Chapter 469: Absorbing A Bloodline Crystal

[ A compatible bloodline source has been detected! Do you wish to absorb and fuse? ] 

Despite being both confused and surprised by the fact that I received a reward, these emotions were only washed away after I caught sight of what was in the box.

Just as it fell into my hands, not only did I receive a notification from the system, but the box's lid was also slightly raised, showing me a mesmerizing sight.

Inside the box, a small pile of gemstones that could be almost directly treated as jewels without the need of additional processing stole my gaze, two beautiful yet opposing colors mixed within it, giving it a higher level of charm.

The gemstones were of irregular shape, seemingly made of two layers, the outer layer was a shade of deep blood-red, while the inner layer that could also be called the core was a strong green that blended into the outer layer.

'This is a first…'

However, its charm and colors weren't the reason for my focus on it, appreciating jewels wasn't a hobby of mine who was half-poor. It was something else that attracted me to it, something that was deep within me…

It was a strange new feeling, but it also wasn't hard to interpret as a simple 'want', it didn't feel as strong as what people would describe as addiction. In a more simplified way, it gave me the feeling of 'I should get hold of it if possible'.

Naturally, it didn't take long for me to understand the reason behind this, especially with the help of the system notification. This was obviously the desire of my own bloodline to reach sublimation and ascendance. After all, this gemstone was literally named a 'bloodline source'!

'This should be the bloodline crystals they spoke of before.'

Now that I had experienced it myself, I understood the excitement of the two guides who brought me here before. These crystals were undoubtedly related to the Green Dragon who was the source of their bloodline. At this point, if it wasn't for the fact that I always liked to have more than one possibility in mind, I would have closed the case of the hidden dragon with the conclusion being that it was none other than the Green Dragon itself.

'Let's try it out later.'

Although I felt a great need to immediately absorb the bloodline crystals and find out their effect, I refused the system's suggestion for now. After all, the discussion that would decide the Fire Domain's fate was still ongoing.

"ِI will accept your gift, but you needn't worry anyway, whether there is a reward in the end or not, I will see this through as long as God wills it."

I couldn't deny my desire for more of these crystals even though I didn't know their effect yet, but my reasons for fighting the demons didn't change.

'Still, a little bonus is good for motivation.'

"Very good, you never fail to surprise. Regardless of how our predicament ends, it has been nice knowing someone like you. Hahaha…"

The Great Elder's voice softened a bit as he spoke in what seemed to be a sincere tone. Even with my doubtful nature, I just accepted his praise which felt even more sincere with the help of bloodline familiarity.

I scratched my head as he returned to his spot, but in the end, I didn't decide to continue this part of the conversation. As a semi-anti-social, I dreaded both the awkwardness and the cringe that is to come…

"Ahem… In any case, considering what you observed, we can only estimate that the day the demons launch their attack is soon, but we can't confirm an exact date. As such, the only course of action left is to prepare for war. If you still have contact with other clans that stand by your side, it's time to alert them for the final stand."

Although it was likely that the Dragon Clan Leader had already considered this, it was also likely that he was still hesitating on starting the final phase and announcing full war preparations.

"...I see, I shall trust your judgment. We already started preparing, but we will increase the speed and relay this information to our few allies if you think they are going to act that quickly. As for..."

The Dragon Clan Leader gave a heavy nod before looking in my direction, it was apparent that he wanted to ask what I planned to do for the time being.

"That would be for the best, I will also trust that you do your best to meet the enemy. As for me, I plan to do some sweeping to celebrate my return…"

"Sweeping…?"

`~~`~~`~~`

'Finally alone.'

After briefly discussing my plans with the Dragon Clan Leader as well as previewing their own plan, I was guided to a small house that was close to the hall that the clan leader and the great elder stayed in.

Fully opening the lid of the box that the Great Elder handed to me, I picked up one of the bloodline crystals with anticipation...

[ A compatible bloodline source has been detected! Do you wish to absorb and fuse? ] 

'Yes.'

As soon as my answer was given, a peculiar change took place within the crystal itself, the deep green that was contained within the layer of red rippled as if it was alive, penetrating through the outer layer with all its might before seeping out of the crystal and crawling into my hand…

'The trend of strangeness continues…'

As fascinating as the living green liquid was, it was still strange to see, but these idle thoughts were banished by the time it fully passed through my skin. A refreshing feeling replaced everything else, the feeling was comfortable enough that I lied down on the bed to amplify the comfort!

'It's like taking a really good… shower?'

As relaxation overcame me, I felt the mental fatigue that I had accumulated from browsing the demon's memory sweeping in, pushing me to accept the urge to sleep. It wasn't like I couldn't suppress it, but I just decided to let go since I already intended to sleep before I proceeded with my part of the plan.

[ Compatible bloodline essence has been absorbed! Fusion is in process… ]

[ Fusion progress… ]

[ As your bloodline… your physical qualities have been... ]

However, a few system notifications wandered into my head before I lost myself to sleep...