because he didn''t want Raiden to know he had his notifications turned to "priority mode" for him. As the "aloof little brother", Adam had to keep his image up. Eventually, he replied. [The Chosen Conduit] : I''m heading to the fourth floor already. Chapter 94 - 94: Theory of Outsiders [The Chosen Conduit] : I''m heading to the fourth floor already. There was a long pause before Raiden replied. [Keeper of Essence] : ...I see. [Keeper of Essence has donated 50,000 coins] Adam chuckled softly to himself. Typical. Just as Adam was committed to playing the aloof little brother, Raiden was clinging to his own brand of calm, reliable, older brother stoicism. Neither of them ever said it outright, but both were well aware of the unspoken performance. Another message followed. [Keeper of Essence] S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. : On the fourth floor, the air will be poisonous. And once you''re inside, your shop access will be restricted... antidotes won''t be purchasable anymore. But there''s a loophole. Buy multiple Purifying Lotuses beforehand. You can stock them now through the system shop. Adam nodded slowly. That''s right. The loophole had already made the rounds in private messages between stream hunters.... Buying Purifying Lotuses before entering the fourth floor allowed you to bypass the worst of the swamp''s toxic air. A gift from the gods of poor balancing and lazy patchwork. Strangely enough, the Tower of Yxthar hadn''t bothered to correct it. Either it didn''t care, or it saw the loophole as part of the challenge itself. Still, the fourth floor was no joke. ''The only problem is that the Purifying Lotuses aren''t permanent.'' They granted only temporary resistance... thirty minutes, maybe 50 at most depending on purity. If you ran out mid-run, and your Blight Meter hit 100%... Then you were bound to play the fourth floor on hard core mode... [Seyra has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +1 Soul Core [Seyra] : Why not just buy gas masks to prevent breathing the poisonous air? [Bird Hunter] : The Blight most likely has magic properties that can bypass through such technology. That swamp has the body of an Ancient Warlord rotting beneath it after all... Ignoring the chat, Adam thought of another problem... Each Purifying Lotus costs twenty thousand gold... Adam winced just thinking about it. For most players, that was a fortune. Even for him, it would sting. He might be climbing fast and earning a lot, but his reserves weren''t endless. He opened the system shop and started queuing up a few lotus orders when a sudden shift in the air pulled his attention forward. It was faint at first... almost like the corridor ahead was warping. And then, he saw it. The exit. No fancy portal-looking exit, no glowing doorway. Just a crooked, stone archway half-sunken into the earth like it had been forgotten by time. The walls around it wept faint trails of condensation, though there was no source of water in sight. A flickering red rune was etched into the arch''s keystone, pulsing softly like a dying heartbeat. The corridor ended too abruptly, cutting into this crooked structure as if the dungeon itself had grown tired of continuing. It looked wrong... Not cursed or threatening, just¡­ out of place. As if someone had grabbed an entirely different architecture and forced it into the catacombs like mismatched jigsaw pieces jammed together. Even Xel''Shaar, the silent Tombkeeper, seemed to slow its pace as they approached. "Is that it?" Kristoff muttered under his breath. The Tombkeeper didn''t respond. It simply halted in front of the exit, skeletal fingers folding behind its back like a ceremonial guard standing watch. Behind Adam, Kristoff let out a low whistle. "Looks like someone built an outhouse for the gods and forgot to decorate." Adam stepped closer, frowning as he examined the symbols carved into the arch''s frame. The glyphs weren''t in any known Tower dialect, nor were they glitched text. Just smooth, methodical lines. He reached out and touched the edge of the archway. The stone was warm¡­ Unnaturally warm. Not from sunlight or fire, but something older... Deep, buried, and quietly pulsing beneath the surface like a heartbeat trapped in stone. Just then, Xel''Shaar''s voice broke the silence. "Despite being the Tombkeeper of this floor, I have no memory of when this was ever built." Adam turned to him, brow slightly furrowed. "What exactly do you remember then?" There was a pause. Bones creaked faintly as Xel''Shaar shifted. "When the Tower of Yxthar arrived in our universe..." He began slowly. "I was already cursed... marked by the Death Speakers to become the tombkeeper of these catacombs." Kristoff and Leila, trailing behind, fell into silence. They exchanged a brief glance but didn''t interrupt... Whatever this conversation was, it clearly ran deeper than anything they understood. Xel''Shaar''s voice drifted again. "I remember shouts from the outside... no, not voices..." "The aura of Death itself, trying to repel the Tower. As if Death was a presence that fought back." Hearing his words, Adam immediately questioned. "You remember Death as... a force?" Xel''Shaar gave the smallest nod. "Yes. I do not recall faces or names." "After the resistance, I sensed the Death Speakers suddenly vanish..." "To be frank, when my nation first heard of them, we knew they weren''t born of this world either, so I assumed they just went back to their own place." Leila frowned slightly at that but said nothing. Adam crossed his arms. "So they were outsiders... not native to your world. That makes sense." He glanced at the walls around them, voice quieter now. "I think they were summoned. Perhaps by an S-Rank user in another universe. Someone trying to fight back against Yxthar..." Kristoff raised an eyebrow but stayed quiet, dragging Cael with a low grunt as the chain scraped against the floor. Xel''Shaar''s shoulders twitched slightly. "Perhaps. But if that''s true, they failed." Adam narrowed his eyes as he listened. Xel''Shaar''s voice dropped low again, hollow. "Without the Deathspeakers in the way... When I awakened as a Stream Hunter, I thought I had found hope... a path out of this curse." He paused, as though remembering something painful. "But when I reached the peak of my existence''s value... When I stood at the edge of purpose, I understood... Entering the Tower of Yxthar was not liberation." "It was a deeper curse." No one spoke for a moment. Even the air seemed to quiet, like the Tower itself was listening. Leila shifted slightly and whispered under her breath. "I don''t get half of what they''re talking about..." Kristoff snorted. "Me neither. Just sounds like ancient ghost trauma to me." Adam glanced back at them briefly, then turned to Xel''Shaar again. "If this is a curse¡­ then why keep going?" Xel''Shaar looked ahead, unblinking. "Because curses are not broken by standing still." Chapter 95 - 95: The Unpleasant Swamp Hearing Xel''Shaar''s final words, Adam gave a slight nod but didn''t say anything more. There was nothing else that needed to be said between them as of now. He pulled up his system interface with a practiced flick of his wrist, opening the shop menu. His fingers hovered for only a second before tapping the purchase icon four times in quick succession. [Purchased: Purifying Lotus x4] [¨C80,000 Gold] In his inventory, four translucent lotuses appeared, their petals pulsing with a soft azure glow. The blossoms were ethereal, as though half-formed from light itself, with swirling veins of silver running through each petal. