Chapter 212

Chapter 212

Author note: This is a reminder about keeping the comment section civil.

The tone in some discussions lately have been just abysmal, and it's not something I want to see any longer.

I do not mind people discussing parts of the story they don't like or stuff like that, but when insults start flying it stops being a conversation, instead turning into a mud flinging contest.

Since I'm tired of that kind of behavior I'll make it easy for myself, and most of my readers, by simply blocking anyone who can't behave.

First time the block will last for a week, the second time will be permanent. People who get blocked will still be able to read chapters, but they won't be able to PM me or write comments.

This is effective immediately.

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Zac had to admit he was a bit disappointed the process to change was so arduous. He knew he already had received a top tier opportunity that would make most of the cultivators in the multiverse green with envy, but he still had hoped it would be quicker.

He had hoped to be able to change his class in the middle of battle, enabling him to turn the tables. But there was just no way to do that with how the change worked. Not only did it take way too long, but he also lost almost all awareness of his surroundings when he changed, making it impossible.

Since the Core was only F-grade at the moment Zac didn't give up all hope though. Every time it upgraded some parts of it function should improve. The only problem was he had no clue how to upgrade a Specialty Core at the moment.

At least it felt nice to be back in human form again. The whole time he was in his Draugr-form he felt assaulted by the Cosmic Energy in the atmosphere, causing him constant discomfort. He understood why Mhal brought a bunch of Unholy Beacons in his invasion of the island.

Zac still had a few of them, as he never got around to selling those he found in the Undead Generals Cosmos Sack as well. He was seriously contemplating creating a Zone on his compound where the Cosmic Energy was transformed to Miasma instead.

He needed to figure out a method to contain the death-attuned energy first though, and not let it get spread all over.

The treasure hunt starts tomorrow. Is there anything I need to do that Ive missed? Zac said as he got up on his feet.

Well, have you talked with the others? Kenzie asked.

Others? Zac said in confusion.

There are three people from Refugees Harbor whos going, and Lyla is going as well, Kenzie explained.

Lylas going? Why? Zac asked with confusion.

Everything Zac had learned about the System pointed toward the Treasure Hunt becoming a slaughterhouse. He roughly knew the strength of Kenzies friend, and he had to say he was unsure whether shed survive.

She wants to become stronger, and this is a chance for that, Kenzie explained with worry. Youll look after her, right?

Ill try, but I cant promise anything. I still dont know whatll happen after we enter, Zac answered.

Thats good enough. Oh, and maybe you should talk to Emily? Her birthday is in a few weeks, and you might still be gone at that time, Kenzie continued.

Right, Zac said. Can you have the other trial takers gather at the academy in two hours?

There was something he needed to do with Emily in any case, so he decided to head over immediately. The teenager still lived alone in his old camper up in the tree, and with a few jumps he scaled it and landed on the large patio.

Emily had decorated it with a sofa and a couple of recliners under a parasol, with large potted plants creating some warmth. The whole thing gave off a very comfortable feeling. Zac had to admit it looked a bit better than his own austere courtyard as he knocked on the door.

After a minute Emily opened up with a yawn.

Whats going on? she asked with some confusion.

Nonet of Hive Kundevi wishes strength upon you for the hunt. Nonet also wanted to give you this, the Zhix said and took out a dagger and what appeared to be an amulet.

What are these? Zac asked curiously.

As youve noticed our kind are a bit enthusiastic in our greetings of new warriors, Ibetp said.

Adran only snorted in his chair, and Zac had to force himself to not roll his eyes. Enthusiastic greetings might just be the understatement of the year. The Zhix ignored the demons response though and kept going.

These are the relics of the hive. If you show these along with sending the regards of Nonet when meeting another Anointed they might not immediately attack. As every day passes the Dominators grow stronger, and we believe that every race needs to work together to stop them, Ibtep said with a serious face.

Thank you for the gift, and give my regards to Nonet. These will be a great help, Zac said as he accepted the two items.

The ambassador stayed for half an hour to teach Zac some basic etiquette when speaking with the Anointed, before leaving with another round of well-wishing. Since he was running out of time Zac also ended the meeting with a final exhortation to aid Ogras in finding the shapeshifters by any means necessary.

Thirty minutes later he sat in an emptied classroom with four others. It was two men and two women. The only one he recognized was Lyla, whereas the others were cultivators from Refugees Harbor.

Seeing the three made Zac realize that the scale of the treasure hunt might be even larger than he expected before. If these people managed to get tokens, then so would thousands of others. Lyla had gained another two levels since he saw her last, but she was still only in her mid-thirties.

As for the other 3 cultivators they were around the same level, apart from a woman who was level 38. Apparently she was one of the leaders of the cultivators from Refugees harbor. Zac honestly didnt feel that they would be much more than fodder at the hunt, but he wouldnt stop people from chasing their dreams.

I called you all here to discuss the Treasure Hunt starting tomorrow, Zac began.

The people from Refugees Harbor hesitantly looked at each other until they focused on their leader.

Are you confiscating our tokens? she said with a somber expression.

Zacs brows rose from that line of question. He hadnt expected that question, but after further thought he guessed it made sense. There were quite a few people stronger than these three on the island, though they were all demons who couldnt go.

But these people still thought that demons was the fourth local race. Honestly, if he could bring the demons he would probably buy the tokens from these four, as it would be far more beneficial to bring Ogras and his generals.

No. I just called you here to tell you to be careful, and to not use my name unless as a last resort. I have essentially made the whole world government an enemy, and there are false rumors surrounding me on the main island. Mentioning that you live here might not necessarily help you, but perhaps have the opposite effect, Zac explained with a wry smile.

I will try to help you if we meet each other, but you shouldnt rely on me either. I am just one person, and I believe that the treasure hunt will cover a huge area. In fact, if youre not confident in staying alive on your own youre likely better off not going, he continued.

However, all of them seemed adamant about going, so Zac could only respect their wishes and only reiterated a few tips. He also gave them each one copy of [Book of Babel] so they could talk it out with whoever they encountered and a couple of healing pills each.

By now he was done with all his matters, apart from finally giving himself one last power-up. He went back to his courtyard and sat down to stabilize his mind. After a while he took out the small vial containing the Dao Treasure, but instead of drinking it he closed his eyes and focused on the Dao of Sharpness.

After pondering on the aspect of sharpness he wanted to evolve for an hour he finally opened his eyes, and with one fluid motion drank all the contents of the vial. A familiar sensation overcame him as he saw the vast system of the Dao of Sharpness with his inner sight.

Seeing the whole Dao like this was straining his mind, and it almost felt like his soul was getting continuously cut by the sharpness. Zac didnt waste any time, instead quickly finding the part of the Dao that corresponded with his own insights, and started to absorb that part.

His understanding was quickly formalizing into a crystalized nugget of insight, and he effortlessly passed the threshold to the middle stage. Only seconds later the simulated epiphany from the drug ran out, and he opened his eyes again to check on his harvest.

Seed of Sharpness (Middle): Dexterity +25, Intelligence +5

Zac wasnt surprised in the slightest that his upgraded seed only provided Dexterity since the particular insight he gained was into that of speed. Having evolved his seed also meant that he had done everything he needed to do before the hunt.

He got up on his feet to head to his sisters place since he knew that she was skipping going to the Academy today. They had already planned to have dinner together since he might be gone for a while.

But as he started to walk out of his courtyard he saw Ogras stand there with a determined expression on his face.

Good, youre out. We need to talk.