Chapter 352: 13 Days (III)

Chapter 352: 13 Days (III)

Chapter 352

13 Days (III)

Six days had passed since Cain returned from his Awakening, and it was the first time he came across Quinn and the twins. They did tell him theyd go around the Tower and explore, though on the low-key as it were, so he wasnt surprised that they were gone as much as that it took them whole six days to explore. Nothing seemed different about the three--he knew they couldnt possibly run into trouble, unless that trouble was boredom.

Whats up? he asked, noticing the strange way Quinn was looking at him.

You... you did... Awaken, right? she asked

Ah. Yes... kind of, he replied, cracking a smile. Apparently, I am not allowed to Awaken in one go and have to do it in phases. This is the first phase, and in, uh, seven more days, Ill do the final one! I think...?

... yeah, suppose it makes sense. You never do things ordinarily, either Nature or Harmony said as the three sat down by the poolside with him. He was alone, with most of his group having dispersed across the Tower on a mission to farm gear. What class did you choose?

Dunno, something called Empyrean Starbringer, Cain replied. A lot of staying power from the first Awakening with the access to a lot of new Elements and shenanigans.

Dont know about that specific class, Quinn said. But anything with Empyrean in its title is valued beyond highly everywhere. Fitting, I suppose.

Enough about me.

We barely talked about you?

What took you guys so long to explore places? he asked, ignoring the jab.

We simply took our time, Quinn replied, pouring herself a cup of wine. Its nostalgic, visiting places from the far past. Though different... there was something distinctly similar about them. Fished out many funny things, too, she added, taking out a tiny object from her inventory, shaped like a pear yet in the form of a precious gem, handing it over to Cain who took it and inspected it.

[Red Dragon]

[Unique]

Beyond that, Cain added. They, too, leaned all-in into damage, when the shadow-masters greatest strengths are in the innumerable utility they can provide.

You spoiled them, I imagine, by covering up those shortcomings and focusing them on the raw, instinctual fighting since its the most important, Quinn said. So, they got used to all those invisible things being taken care of, being none the wiser about it.

Eh, theyll learn, Cain shrugged, stretching in the chair. Were only at the beginning, after all. Even if there is a ticking bomb hanging over the cosmos.

We can help, if youd like, either Nature or Harmony said. Mentor them.

... in time, Cain said. Theyre not ready yet. Most of the lessons would fall on deaf ears. Its not a leap that they need, but a grounded climb. For starters, theyll have to defeat Unul on their own.

Its the same here, I imagine, Quinn said. The Guardian of the 20th floor on our world couldnt be stat-checked. You could ease some parts of the fight by having the absolute best gear available, but it was still a huge skill check, especially for babes that we were. Hundreds of things to keep the track of across the fight, and twice as many ways to die and fail.

Im shocked you still recall anything from that far back, either Harmony or Nature said. Its all so... inconsequential.

I just studied those who came before me, she said. In hopes of picking up on something and using it to grow stronger.

That man who soloed the Guardian, Cain interjected. What happened to him?

No clue, Quinn shrugged. He vanished.

Vanished?

Hm. Most supposed he went to the Primal World, or was killed by the groups of people standing at the top since he embarrassed them, or was taken in by a Divine as an apprentice. Mostly ludicrous theories. I wagered he was never much of a Conqueror, but felt sympathy for how long we had been stuck on the same boss, and just... helped us, before returning to whatever village he hailed from. After all, in the Manaspheres recounting, he never showed his face, so nobody knew what he looked like.

Comes in, obliterates the obstacle, never elaborates, and just leaves, Cain recounted with a smile. Truly a man among men. Did you find a lot of these buffs? he asked Quinn as he lifted the gem.

Some, not a lot, she said. Why? You want to give it to your group?

Just to show them that numbers arent everything, he said. That the proper development of skills and diversity in their Class is the only way to advance.

Have at em, Quinn said, taking out several dozen of variously-shaped object all gleaming in a variety of deep colors, the etchings of Mana evident on their surface. I hope they learn. Fast.

So do I, Cain said, collecting them all. So do I.

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