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He inspected one briefly. [Purifying Lotus] : A rare herb infused with cleansing energy. Upon consumption, grants immunity to airborne toxins and corrupted mana for 30¨C50 minutes. Once the effect ends, the toxins and corruption inside the user''s body will be drastically reduced, easing the symptoms and delaying effects. Adam gave a small nod. "Four should be enough to get us through..." He muttered. He didn''t mind spending money for his team as he knew they didn''t have much to spend for themselves compared to him. ''Leila already gave me all her coin reserves back in the second floor as well...'' Leila and Kristoff were still behind, quietly discussing something near the cracked mural wall. They didn''t interrupt or question him. He stashed the lotuses away, the shimmer fading as they were absorbed into his inventory. Without turning back, he stepped toward the warped, rune-lined arch that marked the catacombs'' exit. The symbols carved into the frame pulsed faintly... gold, crimson, then back to black, as if alive and waiting. The closer he got, the more it felt like the arch didn''t belong to this world. It did not look as though it had been built... It looked like it had grown into the stone, a living wound on reality. As Adam''s foot crossed the threshold, a soft mechanical chime echoed in the air. The interface in front of him lit up in golden flashes. [Congratulations. You have discovered the exit of the Catacombs of the Third Floor.] [Distributing rewards...] [Hidden Condition: has been fulfilled!] [Hidden Condition: First to has been fulfilled] [Rewards have been upgraded] [+900,000 EXP] [+80 Soul Cores] [+80,000 Gold] [Soul Binding Talisman] : Bind a target''s existence to a place, item, or person. (One time use) [Level 1 ¡ú Level 2] [Physical Attributes have improved slightly] [Level 2 ¡ú Level 3] [Magic Resistance have improved slightly] [Level 3 ¡ú Level 4] [Mana Output have increased by 1%] [Level 4 ¡ú Level 5] [Magic Damage has been increased by 1%] [Level 5 ¡ú Level 6] [Spell Casting speed has been increased slightly] [Level 6 ¡ú Level 7] [Crimson Rebirth''s cooldown period has decreased by 30 minutes] Despite not having farmed a single monster on the third floor, the sheer volume of level-ups was staggering. Adam exhaled a quiet breath, shoulders relaxing. A full day had passed... but it was still just one day. Besides, the fourth floor was far more efficient for farming. The monster density there made experience gains significantly easier. Before the teleportation process triggered, Adam quickly pulled up his system panel. ? [User] Adam Codranel ? [Rank] Stone (Requires 2,000 Soul Core points and max level for the next Rank) ? [Level] 7 ©¤ (Capped at level 100) ? [Soul Core] 480 ? [Honor] 85 ¡ô [Abilities] ©À©¤©¤ [Temporary Copy] (?-Tier) ©À©¤©¤ [Permanent Copy] (?-Tier) (On Cooldown) ©À©¤©¤ [Crimson Dominion] (C-Tier) ©À©¤©¤ [Surreal Creation] (A-Tier) ©À©¤©¤ [Crimson Rebirth] (A-Tier) ©¸©¤©¤ [Authority of Disconnection] (S-tier) (New) ¡ô [Stream Information] ©À©¤©¤ [Stream Codename] The Chosen Conduit ©À©¤©¤ [Sponsors] None ©À©¤©¤ [Average Viewers] 422/sec ©À©¤©¤ [Subscribers] 422 ©À©¤©¤ [Gold] Calculating... ©¸©¤©¤ [Pending Gifts] : 232 Another notification popped up immediately. [Automatically opening pending gifts...] [Viewers from a distant universe have donated 3,100 coins in total] ©À©¤©¤ [Gold] 153,534 Gold Adam stared at the numbers, eyes narrowing slightly. His lips twitched with amusement. "¡­They''re too overpowered." Despite only spending a single day inside the catacombs, he had raked in more gold and Soul Cores than expected. But one thing bugged him. "¡­Why are they all coins?" He remembered something Nalyd. a frequent chatter in his stream, had once said during a downtime moment. ''Could it be that the low-ranking members of their universe are trying to send coins, but can''t directly transfer them due to the restrictions of their low rank?'' Adam rubbed the side of his head, sighing. ''I still don''t get how their universe works¡­'' Just as he was about to continue down that rabbit hole of thought, the air shifted. No... it twisted. The walls of the catacombs began to bend unnaturally, like they were caught in a spiral. The stone groaned, stretching and curving in impossible angles. The exit pulsed with faint crimson light, and reality itself seemed to ripple around him. Then, like the pull of an unseen current... he was yanked forward! Adam''s surroundings fractured like glass. The world blurred. Cold silence replaced the damp, ancient air of the catacombs. The scent of old stone faded into something unfamiliar... And when the distortion settled¡ª He was somewhere else entirely. [Welcome to the Fourth Floor.] [All viewers of ''The Chosen Conduit'' have been rewarded 5x their donated coins.] [4th Floor ¨C The Blighted Marsh] The stench hit him first. Rot and mold, thick like smoke, clung to the back of his throat. Adam narrowed his eyes as the darkness cleared, revealing a swamp stretching endlessly in all directions. Gnarled, leafless trees rose crookedly from the soggy ground, their blackened roots coiling around crumbling stones and shallow, bubbling pools of greenish water. The air glowed faintly with spores drifting through it... soft glowing motes that looked harmless, but Adam already knew better. The ground squelched under his boots. Half-submerged bones jutted out from the mud, moss growing over them like flesh. Strange insect cries echoed in the distance.... long, drawn-out screeches mixed with low croaks and splashing. Something massive shifted beneath the murky waters nearby, and Adam didn''t bother to find out what. Dark vines hung low from twisted branches. Some twitched slightly, like they were alive. [Description] A twisted swamp where the very air is poisonous. Corrupted plants, oversized insects, and monstrous amphibians make this floor a nightmare for the unprepared. Even the water itself is toxic, harboring lurking horrors beneath its murky depths. [Story ¨C The Cursed Water] The swamp was not always so vile. Once a lush paradise, it was poisoned when an ancient warlord attempted to harness the Tower''s power, only to unleash a catastrophe that turned the land into a rotting husk. His body still lies beneath the marsh, feeding the swamp''s corruption. [Objective] : Hunters must find the antidote hidden within the swamp before the Blight Meter reaches 100% and defeat the floor boss, or they will turn into swamp monsters permanently. [Common Monsters] : Plague Leeches, Venomous Drakes, Swamp Trolls [Boss Monster] : The Rotborn Leviathan ¨C A decaying serpent lurking in the Heart of the Mire. [Floor Mechanics] [Blight Meter] : Increases over time unless purified with rare herbs. [Mutations] : Hunters who stay too long start growing extra limbs or gaining unnatural abilities. [Limited Cures] : Only a few antidotes exist per cycle, forcing competition. Chapter 96 - 96: Joy of Experience Points Adam exhaled slowly, watching his breath stir the toxic mist. His eyes scanned the trees for movement, for anything out of place. It didn''t take long before a familiar thought crossed his mind. ''Celestia''s puppets always find a way to show up, don''t they...?'' He frowned. He''d encountered her fake bodies on nearly every floor so far. Each one annoying, each one pointless. They would fight, maybe talk a little, and then she''d disappear just before he could land a meaningful blow... No matter how many times he killed her puppets, she