Chapter 284 282-Formidable Power



Atop the lofty mountain, Ethan settled into stillness.

Under his guidance, a torrent of spiritual power gently seeped into his being.

As he tuned into his physical state, a new aspect became glaringly apparent within the realm of his consciousness - a fresh Language of Nature had emerged.

"This is... the Strength Language of Nature!" Ethan exclaimed in astonishment.

Distinct from other Languages of Nature, the Strength Language of Nature operated passively.

This particular script ensured that its bearer's strength remained at its pinnacle, undiminished even by injuries.

Yet beyond this, the Strength Language of Nature bore an even mightier implication.

It eradicated the ceiling to strength.

This meant that as long as Ethan persevered, his strength could perpetually amplify.

Of course, Ethan understood that the reality wasn't as exaggerated.

The increments to strength would diminish over time, demanding more and more time for progressively smaller gains.

Pursuing such minuscule growth seemed quite unwise.

However, what if he approached it differently?

In this world, numerous means existed to bolster one's strength.

For instance, the Elf Blessing of the Elf race, the Fountain of Strength from the magi, or the Strength Enhancement of the Dwarves.

But these strength-enhancing methods had one common limitation: they couldn't surpass an individual's innate threshold.

It was precisely for this reason that Ethan had never ventured to utilize them before.

But now, things had changed.

Ethan possessed the Dragon Bloodline, and the Dragon had always been synonymous with unparalleled strength.

Within the Dragon's lineage, there was no shortage of methods to amplify strength.

Without hesitation, Ethan applied the Dragon Strength Blessing upon himself.

This strand of Dragon Magic had the capacity to augment his inherent strength by half.

To Ethan's elation, the enhancement was profoundly evident this time.

Feeling the surging power within, Ethan delivered a fierce punch to the ground.

In an instant, the entire mountain quaked.

Countless creatures and birds erupted from the mountain's depths, fleeing in terror, seemingly convinced of the mountain's impending collapse.

"I might have overdone it," he mused, glancing at the now-crumbling terrain, a touch of embarrassment coloring his features.

Soon after, a chuckle escaped Ethan, and he murmured to himself, "If I were to encounter the High Priest again, this single punch would be enough to render him defenseless!"

"However, what if I faced the Stellar Behemoth?" Ethan's gaze ignited with fervor.

For the first time, he looked up towards the vast expanse of the sky.

Though daylight reigned and the twinkling stars were hidden, Ethan's gaze and consciousness had already pierced through the azure canopy, lost in the immense and lonely vastness of the cosmos.

He envisioned that colossal creature and the figure standing atop the Stellar Behemoth...

"My power is still not enough," Ethan reflected with a hint of melancholy, before continuing to familiarize himself with his newfound strength.

After a day of deep introspection, Ethan had finally gained full mastery over his strength.

With his various trials, using a myriad of spells and blessings, he was able to amplify his power to thrice its original magnitude.

Of course, this tripling was not the limit of his body, but rather the threshold of Ethan's precise control.

Should the amplification exceed threefold, he'd lose the finesse in harnessing his strength, risking disastrous consequences with the most mundane of actions.

Such unintended havoc was the last thing Ethan desired.

Subsequently, using the Power of Holy Light, he slightly restored the surrounding environment to its former state.

Then, opening a space gate, he prepared to return to the Dungeon Zone.

...

Meanwhile, in Flame City.

Ever since Flame Witch Hilna ordered the transformation of Stone Rock Harbor into Flame City, many parts of the harbor adopted a fresh facade.

Not only did new establishments spring forth -- like the adventurer taverns and the Flame Church -- but among these, the local denizens' favored haunt became the Khosro Chain Chamber of Commerce.

Indeed, this chamber of commerce was Khosro's brainchild.

During discussions about naming the institution, opinions varied widely.

However, Ethan decreed, "This chamber of commerce was proposed by Khosro, and throughout its establishment, he bore the brunt of the labor. Therefore, it's only fitting that it carries Khosro's name. Should there be additional constructions in Dark Lord City in the future, the naming convention will follow suit."

The proposal garnered unanimous support.

Khosro, touched deeply by the gesture, silently vowed to Ethan to elevate the Khosro Chamber of Commerce into the grandest of its kind in the world.

And it was evident he was striving earnestly.

His efforts bore fruit, quite literally, as the Flamefruit granted him entry into numerous city markets.

Moreover, he possessed the coveted Blood Source, a rarity among commodities. With resources came demand.

