Chapter 1828

Chapter 1828

The world spread out before him gleamed with thin threads of power.

Randidly controlled his breathing and allowed the churning storm around him to slow and stop of his own accord. The heat of his body, struggling under the physical suppression, rolled off his shoulders and distorted the air. He deactivated the Hierarchy of Burden and no longer channeled the forces through his body. The skeletally thin shade hopped back to his feet and Randidly spared him a sharp glance. But the shade raised its hands in surrender and Randidly relaxed further.

Truly, this is an immaculate view, Randidly thought as he glanced around. The brilliant threads touched everything. Various types spun together all of the platform. Although he wasn’t familiar with the behavior of each, having a visual, real-time representation of the forces he interacted with would be useful.

As the mist parted and the next stairwell was revealed, Randidly took the time to look at the explanation for his new Skill.

Breath of the Cosmos (T): A Skill that gives the User deep insight into the surroundings. The intersection of thousands of different influences and taints can be seen by the User. When the Skill is activated, the User’s awareness grows to fill an even larger area, although mental strain increases. Skill can be utilized in conjunction with other forces to control the observable forces. For in the wider Cosmos, only by witnessing its majesty can you begin to control it. Effects greatly increase with Skill Level.

Influence +17,051!

Steam wafted off of Randidly’s body even as the other shades chattered and wandered over to greet their new defeated companion. The investment of significance that he made previously flowed back from the skinny shade, instantly pushing Randidly’s total Influence to above three hundred thousand. He flexed his back and earned a satisfying crack from his spine. In terms of Nether Core growth, Randidly had no complaints about the mountain.

But for the moment, Randidly remained still. The darkness around his left eye seeped outward as he continued to study the energy flows around them all.

The more he looked, the easier it was to distinguish between the different forces. The entire platform was a constant interplay of bright and dim flows. Some were energy currents, with others were simply small breaths of air released as the shades moved and displaced the environment. Others were the influence of the Grand Pattern, gradually adding structure to the chaotic interactions. Viewing it all still gave Randidly a painful tightening behind his eyes, but with the evolution of the Skill it became manageable. Compared to the many times that Randidly’s Skills and Class had been broken, this was relatively harmless.

Congratulations! Your Skill Breath of the Cosmos (T) has grown to Level 400!

Congratulations! Your Skill Philosophy within the Boundless Deluge (T) has grown to Level 573!

Congratulations! Your Skill Breath of the Cosmos (T) has grown to Level 401!

Interesting, Randidly watched the shade move around and the particular patterns that they seemed to radiate, likely subconsciously, as they interacted with each other. All the shades have the ability to affect the surrounding patterns with just their bodies; their particular methods have become so ingrained in them that they rub off on the ambient energy currents naturally. However, there is a firm divide between them and this most recent guardian...

Randidly focused on the skinny individual with wild hair. While most of the others simply left a trail in the air that mirrored their capabilities, the few meters surrounding this guardian seemed to enter into a particular arrangement. Without the benefit of images, such constant continuity of pattern was extremely impressive. In essence, the shade could only rely on the small movements of his body to keep the whole enterprise on its correct course. While resisting outside influences, to a degree. The shade didn’t need to rely on the rivers of natural force that Randidly used to essentially dominate the surroundings.

But of course, that let him tear the shade's pattern to pieces when he came too close, but he wouldn’t hold that against him.

The Master was a squat, wrinkled humanoid. Unlike many of the other Nexus elite who hid their age, the Master considered it a mark of humility. His wide cheeks sagged into his fat neck. On top of the puddle, it made him look quite a lot like a toad. One nearing the end of its life.

“Master.”

“Master.”

“Master.”

In order, Number One and then Numbers Two and Four bowed to this being. All wore a similar fawning expression, even blunt Number Two. Finally, the woman Lyra Silver bowed. “Great One.”

“Hm? You don’t seem to be familiar, child. Come closer so I can understand your role in the Grand Pattern.” The Master’s beady eyes locked onto the woman. Number One wondered if his Master would invite the girl to train privately with him, then break her body and cast her to the side like he had so many times in the past.

Lyra stepped forward without fear. But to Number One’s surprise, Number Two stepped forward as well. “Master, it isn’t appropriate to indulge in her sexually. She was one that I personally invited to the Mountain. It will reflect badly upon me if you do so.”

If Number One hadn’t been similarly dumbfounded, he would have quite enjoyed the bug-eyed look this statement brought to the face of Number Four. The Master was similarly stunned, not expecting that Number Two would so bluntly address this matter. Of them all, only the humanoid woman didn’t react, maintaining her bow with her eyes demurely lowered.

And that finally earned a glimmer of respect from Number One. Hm. This woman is not simple.

“Ahem, ahem, disciple, such a joke is inappropriate.” The Master’s gaze turned flinty as he considered Number Two for several long seconds. He sighed and shook his head. “To think a disciple of mine would have so much free time as to fool around with his Master. I will need to discipline you later. Your focus is clearly lacking. To one such as you, the Grand Pattern will always remain inscrutable.”

Number One also stepped forward. “Master, this woman grasped victory in the most recent training camp. Although she has been inside the Mountain for a short time, she displayed prowess that matches those who have been here for a hundred years. In addition, there are some unrelated matters I’d like to-”

“One issue at a time. Do you lack patience?” The Master gave Number One a scathing look. This time, Number Four appeared quite tickled by the scowl Number One suppressed only after a second. It was an appropriate amount of time.

A practiced lack of control.

“Child, ignore my pathetic disciples. You have done a great thing and now have my attention. You have earned five minutes of my time. Shall I demonstrate my might for you? Perhaps I can show you the origin of the Grand Pattern? Or-”

“Actually,” The woman looked up and smiled. Her red-violet eyes gleamed. “I have heard your eminence could distribute Paths. I hope that you could bless me with one.”

“A Path...” The Master’s expression became strange.