never really died. It was like trying to swat a shadow! Adam muttered under his breath. "Hopefully I don''t have to deal with her again..." He doubted he was that lucky. Still, she wasn''t the only problem anymore. There was that guy... the one with dark blue hair. ''He used Cael''s ability to skip floors somehow...'' Adam''s expression darkened slightly. That memory stuck with him, it wasn''t something just anyone could do. And if someone figured out how to abuse a Stream Hunter''s power like that... He glanced over his shoulder. Cael stood silently a few steps behind, eyes sharp and silent as always. Adam didn''t say anything, but the message was clear. He made sure to keep Cael close now... [You are being affected by Blight] [The insides of your body will now experience different types of discomfort] [Blight Meter : 0.001%] ''The floor didn''t separate us this time¡­'' Adam turned slightly, eyes flicking to the side. Leila stood nearby with a pinched expression, her nose scrunched up at the foul scent in the air. "This smell is awful..." She muttered, trying not to gag. Not far from her, Kristoff was crouched beside Cael, casually scooping mud and smearing it across his arms. "Helps with the atmosphere." Kristoff said dryly, slathering more filth over Cael''s body. "Can''t go into a cursed swamp without dressing the part!" Cael, of course, said nothing as he just glared at Kristoff in silence. Adam was about to continue observing when faint, predatory laughter echoed through the twisted trees. Wet, hoarse chuckles, like something with too many throats. His eyes sharpened. ''Swamp Trolls...'' The sound grew louder in the distance, but Adam remained calm. Without hesitation, he activated [Temporary Copy]. Power coursed through him. Time to grind. He turned back to his team, eyes focused and steady. "The monsters on this floor are numerous." He said. "But most of them are weak. This is the best chance you''ll get to level up quickly." Leila looked hesitant, glancing around the poisoned marsh, her fingers hovered near her weapon. "W-What about the Blight Meter?" She asked. "It''s already rising¡­" Adam shook his head. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Don''t worry about it yet. We''ve got time. At this rate, we can stay here for about a week and a half safely." Kristoff raised an eyebrow. "Generous estimate. A week and a half left before we mutate!" Adam gave him a flat look, not responding to his jokes. He turned away again, eyes fixed on the distant shapes weaving between the trees. "Let''s get started. The faster we level, the better our chances when the Floor Boss arrives." [Temporary Copy has been activated] [Select a viewer to copy] Hazardous Combatant [Select between two skill options] Psychotic Unpredictability Semi-Nuclear Punch [Semi-Nuclear Punch has been chosen] [Reducing Semi-Nuclear Punch to its E-tier version...] [Semi-Nuclear Punch has been reduced to Explosive Punch] [Explosive Punch] : Release a punch that deals an explosive after effect similar to a grenade. Excited at the thought of finally gaining experience again, Adam didn''t waste a second. He dashed forward, his body a blur as he closed the distance between himself and the nearest Swamp Troll. The creature turned toward him with a fierce snarl, thick limbs swinging up defensively... But it was too late! Adam''s fist connected with its bloated torso, and¡ª BOOM! A violent explosion erupted from the impact point, throwing mud and swamp water into the air. The Swamp Troll''s chest caved in with a sickening crunch before the shockwave launched its body backward, landing in a twitching heap. [Swamp Troll has been slain.] [+200 EXP, +0.06 Soul Core] [+5 Gold] Adam took a step back, flexing his knuckles as smoke trailed faintly from his hand. He nodded silently, studying the small crater left behind. ''The range isn''t huge¡­ but the impact is solid. Useful in tight encounters.'' Although Adam already had strong skills like the Authority of disconnection, he wanted to keep the habit of using [Temporary Copy] to familiarize himself with the abilities of his viewers. Each new skill added more to his adaptability... And in the Tower, adaptability was everything. You never knew when you''d need something specific. More Swamp Trolls emerged from behind the twisted trees, snarling and charging through the muck with their crude clubs and blades raised. Their yellowed eyes locked on Adam with rage, but suddenly¡ª They froze. Their bodies jerked. Blood trembled beneath their skin, and then¡ª Schlick! Screams echoed as jagged blood blades burst out from within their own flesh. The swamp trolls collapsed in confusion and pain, twitching violently as their life was drained away. It was from Adam''s [Crimson Dominion]. With Adam''s current level, the ability had evolved far enough to control the blood of lifeforms with vastly inferior existence levels. These swamp trolls were nothing but puppets once their blood was his. [Temporary Copy has been activated] [Select a viewer to copy] Woman of Specters [Select between two skill options] Specter''s Malice Spirit Body Manipulation [Spirit Body Manipulation has been chosen] [Reducing Spirit Body Manipulation to its E-tier version...] [Spirit Body Manipulation has been reduced to Illusory Possession] [Illusory Possession] : Target hit by Illusory Possession will somewhat lose control over their bodies, as though partially possessed. Adam raised a hand, eyes narrowing as shadows curled around his fingers. Thin, ghostlike tendrils surged out and pierced several nearby trolls. Their bodies went still for half a second... then began to twitch unnaturally! Their movements turned sluggish, disjointed. One swung its club at the air, another stumbled and fell face-first into the mud, unable to control its limbs properly. Their minds were still inside... but it was as if someone else was driving their bodies now! Adam didn''t wait. He clenched his hand. The blood inside the possessed trolls shivered violently and then erupted in a wave of internal blades... Slicing through organs and muscle from within! The possessed collapsed one after another, never even getting a chance to resist. [Swamp Troll has been slain.] [+200 EXP, +0.06 Soul Core] [+5 Gold] [Swamp Troll has been slain.] [+200 EXP, +0.06 Soul Core]... Adam stood over the still corpses, letting the smoke and stench of rot wash over him. He exhaled slowly. No matter how many times he used Temporary Copy, he was still fascinated by it every time... [A viewer from a universe where music envelopes everything has entered your livestream]... As the system sounded, more and more viewers came into his livestream. [A viewer from a universe of mutants has entered your livestream] [A viewer from a universe....] Chapter 97 - 97: Strengthening an Authority Adam glanced toward the system notification, wiping the blood off his knuckles as the mist curled around him. It was about that time again. [Aberrant of the Flesh glances in curiosity upon the livestream] [Weaver of Forgotten Names forgets why she joined the livestream of the new live streamer...] [Pulsed Howler is barking] Adam smiled faintly. As expected, the crowd was growing... The older viewers wasted no time in greeting the newcomers! [nthnth_9 has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +3 Soul Cores [nthnth_9] Welcome to the stream, fresh meats! [Experienced Old Knight] : Welcome new viewers, kindly behave... [Woman of Specters glares at the Aberrant of the Flesh with hidden anger] [WinterBored188 has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +2 