Chapter 204: Chaos Theory

Chapter 204: Chaos Theory

[Auctions:

Galaht Puzzle (Legendary/T0) - Territory: Klogash/Wanderings Islands - A puzzle crafted from the bones of a Prince from another universe. Its legendary difficulty and numerous solutions make it a prime tool to challenge your mastery of aether manipulation.

Current bid: 719 411 Sun points. Auction ends in 2 782 hours.

Penumbra Brain-Teaser (Mythic/T0) - Territory: Penumbra Bastion/Penumbra Hell - An aether puzzle created by Penumbra for their students.

Current bid: 3 562 418 Sun points. Auction ends in 62 153 hours.]

Lvl Up: [Priam’s System] lvl 2

VIVA +3

MEM +3

META(AUTH) + 3

Priam sighed as he perused the list generated by his add-on after analyzing the items offered at the Auctions. There were many puzzles designed to hone Aether Manipulation skills, but most were disappointingly ordinary.

"Ymir?"

"Lord Priam," the merchant responded, drawing near.

"Is it normal to have so few aether puzzles?"

The merchant nodded. "These kind of puzzles are meant to enhance the skills of young individuals. Selling them would be sacrificing the new generation. Only a desperate faction would offer such items... or the seller could be a powerful outsider who can disregard local authorities."

Priam raised an eyebrow at the latter part of the statement. "Are you saying I can find out who is selling what on my territory?"

"With Merchant V, you can see all Tier 0 items valued at less than two hundred fifty thousand Sun points that have been sold or purchased at the Auctions," confirmed the merchant.

Priam found this information intriguing. It would certainly prove useful if Oasis welcomed passing travelers.

"What about Tier 1 items?"

"All those valued at less than one hundred thousand Sun points."

"I see..."

"If I may, I think more puzzles will come," Ymir said. "As the necro-event progresses, the settlements, tribes, kingdoms, and cities under the influence of the Necromoon will be in danger. They will eventually sell their most precious belongings for better equipment or a chance at survival. Just wait a little, and such treasures will become commonplace."

Priam grimaced. He didn't have the luxury of waiting for the Necromoon to devastate entire populations. His goal was to reach Tier 1 before the next Reunion, which made for a tight schedule. Heavenly Dragon, Tribulations, Colosseum, then High Tribulation.

Seeing Priam's expression, Ymir offered advice. "If you don't like waiting, you could also make an announcement. These Auctions are governed by supply and demand. You'll surely get responses if you offer a rare item or a hefty sum."

Priam conjured a piece of ice in his hand. In the center, Sumstreh's fulcrum shard absorbed the light.

"...Put this up for auction in exchange for aether puzzles or methods to enhance aether mastery. No sale until I've evaluated the exchange. I want to consult the Guardian of Secrets to learn more about the items offered to me."

"Your orders will be carried out," replied Ymir, taking the object carefully before placing it on the altar. It was absorbed, and Priam received confirmation from the Sun Shop. As long as no one destroyed the Forum and the altar, the fragment would be secure. Even Ymir couldn't touch it.

"Are you looking to improve [Aether Manipulation]?" Esmée asked.

"Indeed." Priam saw no point in hiding it. "Can you assist me?"

"Perhaps. My people have spent centuries manipulating aether without the aid of the System. I have some exercises that might interest you."

"What do you want in return?"

"A favor. If I ever find myself in trouble and you can save me without it costing you much, do it."

Priam assessed Esmée. The princess had seen through his nature. Instead of cultivating a professional relationship, she was doing him a favor to become his friend.

"I accept," he smiled.

Lvl Up: [Revelation Resilience] lvl 4Alll latest novels at novelhall.com

MEM +3

META (AFFI) +3

META (AUTH) +3

"Are you sure you don't want me to accompany you? The forest is dangerous."

"You're a trouble magnet," Esmée smiled. "Without you, I'm sure to find my way easily. Besides, if my brother sees you coming, he'll think I'm trying to kill him."

"Isn’t that the case?" Priam winked.

