28 Book 3 Chapter 24

It turned out Peter's press conference was unnecessary; news of Eboni's party wipe deterred everyone. The tower reminded the world it was no friend – a mistake meant death.

Still, the desire for riches and power was too alluring. Nobles were off the table for now, but it was only a matter of time before someone tested their luck. Peter knew this, so he ordered everyone to gather at Shenlong's place.

Unlike most, Shenlong didn't care for appearances, so his guild's headquarters was somewhat lacking. He refused to buy upgrades like paved roads or fancy structures. The only exception was the dojo in the center of his territory. With mana-infused wood as a base, green scales as shingles, and a door carved with dragons, it stuck out like a sore thumb.

Inside sat nearly a hundred people wearing gi – the attire required to enter. Shenlong stood facing the group with his hands clasped behind his back and eyes closed. If not for the slight movement of his chest, he was utterly still. Astonishingly, a puddle of sweat had long since formed at his feet, his gi no longer able to absorb more. It was strange considering he had been standing still for quite some time, and yet the flow of sweat showed no signs of stopping.

Peter was among the seated. Today was the sixth day of training, and yet he was still in awe of Shenlong. The man was practically a machine. At first, Shenlong could only use mental suppression for several minutes, but every time the next session started, he lasted a little bit longer. It was a shame Shenlong had yet to take the m-serum, or the skill would've jumped several grades on top of any progress he made.

The monotonous task of manipulating energy under mental suppression ended as the sun fell. Shenlong recused himself and was the first to leave the dojo, but before the others followed, Peter coughed to gather everyone's attention. "Great work as usual. Who feels like they've plateaued?"

Fifteen people raised their hands. While it was true you could lie to avoid training, doing so would result in death. He trusted everyone here, so he responded after making a mental note. "That's more than yesterday, hm, it seems we'll be hunting another noble soon. Alright, see you tomorrow."

Just as everyone began to leave, Peter reminded, "Oh, and don't forget to take Nightbane – I'm counting on you all to strengthen yourselves as much as possible."

Nightbane was a potion that allowed the user to skip sleep without any side effects. You would think everyone would use a potion like that – but only after trying it would you realize sleeping had a hidden benefit: a reset of your mental state. How many times would someone fall asleep in a negative mood, only to feel refreshed and calm the next morning?

Peter made his way to Shenlong's house, and just before he knocked, a voice called him in. As he stepped inside, he was astonished to find his stress disappear. The only thing of note was the aroma of herbs, the source coming from incense burning in the corner of the room. Peter found Shenlong resting on a couch adjacent to the incense. Taking a seat nearby, he commented. "Huh, I might have to get some of this myself."

Shenlong waved his hand. "Talk to Olivia."

"What, is she our drug dealer now?" They chuckled as Peter continued. "Who knew she'd be so well versed in these things."

There was a moment of silence before Shenlong narrowed his eyes. "She's frighteningly talented."

Only five people finished the training on day one: Roy, Olivia, Amara, Jason, and Dubaku. Roy, Jason, and Amara had a higher tier of energy, while Dubaku mastered the first three realms. Olivia used mana and was only at the peak of the second realm yet was so talented she was no slower than Jason and the others.

Shenlong glanced at Peter. "How has your side been?"

Even though Peter still trained with the others, he plateaued on the third day. The main reason why he stayed behind was to build camaraderie, or in his own words, 'team-building.' Another reason was to organize his thoughts. Jason shared a lot of information about future floors, so he felt it was his duty to plan. The logistics of supplies, marketing, recruitment, team synergy, buying infrastructure, hoarding items that would be useful in the future, developing professions, etc. It was overwhelming, and yet this was Peter's favorite thing to do.

Hearing Shenlong's question, he nodded confidently. "Financially, we're good for a long time, we've monopolized the profitable markets. We buy Elixirs as soon as they appear, but they're just too rare. I could go on forever, but I'm guessing you aren't too interested."

"Just knowing the overall picture is enough."

Peter scratched his ear as he said. "Su Long can't seem to stop complaining about his new students."

Shenlong grunted. "Crazy bastard must be micro-managing them like crazy."

"Haah," Peter exclaimed, "half of them already quit. If not for me giving extra benefits, I'm afraid there'd be none left."

Shenlong let out a hearty laugh as he imagined Su Long berating the students forced under his tutelage.

Peter stood up and prepared to leave. "I'll leave you alone now."

When Peter put his hand on the doorknob, Shenlong asked. "How's Jason been?"

"Same as usual." Peter saw Shenlong's awkward expression. "Why?"

"You haven't awakened your soul, so you don't know."

Peter raised an eyebrow in confusion. He knew what abilities an awakened soul gave, so he wondered what Shenlong's concern was.

"He's masking it, but I'm certain." Shenlong said slowly, "He's suicidal."

"Huh?" Peter was perplexed. "That isn't funny, Shenlong."

"I asked Dubaku, and he agrees."

The room fell silent. Peter looked down at his hand on the doorknob and said, "Well… I can't say I blame him." He added a second later. "Can we rely on him?"

"Yes," Shenlong answered immediately. "I think that turtle of his is keeping him afloat. I had Roy ask his god regarding the nature of their relationship, and he said their souls are bound. The feelings I get from the turtle are ones of innocence, joy, and the like."

"That's good to hear." Peter let out a sigh of relief as he left. "I'll keep an eye out."

Time passed. The coalition between Shenlong, Peter, and Jason continued their preparations until finally, they were ready. The nobles must die, for if any more time passed, they might become invincible.