Soul Cores [WinterBored188 is inspecting the new viewer''s personalities] [WaterBored188] : Quick! Streamer! Try out their skills as well! [CripsyD has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +20 Soul Cores [CrispyD] : Is the pulsed Howler a dog... [Pulsed Howler greets with two barks!] Adam''s eyes scanned the messages flooding in. He felt a flicker of excitement stir in his chest. More viewers meant more skills to copy! ''Such a shame that none of them are S-rank users...'' He mentally sighed. But still, every little bit counted. Behind him, the sharp squelch of wet footsteps echoed through the trees. The swamp trolls had regrouped... Five, maybe six of them... They charged through the thick undergrowth with blind fury, their eyes were locked onto Adam. [Watcher of Iron Rings warns the streamer to be more cautious of his surroundings!] The new viewers leaned in, eager for action. But from their perspective, Adam didn''t even react. He just stood there reading the stream chat as he walked calmly. No activation of skills and no sort defense items... Until¡ª [Authority of Disconnection has been activated] In an instant, the swamp trolls froze mid-charge. One by one, their heads slid cleanly from their shoulders and fell into the muck below. Their bodies stood for a second longer... then collapsed like lifeless dolls. [Swamp Troll has been slain.] [+200 EXP, +0.06 Soul Core] [+5 Gold] [Swamp Troll has been slain.] [+200 EXP, +0.06 Soul Core] [+5 Gold] [Swamp Troll has been slain.] [+200 EXP, +0.06 Soul Core] [+5 Gold] [Swamp Troll has been slain.] [+200 EXP, +0.06 Soul Core].... And the notifications kept coming. The chat exploded with confusion and awe. Adam wasn''t even attacking, but the trolls were dying like cattle at the slaughterhouse. He continued walking through the fog-drenched forest, slow and steady, not even sparing the corpses a glance. Behind him, more swamp trolls burst from the mist... Only for their heads to fall off moments later, cleanly severed by an invisible force. [Aberrant of the Flesh glances at the streamer''s ability with admiration] S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Watcher of the Iron Rings] : A high rank skill user... [Weaver of Forgotten Names] : What was I watching again¡­? Oh right. Yes him... The new viewers flooded in almost instantly, drawn by the skillful slaughter and impressive display. Coins poured into the stream in bulk, and notifications rapidly ticked in. [Aberrant of the Flesh has subscribed to your livestream] [Pulsed Howler has subscribed to your livestream] [Weaver of Forgotten Names has subscribed to your livestream] [Watcher of the Iron Rings has subscribed to your livestream]... This was a livestreamer worth donating for! Adam couldn''t suppress a small smile. He had learned long ago that performing was as much about perception as it was about strength. It was all about creating the right image! The forest grew quiet as the last of the swamp trolls fell, their bodies lifeless on the damp ground. Adam paused, surveying the aftermath. There were no more trolls to be found... He glanced down at Cael, who lay sprawled on the forest floor, his body shackled and bound with chains. The sight made Adam''s brow furrow slightly. ''I can''t just leave him like this¡­'' Adam thought, his gaze shifting back to the chains. ''If Cael doesn''t level up, there''s no way he''ll ever acquire that A-rank skill he''s meant to have in the future...'' Just then, a voice broke through his thoughts. "My Lord, I can assist." Xel''Shaar said, stepping forward as though he read through Adam''s concern about his teammate. "My Authority of Prisoner can bind him to us, ensuring he doesn''t stray beyond twenty meters from your position." Adam''s eyes flicked toward Xel''Shaar in surprise. The idea of controlling Cael''s movements in such a way felt... unsettling, but at the same time, pragmatic. "Your Authority of Prisoner can do that?" Adam asked, his voice laced with curiosity. Xel''Shaar, ever calm and collected, nodded with a slight bow of his head. "Yes. As an Authority user, you know that powers of this nature are incredibly versatile. Authorities have many layers to their potential, depending on the wielder''s intent and understanding." Adam''s interest deepened. He had seen the utility of how Celestia used her authority, but hearing this made him question just how much he truly understood... "I always assumed that authorities had one primary function..." Adam mused aloud. "But you''re saying there''s more flexibility... That it''s not just about the initial, obvious application?" Xel''Shaar''s lips twitched into something akin to a smile. "Exactly. The strength of an authority user is determined by two things... The type of authority they wield and the intent behind their very existence." Adam raised an eyebrow, unsure whether he fully understood, but Xel''Shaar didn''t seem phased. Instead, he continued, his voice taking on a slight undertone of reverence as he spoke of his own connection to his power. "For example..." Xel''Shaar began. "I wield the Authority of Prisoner, granted to me by the Tower of Yxthar. And I... truly do bare the life of a prisoner. Spending countless years trapped in the catacombs, bound by chains that were not just physical but psychological as well." "Hence, my existence is that of a prisoner... forced, constrained, lost." Adam could see the distant look in Xel''Shaar''s eyes, the echo of those lost years. The weight of his past still clung to him... "My experience, my very essence, has become intertwined with the concept of being imprisoned," Xel''Shaar continued. "That is why my authority is stronger in this aspect. It is not merely a tool nor an ability to me... it is an extension of my past, my intent." Adam considered this for a moment. It was as if Xel''Shaar had been shaped by the very force he controlled, and in turn, that shaped his ability to manipulate it... "Intent..." Adam repeated, thoughtfully. "So, to truly master an authority, you need to live it, in a way...?" "Precisely, my Lord." Xel''Shaar affirmed. "It is not just about wielding power. It is also about becoming the force you command." Chapter 98 - 98: Adams Inventory Problem Adam''s mind raced as the weight of his situation settled over him. How the hell am I supposed to live under the term "Disconnection"? It was a concept he hadn''t fully grasped yet. The idea of being separated, disconnected, both from his environment and perhaps from the people around him... was suffocating. But then, a reminder pulled his attention back. ''In the future, I won''t just wield one authority...'' Adam thought. ''With [Permanent Copy], I can take on multiple authorities. Maybe not all at once, but over time, I''ll accumulate them. That''s more than enough...'' Even without delving into the deeper applications of the authorities, the simpler, more basic functions could still outclass many other skills. Adam secretly comforted himself... Taking a deep breath, Adam focused back on the task at hand. Focus on the practical... focus on leveling up... ... The next two days passed in a blur, with Adam and his team making steady progress against the Swamp Trolls. The air around them grew thicker, more oppressive, as the Blight Meter steadily climbed. Despite their relentless efforts, the group was unable to find any hidden cures... Something Adam had taken for granted in his previous life. The lack of relief was beginning to take its toll on everyone, even if they didn''t say it out loud... [Blight