The Khosro Chamber of Commerce saw rapid expansion in a remarkably short span, emerging as a genuine chain chamber of commerce, establishing its exclusive boutiques in various cities.

At this very moment, within the Flame City's Khosro Chain Chamber of Commerce, Khosro was attentively listening to the report from the chamber's manager.

"You're saying Lady Hilna wishes to collaborate with us?" Khosro inquired of the chamber's overseer.

Colin, meanwhile, diligently noted everything down.

As one of the original members of the caravan Khosro had founded, Colin had always chosen to remain loyal.

He stood steadfast even when Khosro was widely discredited.

Such unwavering loyalty earned him Khosro's utmost trust.

Now, he managed the chamber's intricate financial inflows and outflows.

"Chamber leader, Lady Hilna indeed wishes to work with us. However, the prices she's offering for some of the goods... the profit margin is too thin," the head of the Flame City branch reported.

Khosro pressed, "By how much?"

The manager responded, "Merely ten percent, which doesn't align with our chamber's principles."

Khosro's brow furrowed.

A ten percent profit wasn't meager by any means.

However, merchants, by nature, are covetous, and Khosro was no exception. Especially after overseeing such a vast chamber of commerce, his perspectives and ambitions had transformed entirely.

After some contemplation, Khosro declared, "Tell Lady Hilna that we demand at least a thirty percent profit margin. If she does not agree, we will not engage in this deal."

"Understood," nodded the head of the Flame City branch.

Just as he was preparing to leave, it seemed a memory struck him.

Turning to Khosro, he remarked, "Guild leader, I've just remembered. Lady Hilna mentioned that Ethan is her man and wanted me to relay this to you."

"What?!" Khosro shot up abruptly, his voice thick with indignation. "Why didn't you mention this earlier?"

The branch head was taken aback, not daring to retort.

He hadn't given much weight to the remark. Had it not been for Lady Hilna's servant's particular insistence, he might've even forgotten about it.

Yet witnessing Khosro's uncharacteristic reaction, he grew curious. Who exactly was this Ethan?

By the sound of his name, he didn't seem to be anyone of high importance.

However, he dared not inquire further.

After his initial shock, Khosro quickly regained his composure.

He didn't suspect Lady Hilna of lying.

After all, only Ethan and those close to him were privy to the true force behind Khosro Chamber of Commerce. Nobody else could possibly be in the know.

The fact that Hilna was aware indicated her acquaintance with Ethan and suggested a profound closeness between them.

"I'll handle this matter personally," Khosro declared. "Furthermore, should Lady Hilna have any requests in the future, you are to prioritize them immediately. Mark my words, regardless of the nature of the request, if it seems too challenging, contact me."

The Flame City branch head nodded hurriedly in acknowledgment.

Without further ado, Khosro, accompanied by Colin, made his way towards Flame Church.

The Flame Church occupied a central position in Flame City.

Although named a church, it bore no distinction from a palace in grandeur.

The entire establishment was designed with flame motifs, appearing from a distance as a massive, raging inferno.

Upon reaching the entrance, Khosro announced his intentions to the guards stationed there.

Recognizing his stature, they promptly entered the church to inform Hilna of his arrival.

Shortly after, a guard emerged. "Chamber leader Khosro, Her Majesty invites you inside," the guard said respectfully.

n)/O-)v-)ε..l/.B.-1--n

Khosro, with Colin at his side, entered and was met by the Flame Witch Hilna herself.

His initial impression of Hilna was that of pure, unbridled fire.

In comparison to the other close acquaintances of Ethan, Madam Mia radiated like divine light, possessing a healing aura; Madam Eluna was alluring and seductive; but Hilna before him was an intense blaze, distinctively different from the other two.

Thus, Khosro promptly greeted, "Khosro pays his respects to Madam Hilna."

At his title for her, Hilna appeared momentarily taken aback, only to break into a smile soon after, inquiring, "Did Ethan tell you of the nature of our relationship?"

"He did not; it was merely a conjecture on my part," Khosro responded honestly.

Of course, it wasn't entirely speculation.

Khosro had sensed an aura reminiscent of Ethan emanating from Hilna.

This undeniable connection indicated an intimate bond between them. Addressing her as 'Madam' seemed an appropriate gesture.

Hilna's delight at Khosro's choice of address was evident.

With a chuckle, she remarked, "I had initially intended to drive a harder bargain. But seeing as you're under Ethan's wing, I'll let it slide."

Pausing for a moment, she then asked, "By the way, Khosro, are you familiar with the Son of the Sun Chamber of Commerce?"