Chapter 52: Level up!

"Shit...finally did it!"

Cedric exclaimed as he rested his back against the chair. He closed his eyes and groaned when he felt their sting. He could feel a pang of exhaustion seeping through his body but it wasn't that bad.

In front of him, however, was a glowing orb of pure light. It floated on top of an iron plate that had numerous inscriptions and runes carved on its surface.

Cedric rested his eyes for a bit before opening them. Then, using the system, he confirmed the product of his recent experimentations:

*

[Purification Altar (T1)]

: An altar created for the sole purpose of purifying tainted items. It has numerous Symbols carved on its surface which aids in its purpose.

[Purified Demon Soul (T1)]

: Demon Soul purified by a budding pioneer. Its side effects are completely cleansed, making it perfectly safe to use for various purposes.

: Note - Purified Demon Souls are 20% more effective than the regular ones.

*

Yes, Cedric indeed made it. He managed the do what others before him couldn't. He purified Demon Souls using Symbols.

He couldn't take all the credit though. If it weren't for the documentation left behind by his predecessors, it would've taken him longer before he reached this point.

[Congratulations on achieving an incredible feat. Acala looks upon you in favor!]

[You received a new title and an item!]

[Title: Pioneer]

: Given to those who forged a path that has never been seen before.

: With this title, any research or experiments you do towards a new path will tend to bring more positive results.

[Symbol Master's Quill (T5)]

: A tool used by an unnamed Symbol Master of the Ancient Era.

: +15% Symbol Carving Stability, Great Energy Conductor, Indestructible, and All Material Compatible. Bound to Cedric Stormrider.

*

Cedric smiled after receiving those alerts. It seems that his hard work was recognized by the System. Given that Acala wasn't his enemy, of course, he didn't mind this praise. If anything, he was happy since Acala gave him rewards for his achievements.

Rubbing his face in and feeling the heat creeping up his cheeks and neck, Cedric took a deep breath and profusely shifted his focus to something else before he started pitching a tent on his shorts.

Unfortunately for him, his distraction tactic was barely working. He thinks that it's too late now since he not only saw what she's doing, but he also heard the sounds she and the 'purring cat' were making.

'...god damn it!' He hissed as he felt the tightness in his pants. Groaning in discomfort, he turned off the heating on the pool and made his way towards the showers to pour cold water all over his body.

***

[Purified Demon Souls (T1)] × 1M

"Whew!" Cedric blew a sigh as he finished his bulk purification using the altar.

With a T1 Purification Altar, he could only purify 10,000 Demon Souls at once. That might sound a lot if it weren't for the fact that Cedric needed 100,000 Demon Souls just to level up.

Well, with Purified Demon Souls, he would only need 80k because of the 20% boost in effectiveness, but still! He needs to think of a way to increase the capacity without losing any effects of the purification. But that's a problem for another day.

Right now, after converting a million's worth of Demon Souls, Cedric was finally ready to level up.

He rested for a bit to adjust his mental state. After that, he made his way to the reinforced court. He sat in the middle and brought up the system to start the process of leveling up.

"System, use Purified Demon Souls to level me up to 3."

[Alert! Confirm the use of 80,000 Purified Demon Souls to level up. Y/N?]

"Yes, go ahead."

As soon as he gave his confirmation, he saw the number of Purified Demon Souls draining from his inventory.

He then felt a sudden surge of energy coursing through his body. His instincts screamed at him and he immediately suppressed the movement of his Ki.

If he hadn't done that, Ki would've obliterated the power of souls, creating a battlefield within his body that could've resulted in grave injuries. Thankfully, he was quick on his act and it prevented a potential disaster.

Keeping his Ki still, Cedric could feel slight discomfort within his body, but it wasn't horrible. The power of souls seeped into his flesh, blood, and bones, bringing forth an empowering feeling.

His muscles squirmed, his blood curdled, and his bones creaked. That didn't last long before it completely disappeared. Sensing that, he loosened his hold on his Ki, and thankfully, it behaved calmly.

He opened his eyes and marveled at the sheer strength coursing through his veins.

[Congratulations, User Cedric! You are now Level 3!]

Finally, after many years of enduring and the recent months of pure hustle, he finally increased his level once more.

A wide smile appeared on his face. Yet, as much as he was tempted to continue leveling up, it wouldn't be wise. He needed to give his body ample time to adjust, and with his Superhuman Physique, that shouldn't take long.

"Soon...it will happen, I'll be reaching Tier 2! I just need to have more patience for now." Cedric sighed before dropping down to do some stretches.