Meter] : 9.32% Adam could feel it now, deep in his chest. His breathing had become heavier and more labored... sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It wasn''t yet enough to hinder his fighting abilities, but it was enough to make him aware of its creeping presence. ''It''s getting harder to breathe¡­'' Adam thought to himself. Luckily it didn''t affect his strength much... In his last life, Adam had been lucky¡ª He''d stumbled upon a hidden cure on his first day. He''d never truly experienced the Blight... Hence, in this second chance of his, it was only now that Adam had realized the true horror behind the Blight... ''It''s similar to the death curse... except the death curse only kills you, while this one mutates you permanently...'' He thought. And unlike the death curse on the third floor, he was not longer immune to this one... Leila, ever observant, walked up beside him, her footsteps soft but purposeful on the muddy ground. She noticed the slight tension in Adam''s shoulders and the faint frown tugging at his lips. "Should we head to the next area? The Swamp Trolls are scarce here now¡­" She suggested, her voice calm but with an edge of concern... Adam glanced at her, noticing the thoughtful look in her eyes. However, in Leila''s mind... She didn''t just think the trolls were thinning out because they had wiped out the ones in this area... No, Leila had realized that Adam had played a big part in the swarming of these creatures... After all, Adam had been the one to cleave through most of them... Even at night while everyone was resting, Adam was still hunting down Swamp Trolls without rest... Leila couldn''t help but think about the numbers. She knew that between her, Cael, Kristoff, and Xel''Shaar, they had taken down a decent amount of trolls. But it was nothing compared to Adam''s kill count. ''If I combined the trolls we killed...'' She thought. ''I-It would probably barely add up to 30% of what Adam''s killed by himself...'' Adam turned his head to face her fully, noting the worry she tried to hide. "I think it''s about time." He said, his voice steady despite the exhaustion beginning to settle in. "If no more swamp trolls are showing up, there''s no reason to stay here longer." Leila nodded in relief. As the team moved, Adam couldn''t help but check his system panel. ? [User] Adam Codranel ? [Rank] Stone (Requires 2,000 Soul Core points and max level for the next Rank) ? [Level] 24 ©¤ (Capped at level 100) ? [Soul Core] 544.32 ? [Honor] 85 ''Decent enough for a two-day grind...'' He thought, his eyes scanning the numbers He shifted his attention from the stats and glanced down at his inventory. The endless list of items stretched before him, each one a potential tool or weapon... Most of them completely untested, waiting to be explored. [Inventory] [Predator''s Maw] [Information Panel] [Mana Cakes] [Mana Blueberry Milkshake] [Eyeball of Ice] [Blood Crystals] [Barrier of a Frozen Moment] [Absolute Zero Environment] [All Purpose-Key] [Fatesplit Fang] [Soul Binding Talisman] [Stylistic Prosthetic Boot Leg] [Enchanted Elbow Brace of Unpredictable Flexibility] [Mystical Monocle of Skeptical Appraisal]... As his eyes flicked through the list, a bead of sweat formed at his temple. ''There''s no way I can carry all this...'' The sheer volume of items he''d acquired felt like a burden, and he couldn''t help but wonder just how he was supposed to make sense of it all. He needed to start using some of these, but what was the right choice? ''Let''s take it one step at a time...'' Adam reassured himself. He might not be able to use it now, but who''s to say he wouldn''t in his future battles? After a brief pause, he picked the most convenient item from the list... The one that seemed to offer the most straightforward benefit for the moment. [Mystical Monocle of Skeptical Appraisal] : Grants the wearer the passive ability to squint judgmentally at enemies, lowering their morale by 50%. Adam''s lips twitched. It was a strange item given by one of his viewers... but it was the most useful one he could equip as of now. [LordTee has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +3 Soul Cores [LordTee squints at the mechanic item that he had given to the streamer] [LordTee says he dislikes mechanical items now and will no longer give any!] [Bird Hunter]: What''s with the sudden hatred for mechanical items... [Revenant_Queen has donated an F-tier gift] [You have received] +3 Soul Cores [Revenant_Queen]: Perhaps it''s because the Female Mechanical Body he gave last time didn''t live up to its full potential... [LordTee looks away saying that it''s just because such mechanical items are not worth his time!] [LordTee defends himself saying that he has even better items!] [Prankster of Kingdoms is saddened saying that he liked the strange mechanical items...] Adam let out a quiet sigh and shook his head, amused by the banter in the chat. These viewers were a strange bunch, but their support was undeniable... He was about to continue reading a particularly funny message when he sensed strange movements behind him! A chill ran down his spine as he instinctively reached for his weapon. Behind him, Cael had drawn his greatsword, the blade gleaming ominously under the dim light of the swamp. The massive weapon was aimed directly at Adam! Chapter 99 - 99: Prying Eyes Adam''s body moved before his mind could catch up. CLANG! Steel met steel as he brought up his blade, an ordinary iron longsword, just in time to block the sudden attack. The impact rattled through his bones, the vibration biting into his muscles as both he and Cael slid across the thick, wet earth of the swamp. Muck splattered up from the ground as their boots tore into it. Adam gritted his teeth, arms tensed as he steadied himself. "What the hell are you doing?" He snapped, voice cold and edged with quiet, dangerous clarity. Behind him, Xel''Shaar, crouched, as though ready to launch himself towards Cael who had attacked his Lord. But before he could pounce, Adam raised his left arm with an open palm held out. "Don''t." Xel''Shaar stopped instantly. Cael didn''t respond. His breath hitched as he raised his broadsword again. Hands trembling, but hiding it behind movement. With a low grunt, flames burst from the muddy ground beneath his boots, propelling him forward in a zigzag pattern. His body blurred for a moment, dashing side to side in extremely fast movement as the swamp hissed under the heat. He wasn''t slow. The fire-enhanced mobility made his movements unpredictable... Moving from left to right in a blur, coming in fast. But Adam didn''t flinch. He could definitely kill Cael in one ago, but he couldn''t just do that without finding the reason for the sudden attack... He remained grounded, holding nothing but a standard-issue sword, slightly afraid that he wouldn''t be able to control his strength and accidentally kill Cael. He pivoted low, dragging the flat of the blade across the wet ground before swinging upward in a sharp arc, meeting Cael''s blade mid-strike. CLANG! Again, sparks flew. Adam''s blade groaned from the force, but held. ''He''s fast¡­ but his swings are hesitant and unfocused.'' Adam''s eyes narrowed. Cael disengaged, flipping backward and landing in a crouch. But Adam had already noticed something odd. His eyes... For the briefest second... Hidden beneath the fury and panic, Cael had looked directly at him with wide, desperate eyes... Help me. Something was wrong with Cael! Adam''s stance immediately halted. His breath slowed as he lowered his sword slightly, no longer focused solely on the clash of blades. He activated the [Authority of Disconnection]. At once, his perception expanded... Warping the world into a network of invisible threads. Threads that wove through Cael''s body, outlining his presence in shimmering lines of pale gold and red crimson. Each string glowed faintly with meaning... With Adam''s authority, he understood the importance of each string. One was tied to memory, another attached with emotional energy, and others drifting like loose strands, unanchored and frayed. Then he saw it... A string that did not belong! It stretched out from Cael''s chest, taut and unnatural... Stretching toward some distant point in space. It shone faintly, like oil on water... unnerving and alien. Adam narrowed his eyes, focusing his gaze along the thread, following its trajectory. And there, at the far edge of perception¡ª He saw them. A pair of dark blue eyes... Detached and curious as they watched Cael. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The eyes narrowed. Then, suddenly, they shifted. Their gaze adjusted.... locking onto Adam! A cold wave rushed through Adam''s spine. Every hair on his body rose as he felt a pressure pressing into him... Not physically, but deeper, more invasive. As if someone were peeling open his thoughts, dissecting his soul! His body clenched instinctively. The Eyes had noticed Adam''s prying! Adam gritted his teeth and immediately severed his own end of the connection, slicing through the probing thread with [Authority of Disconnection]. The sensation vanished at once, like slamming a door in the face of a silent intruder! But the other thread, the one linking Cael to those eyes, remained intact! Adam''s fingers twitched. He raised his hand again, pinching two fingers together as he aimed at the tether. ''Cut it¡­'' He focused, pouring intent into the Authority, trying to cleave it clean... But it resisted! The thread tensed, flickering with dark energy. It felt like trying to snap a steel cable... reinforced, protected by something beyond his understanding! In the real world, Cael moved again. Flames erupted beneath his boots as he launched forward with another frenzied dash, his broadsword screaming through the air. But this time¡ª CLANG! A massive shield intercepted the attack with a thunderous crack. Kristoff stood firm, braced behind his tower shield, the sheer force of Cael''s strike reverberating through his arm. With a grunt, Kristoff shoved forward, sending Cael stumbling back through the mud. "You psycho..." He growled, stepping between them. "What the hell are you doing¡­" His eyes scanned Cael''s disheveled looks... Face pale, eyes wide, the flames around him sputtering like a candle in the wind. Kristoff didn''t lower his shield. "Are you trying to die, or just lose your damn mind?" Cael said nothing. He stood hunched, shoulders twitching, fists clenched as if trying to hold himself together. Not bothering to defend himself in the real world knowing his teammates were there, Adam gritted his teeth. His jaw locked, and the veins along his neck tensed. ''Disconnection...'' The thought echoed through him like a mantra. ''I have to embody disconnection...'' He stared at the thread linking Cael to the distant presence. It pulsed with dark light, like a parasite embedded in a vein... Still resistant and still refusing to be severed... Adam inhaled sharply... and memories flooded in. Memories of a different life... A different timeline... Adam drew in a sharp breath¡ª And then the memories came... A life that didn''t belong to this world. Laughter crackling around a bonfire... The warmth of familiar voices... The sight of his siblings... But that world was gone. Burned into ash by time itself... And this world¡­ this world was just a reflection. They looked the same here. Spoke the same. Smiled the same. But they weren''t the same. Not to him... Adam felt it every time he remembered them.. Like trying to hold onto smoke. The connection he once had with them was severed. Rewritten and forgotten by the world, but not by him. He didn''t belong here... They didn''t exist here... He was alone in a timeline that had moved on without him. And no matter how many times he told himself these versions were still his family and friends¡­ He knew they weren''t. Not truly. He was a shard from another life... one that shouldn''t have survived. And maybe that was what disconnection really was. Not just distance... Not just loss... But being the only one who remembers what''s already been erased. Of course, there were still pieces of him that didn''t want to let go. Parts that longed to believe they could be the same again. But that hope hurt more than the truth ever could. The ache in his chest swelled. Pressed inward. Hollowed him out. But this time, he didn''t resist. He embraced it¡ª The emptiness, the dissonance, the isolation... All the broken fragments he carried from lives that no longer existed. This was what it meant to be disconnected. The thread sparked. Then¡ª SNAP. The connection between Cael and the watching eyes broke... cut clean, like a guillotine through silk. The string dissolved into smoke. Cael''s body jolted. A gasp escaped his lips, and his knees buckled as if the weight of the world had just been ripped off his shoulders. He staggered, caught himself, and slowly raised his eyes. For the first time since the fight began, he looked... aware. And a bit confused... Cael blinked. "Huh?" Adam lowered his hand. Chapter 100 - 100: Government Mole Adam exhaled and lowered his hand. His frown deepened, lines carving into his face. He didn''t miss it... The feeling of that gaze still lingering somewhere distant. Those prying eyes definitely belonged to that dark-blue-haired guy! Adam glanced toward Cael, who stood unsteadily, like someone waking from a long, disorienting dream. "How long has that guy been watching us?" Adam asked, voice low but firm. Cael blinked again, startled by the sudden question... as if his mind was still lagging behind reality. "Ah...?" He shook his head slightly, trying to clear the fog, before pushing himself fully upright. "Not for long... Ever since we got out of the third floor, he''s been watching us." Cael muttered, voice rough, like he hadn''t spoken properly in hours. Adam''s frown tightened even further. His mind raced. ''Does that mean he saw me use my abilities¡­?'' The thought dug into Adam like a thorn he couldn''t pull out. He narrowed his eyes slightly, feeling a cold tension at the back of his mind. ''It should be fine...'' He told himself. ''The number of abilities I can copy is too large... Even if he noticed, he wouldn''t be able to guess everything.'' Reassured for now, Adam took a slow breath, letting the weight in his chest settle. Without a word, he activated [Crimson Dominion]. Blood seeped from his arms, flowing in thick strands before hardening into glinting crimson blades. They hovered in the air like a nest of vipers, aimed directly at Cael. The swampy air crackled with pressure. "I value your talents and your potential to become a strong Stream Hunter." Adam said, voice low and sharp. The blood blades pulsed slightly, inching closer toward Cael''s neck. "But..." Adam continued coldly. "I will not risk my own life just to keep you alive." Cael''s eyes widened in panic. He stumbled a step backward, arms raised defensively. "W-Wait! Calm down, man! Calm down!" Cael stammered, waving his hands frantically. "I''ll explain! I''ll explain!" Adam said nothing, his expression unreadable as the blades remained suspended