Esmée stuck out her tongue without responding. Priam's heart raced as he returned her smile. After a few seconds of silence, he coughed.

"You still have a week of free auctions."

"I'll be back before the end of the week. Bye," said Esmée, executing a curtsy. With one final smile, she crossed the barrier.

A dozen corrupted beings lunged at her. Priam almost intervened before sighing. The revenants were constantly tripping over each other, each attack injuring one of their own rather than their enemy. Some stumbled over roots, while others collided with low branches while leaping.

As if she were Fortune's daughter, Esmée walked straight ahead while her enemies fell at her feet, powerless to even touch her clothes. What a cheater...

When Esmée disappeared, Priam returned to camp. The first thing he noticed was Blueberry. The bear gave him a thumbs-up. Intrigued, Priam approached.

"Is there a problem?"

"It's dangerous but not impossible. The young Daccantz was supposed to take over from his ancestor, a Tier 5 whose soul is crumbling. Resources, experiences, opportunities—the young Daccantz received everything. A foundation as optimal as his is more costly than raising half a dozen Tier 4s, yet the System didn't deem him worthy," said Wang Lin, shrugging. "Calypse Daccantz is angry at Priam."

After a few seconds of silence in memory of the dead, Kenzo asked, "I fail to see the connection with Priam?"

"According to our intelligence, he and his rivals have accumulated a dozen Legendary Achievements and one Mythic Achievement in less than two weeks," revealed the Colonel. "They're already being called the golden generation—people are talking about nothing else. Imagine the frustration of some arrogant young masters when they're forbidden from publishing their Achievements."

Flames shot out of the colonel's nose, and Maya understood he was laughing. For an orphaned mixed blood, the frustration of those born with a gold spoon in their mouth must be hilarious.

"Young Daccantz bit off more than he could chew by trying to create a feat," Maya summed up. "But not all young lords can be that foolish."

"Some are quite clever and know their faction is holding them back by forbidding them from attempting Mythic Achievements. They're shaped to be powerful but not too much. The monsters at the top don't want to be ousted from their thrones," spat Wang Lin. "But it only takes a few factions to agree to loosen the reins on their prodigies to set off a chain reaction. If the new generation includes Mythic Achiever, other factions will have no choice but to allow their own geniuses to attempt feats."

"Many will die," commented Kenzo.

"Indeed. A hundred will fail, but one will survive, and their success will overshadow the dead."

Wang Lin's smile turned fierce, and Maya understood what was about to happen. All the sector's geniuses were about to engage in a race. The coming years would see the birth of an atmosphere of intense competition.

"Not all factions will be able to create Mythic Achiever," Maya pointed out.

"Indeed, and they will fall in a century or two," smiled Wang Lin. "Others will take their place as Aces rise, shaking up their own factions. Sector Hope has been quiet for too long. This new era will benefit the Mercenaries."

Maya frowned. "All because Priam and his rivals are announcing their Achievements? It seems disproportionate."

Some factions had existed for millions of years. It seemed ridiculous to think that the arrogance of a few Tier 0s could shake them.

"Priam and his rivals are a sign of change desired by the Seven," replied the Colonel. "Sector Hope stagnates because the powerhouses want to maintain a status quo that suits them. It's incompatible with the System. A Universal War is brewing, and They ask us to prepare."

Status:

PHYSICAL:

Strength 557

Constitution 860

Agility 552

Vitality 840

Perception 714

MENTAL:

Vivacity 509 (+4)

Dexterity 587

Memory 437 (+11)

Willpower 1 028

Charisma 631

META:

Meta-affinity 520

Meta-focus 350

Meta-endurance 354

Meta-perception 221

Meta-chance 230

Meta-authority 48 (+6)

Potential: 9 976 (+7)

Tier 0

Sun points: 318 423 (+444)

[He Who Eludes Death] charge: PRIMED.

[Tribulation]: Three Tribulations pending.

Future Tribulations delayed until:

Time: 164 days 17 hours 26 minutes 16 seconds.

Next thresholds: 6 attributes > 600 / 3 attributes > 900 / 1 attribute > 1 200