Chapter 492 - Title Mania

'So this is where it is…?'

Surprisingly enough, the title ability wasn't as accurate as it seemed, it was just that my 'Mental Map' was limited in function as a 2D map.

After using my Darkness Elements to try and find the source corrupting the Darkness Elements within the base, it still pointed to the same spot, just that it was slightly lower. The Corruption Core was hidden underground!

'Coincidence after coincidence, was it another mole that hid it away?'

This Mole gate as a whole was indisputably the strangest, yet also the one that strangely made the most sense considering what the 'Lost Realm' was supposed to be.

"Heave-ho!"

Rather than digging around to reach the core, I called the little floating cloud to my hand before I transformed it to Hammer form, imbuing it with both Hammer Energy and Earth Elements to allow it to go as 'deep' as possible.

Thud! Crakkk!

The sound that broke out emphasized the heaviness that Earth Element powered Hammer Energy brought down to the ground, the rock fragments exploding everywhere. Luckily, I had brought out my wings and used the hammer's leverage to rise above before getting hit by friendly fire.

"Oh!"

However, I was surprised by the lack of rock mass, looking down I realized that the ground was actually just a thin layer of rocks hiding a hollowed-out 'crystal bed'!

Naturally, such a discovery only added more fuel to my excitement, not only did I find the Corruption Core at the center of the hollowed-out space, but there were also 'Corruption Crystals' growing around it like algae. I was starting to think that this base will be a dud like the last one, but it seemed like I was worried for nothing.

'I was just starting to miss these ominous crystals!'

Even though I wanted to avoid digging, I ended up carefully sculpting out the crystals. This time, the intensity of elements within the crystals was around that of grade 2, making it more than worth the trouble!

"Goodbye."

Crunch.

Crushing the Corruption Core after the rewarding job was done, I flew out of the hole within a hole within a hole, the continuity of this gate was simply crazy.

[ You have absorbed the essence of a 'Corruption Core', purification in progress… ]

[ You have received 30,483,527 EP! ]

Receiving a pleasant notification that pushed me by a good bit towards the next level, I walked toward the black spatial gate that appeared in front of me, it was finally time to leave this base.

'Whew…'

After going through the gate, I was thrown back into the place where I obtained the crystals following the usual routine, the 'Absolute Gravity' tunnel!

While being thrown into the possibly infinite tunnel again gave me some shivers, I quickly calmed down as I already possessed my way to exit here. I only had to crush the green crystal in hand before a circular gate appeared within the empty tunnel.

[ Congratulations! You have managed to destroy one of the Demon Bases of the Fire Domain! ]

[ You have managed to achieve the first objective of the 'Demon's Advent' Quest! ]

[ You have received 3 Unassigned Stat Points as a reward! ]

[ Your Title, 'Demon Base Ranger' has evolved into 'Demon Base Infiltrator'! ]

[ You have received the title, 'Protector of The Fire Domain'! ]

[ 'Prophecy' Hidden Phase 2.5 has been Initiated! ]

"Hmm? Again?"

I was familiar with the first few notifications since this was already my third clear, but somehow, the 'Prophecy' quest triggered again like it did when I returned from the Corruption Space. Although it seemed to be slightly different…

[ 'Prophecy' (Player Initiated)

Phase 2.5(Hidden):

The enemy's invasion plan is already on the move. Decrease the enemy's forces as much as possible before the final battle starts!

Completed Objectives(Partial Completion):

+ Destroy an Enemy Base. (+150% of EP needed for next Level-Up)

+ Clean up threats within the radius of the allies' base. (+125% of EP needed for next Level-Up) (Yet to be completed) ]

[ Level-up bar progress +150%! ]

[ You have leveled up! ]

[ You have reached level 125! ]

'It's not fully completed this time, but…'

The difference made sense considering I only completed one objective, but the fact that the other objective was exactly the same as my own almost made me believe the quest's name was real.

'I really need to meet this 'Fortune Teller' for a 'friendly' chat...'

Having arrived back at the top of the mountain that the gate's entrance was headed at, I couldn't help but ponder about the extent of this supposed player's 'Innate Ability'.

However, I had to put away my thoughts once again, now wasn't the time to think about things out of my reach, rather, it was time to check what has just become within my reach!

'Let's see…'

[ 'Shaman Hunter'

Title Effects:

- Damage dealt to Shamans increases by 5%.

- Shamans are intimidated by you. ]

'Hmm, is this one supposed to be special?'

Considering that the first title belonged to the 'hunter' series, it usually just provided 'intimidation', but for some reason, this one added damage as well.

Moreover, it wasn't the only title that the Elder Shaman had provided me with!

[ 'Shamans' Nemesis'

Title Effects:

- Damage dealt to Shamans increases by 5%.

- Your resistance to Shamans' curses increases by 5%.

- The Ability, 'Shaman Sensor', activates when there are shamans in your vicinity. ]

[ 'Shaman Sensor'

Description: The ability you need to be a true human sensor at the palm of your hands!

- Allows the user to pinpoint the location of shamans in an approximate vicinity. ]

'A triple-effect title at that…'

Although it wasn't that obvious, the achievement that led to this title as well as one of its effects explained its source. Unlike the 'Shaman Hunter' title that could be easily obtained by hunting a certain number, this title had a much harsher requirement. In order to obtain it, one had to fall under the curse of a Shaman, survive from it, and obtain the 'Shaman Hunter'!

In return, the title's effects were nothing to scoff at. Not to mention the precious curse resistance, 'Shaman Sensor' seemed like something that would be of use very soon! 

'I guess the Shaman wins after all.'

[ 'Grandmaster of Martial Arts'

Title Effects:

- Damage dealt through the use of Martial Arts increases by 10%.

- The Ability, 'Martial Correction', activates under the use of Martial Arts. ]

[ 'Demon Base Infiltrator'

Title Effects:

- Your Demon Base Allocation range increases by 25%.

- The Ability, 'Mental Map', temporarily evolves into 'Base Scanner' within any Demon Base.

- The Ability, 'Presence Reduction', activates within any Demon Base. ]

Other than the Shaman's contributions, two titles have managed to evolve as a result of my base clear, both of which boasted a title ability!

'These will surely come in handy!'

Lastly…

[ 'Protector of The Fire Domain'

Title Effects:

- The Citizens of the domain are more likely to have a favorable impression of you.

- All Abilities are amplified by 10% while fighting within the Fire Domain. ]

I managed to obtain the absolute domain buff that I was after! All in all, this base clear made me all the more ready for the coming war!

Now that I was finally out of the confines of the gate, there was only one thing left to do before the chaos started!

'Time to catch up on my original 'mission'!'