in the air. Cael took a shaky breath, sweat dripping down his temple. "Elaric has my sister!" He blurted out. For a moment, there was a stunned silence. Kristoff blinked, lowering his shield slightly. "You have a sister?!" Leila, equally dumbfounded, stared at Cael like he had grown another head. Adam''s gaze didn''t waver. His voice cut through the noise like a knife. "Explain." He ordered. Cael gulped and nodded quickly, trying to steady himself. "You should already know about Celestia..." Cael said, his voice hoarse. "The rumors about her... kidnapping newcomers." Adam didn''t respond, only giving the faintest nod, signaling for him to continue. Cael grimaced. His hands curled into fists, nails digging into his palms. "Me and my sister..." He said quietly. "We were victims of it." He paused, gathering his thoughts, his face darkening with the weight of memory. "We awakened at the same time... We planned to stay on the first floor. Just live normal lives. The government was already reconstructing the first floor back then... turning it into a safe zone for people who didn''t want to climb the Tower." "For a while... it seemed possible." Cael said, his voice growing distant. "But when we arrived, a government official told us we needed a second inspection before we could be registered as first-floor citizens." He let out a bitter laugh, sharp and hollow. "I was a fool to believe it... We had already been inspected outside the Tower. Why would they need to do it again?" Cael shook his head, his voice rough with anger... and something else. Shame. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "When we entered the inspection area... it wasn''t a checkpoint. It was a trap." Adam remained still, listening. Kristoff and Leila exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing. Cael took another breath, forcing himself to go on. "The place was covered in strange green symbols." He said. "They were everywhere... on the walls, the floor, the ceiling." "And before we knew it... we weren''t on the first floor anymore." His voice dropped to a whisper, as if saying it aloud might drag him back to that moment. "It was a place of eternal darkness. And above us, hanging from the ceiling of a castle... were hundreds of people." A shudder ran through him. "They were all hanging in the air..." Cael said, his voice dropping to a low tone, Adam''s blood blades remained hovering, but his eyes sharpened, reading every inch of Cael''s body language. "And sitting on the throne was woman." "Long black hair... a crown... and a smile that didn''t reach her eyes." "That was most likely Celestia..." Cael said, his voice barely audible now. "But..." He looked up at Adam, expression grim. "Elaric told me that it was not her true body." The revelation hung heavy in the air, but Cael wasn''t finished. "Before Celestia could hang us up like the others..." He continued, his hands trembling slightly at his sides. "Elaric appeared. He pulled us out of that castle." For a moment, a bitter, self-mocking smile crossed his face. "I thought we had been saved." His hands curled into fists, nails digging deep into his palms. "But that bastard... he tricked us too." Cael''s voice sharpened with anger and self-loathing. "He acted so damn friendly. Always smiling, answering every question we asked. He told us we were on the tenth floor of the Tower, and even explained who Celestia was... told us the basics about how the Tower worked." A harsh laugh escaped him. "At the time, I was so damn grateful. I thought we were fucking saved." His fists shook. "I told him about us... about me and my sister. I thought if we were honest, if we trusted him, maybe we''d survive." "Fuck..." Cael muttered under his breath, his face twisting with regret. "How the hell could I have known? The more he learned about us... the easier it became for him to control us." The shame in his voice was palpable. "We couldn''t fight back. We couldn''t do anything." His voice dropped again, bitter and broken. "He took my sister away... and sent me back to the first floor." Cael gritted his teeth, the muscles in his jaw tight. "He said that as long as I helped him find Celestia''s true body... he''d give her back." The blood blades around him pulsed menacingly, responding to the tension radiating off Adam, but Cael didn''t even flinch. "When I got teleported back... I couldn''t stop blaming myself." He exhaled sharply, like he was trying to force the guilt out of his lungs. "I tried asking for help. I tried everything. But when I got back to the first floor... I was suddenly wanted by the fucking government." His voice rose in frustration, eyes burning. "Those bastards said I skipped my ''therapy'' sessions!" Cael spat the word like poison. "Even though my psych evaluations were average! Nothing wrong! And still they made me a fucking criminal!" Adam''s brows furrowed. ''So the rumor about him getting an extremely low psychological evaluation and escaping was a lie?'' He thought, now unsure of what happened to Cael when he caused a massacre in his last life... The veins in his neck stood out as he struggled to calm down. "Fuck... it''s definitely that woman. The one who tricked us about the inspection." Adam''s eyes narrowed sharply. "A woman?" His voice was cold, sharp as a blade. "Which government official is working with Celestia?" This was crucial. If he could identify the rat that was providing help to that sinister woman, then Adam could do something about it... Cael closed his eyes, digging through the chaos of his memories. "I think her name was..." He opened his eyes again, voice low but steady. "Evelyn." Chapter 101 - 101: Adams Secret Hated Thing ''Evelyn?'' Adam paused, the name slicing through his thoughts like a knife. His brows furrowed deeply. Without a word, the blood blades floating around Cael edged closer, the air around them thickening with hostility. "You''re mistaken." Adam said coldly. "I know who Evelyn is." Cael flinched back and immediately threw his arms up in panic. "Fuck, chill the hell out, man!" He blurted. "I''m not lying!" Desperation laced his voice as he rushed to explain. "Silver eyes... always wearing that damn white coat... and that freakish lie-detecting ability of hers! I swear it''s her!" Adam''s gaze didn''t waver. He stayed silent, but inside, his mind was racing. He closed his eyes for a brief second, sinking into deep thought, recalling his first encounter with Celestia''s puppets on the first floor... when Evelyn had been there too. ''At that time, I didn''t think it was odd for an S-rank user like Celestia to slip past the government''s building and invade one of her puppet bodies...'' ''But... the guide''s body during the interrogation should''ve been placed inside a room that restricted ability use.'' Adam''s fist tightened at his side. ''Could it be... Evelyn purposely disabled that function? Opened the room... just enough for Celestia to invade the puppet''s body?'' Memory after memory layered itself in his mind, the once subtle details now painting an ugly picture. ''And the reason she looked for me in the middle of the night... was to lure me there willingly.'' He pressed his lips into a hard line. ''She claimed it was because I brought the guide there... but the Government would never allow an outsider to be privy to that kind of information.'' The more Adam pieced it together, the deeper his frown became. ''Then that means... Evelyn tricked me into walking into Celestia''s trap on my own...'' ''And when Celestia failed to kill me directly... Evelyn could simply pin the blame onto "Celestia" during the incident and wash her hands clean.'' A cold fury unfurled inside him. His blood boiled beneath his skin, the blood blades around Cael trembling with the tension. Adam clenched his fist so tightly his knuckles went white. Thinking about Evelyn now¡ª One of the few people who had stood beside him in his last life, fighting their way through the Tower of Yxthar... One of the only people he could call a true friend in that endless nightmare of survival... And the only woman Adam had ever been genuinely attracted to. There had been nights... quiet, stolen moments when he''d thought¡ª If things were different... If death wasn''t constantly breathing down their necks... Maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ª He would''ve asked for more than friendship. He would''ve risked it all to build something real with her. Adam inhaled sharply, then shook his head. No. He couldn''t afford those thoughts anymore. Without hesitation, he activated [Authority of Disconnection]. A cold, cutting force surged through him, slicing apart the web of sentimentality and betrayal coiling in his heart. The emotions were ruthlessly suppressed, buried beneath layers of rationality and iron resolve. He needed to think about this clearly. Not about what was... Only about what had to be done. ... On the tenth floor, where eternal darkness reigned, Raiden moved with practiced ease, his hand reaching out to pluck a glowing blue fungi from the cavern wall. The small bioluminescent mushroom pulsed gently in his grip, casting a soft, ethereal light over the rough rocks beneath their feet. Miya, ever vigilant, stayed close behind him, her sharp eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of danger. As the group''s protector, it was her duty to ensure her older brother Raiden, the caster of their team, remained unharmed. She couldn''t afford to let her guard down for a second. The last of the Shadow Wraiths fell to the ground, its ghostly form dissipating into nothingness with a sharp hiss. One of their team members wiped sweat from his brow and gave a nod of satisfaction. Miya, still on edge, couldn''t help but ask. "How long till we attack Celestia so we can finally advance to the 11th floor?" Raiden paused, his fingers still lightly gripping the glowing fungi as he surveyed the dark path ahead. His expression was distant, as though lost in thought. "I''m unsure..." He replied, his voice low. "We''re still waiting for a few guys from the 9th floor to arrive. Maybe two or three months." He took a breath and continued, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Also, Krev Malgor is trying to make his way up here." "Krev Malgor?" Miya asked, her tone curious. "Who''s that?" Raiden sighed, shaking his head. "Leader of the Rustfand Dogs." One of their teammates chimed in, his voice filled with disdain as he walked away to help their other members. "Ugh..." Miya groaned, wrinkling her nose in distaste. "You mean that bandit group? I can''t stand them. They''re nothing but trouble. It''s a wonder the Government even allows them to exist at all..." "That''s true..." Raiden said, his voice cool as he continued. "But he''s an A-tier user. His ability''s destructive enough that it could be useful against Celestia. We can''t afford to be picky right now." Miya raised an eyebrow but didn''t argue. She understood the urgency, even if the idea of working with bottom-feeders like the Rustfand Dogs made her skin crawl. Raiden''s tone shifted again. "There''s also one more person everyone''s hoping to get here." Miya perked up. "Who?" Raiden hesitated. Then, carefully, he said, "The Chosen Conduit." Miya grinned instantly. "You mean Adam?" Raiden shot her a sharp look. Miya rolled her eyes and held up both hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. I won''t say it again." "He hates hearing his name thrown around..." Raiden muttered. "I know." Miya replied, smirking. "He gets so grumpy about it. But it''s kind of cute, don''t you think?" Raiden raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "...Cute?" "Yeah." She said with a laugh, the tension in her voice easing. "You don''t remember? When he was five, he went on this whole rant about it. Said he didn''t want to be named after ''the first man created by God'' because it was too plain and boring." Raiden gave her a sideways glance. "I thought he just didn''t like religious references." "Nope." Miya said, poking lightly at his arm. "It wasn''t anything deep like that. He just thought ''Adam'' was... I don''t know, plain. He said if he was the first man, he should''ve had a name like Haldar or Korin....something that sounded ''cooler.'' "I asked him why, and he told me... get this¡ª''Adam sounds like a kid who trips on his shoelaces. Haldar sounds like a guy who punches a god in the face.''" Raiden''s lips twitched, but he held back the smile. "And Korin?" "Oh, Korin was apparently ''wise and mysterious, like someone who doesn''t talk much but everyone listens to anyway.''" She said in a mock-serious tone, mimicking a child''s dramatic voice. Raiden exhaled through his nose. "That does sound like him." Miya smiled softly. "He was dead serious about it, too. I think he even tried to make us all call him Korin for a week until Mom caught on." Raiden finally let out a quiet chuckle. "Right. And then she called him ''Little Korin'' in front of the neighbors and he stormed off." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Exactly!" Miya laughed. "He sulked for two whole days." Her expression softened, eyes drifting toward the shadowed path ahead. "He''s still that same kid, you know. Everyone sees him as some mysterious s-rank user like Celestia, but deep down he''s just the same little brother that wants to be taken seriously." Raiden didn''t respond with words this time. He just gave a slow, thoughtful nod, his gaze steady on the path ahead. One of their team members, a tall man with a hideous scar down his right cheek, approached, changing the weight of his blade over his shoulder. "Captain." He said, his voice low but direct. "Which way are we headed next? This cavern splits four ways, and I don''t like the feel of the air to the west. It''s... too still." Raiden didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he closed his eyes and took a slow breath, raising his right hand. Faint blue sigils shone across his palm, wrapping up his arm like coiling threads. The glow from the fungi dimmed in contrast as Raiden activated his Essence ability. It was an ability that allowed him to locate danger and opportunity based on the "essence" of the environment. "There''s something¡­" He murmured. He turned his head slightly, brow tightening. Then¡ªwithout warning¡ª He spun sharply and pointed his staff behind them. The team reacted instantly. Swords were drawn, bows raised, shields readied. Miya was already in front of Raiden, ready to strike. Then, from the shadows stepped a figure. A woman. Her long black hair flowed down her back like a curtain of silk, untouched by the damp air of the cave. With an ancient crown on her head, one eye gleamed a deep crimson, the other a luminous silver. Miya froze. Her breath caught. Celestia... The woman who ruled the 10th floor. The one everyone feared and few had ever seen up close... But Celestia said nothing. She simply stood there, eyes roaming over each of them with quiet amusement. Then, as if greeting old friends at a banquet rather than would-be challengers in a war-torn cave, she smiled. A slow, graceful, knowing smile.