Chapter 624: The First Batch of Players Under the New Omni-Link Main Network Tree
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 624: The First Batch of Players Under the New Omni-Link Main Network Tree
As I continued to experiment, I became increasingly adept at using my Domain to interfere with the dreamscape.
With the increasing number of tests, I began to summarize a set of applicable laws. This might have little value to others, but for me, it was deeply significant.
If dream creatures were the "beneficial insects" helping the Expansion Realm perfect its connection to the Dream Ley Lines, then the power I now wielded made me a model worker by comparison.
After all, a dream creature could only create a single primitive point of dream overlap. With one move, I could create an entire region of dream overlap—and then smooth it back out. It was fair to say I was directly accelerating the entire process.
Once I gained a modicum of proficiency in this "Dream Smoothing Art," I proceeded to smooth out the dream overlap at this Ley Line convergence point. Everything was for the sake of establishing a shelter, after all.
I did encounter a few incidents while smoothing the dream overlap regions—for instance, "interference" from dream creatures. However, their resistance was utterly meaningless to me.
I knew that dream creatures surely held many other secrets I had yet to uncover, and the primitive runes I harvested from them were likely only the most superficial of gains. But then again, such beings were ubiquitous in the Expansion Realm, weren't they?
If I ever found myself with nothing better to do and wanted to study them, I could simply go to any dream overlap region—or create one myself—and wait for a dream creature to walk right into my trap.
The other thing I encountered was... some bold individuals approaching the area, presumably to scout the situation.
A massive tree had suddenly sprouted here, after all; it was quite the eyesore.
Although the dream overlap region covered a vast area, there were numerous temporary shelters scattered across the regions just outside its borders. I felt a certain "appreciation" for those brave enough to come here.
Whether they were driven by courage and curiosity or greed and a stroke of luck, it did not change the fact that they had set foot here. And the moment they did, I made my decision: these people would be the testers for the fruits of the Omni-Link Main Network Tree!
I would provide them with some guidance. If they could follow that guidance and reach me, I would grant them power.
As for those who lacked the courage to follow the guidance and delve deep into this region... if they gave up halfway, so be it. Such people were not qualified to be the first batch of players for this Omni-Link Main Network Tree.
Before they arrived, I walked beneath the tree. Looking at the massive roots churning out of the ground and the fractured material spaces, I eventually stepped in to tidy things up a bit. Only then did the mess of an area look somewhat presentable.
During this time, I constantly sensed the current growth state of the Omni-Link Main Network Tree. Perhaps because it was planted directly on a Ley Line convergence point, it was significantly larger than the first one.
Even so, its size had a limit. Upon reaching a certain scale, it ceased its upward growth. Instead, it transferred the privilege of growth to its roots, for the root system was the part of the Omni-Link Main Network Tree that grew indefinitely.
As I sensed its roots, I couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
Should I say it was expected of a tree "hitching a ride"? Guided by the Ley Lines of the convergence point, its root system had expanded so rapidly that it was already nearly catching up to the first Omni-Link Main Network Tree I had cultivated.
In fact, it would likely overtake it in just a few days.
One had to realize that the roots of the first tree were also constantly spreading. This meant the growth rate of this tree was far greater than the first. It wouldn't be long before this Omni-Link Main Network Tree actively sought to establish a root network connection with the first one.
I believed that when that time came, I could use the Omni-Link Main Network Tree and Sister Agnes, who was far away at the Calamity Shelter, to conduct the first case study of inter-network communication between Main Network Trees.
While I waited, several figures arrived beneath the Omni-Link Main Network Tree at the same time, led by my guidance.
They poked their heads out from among clusters of energy crystals that stood taller than a man, warily scanning their surroundings.
"Alright, welcome to those of you willing to follow my guidance. Is there a need to be so cautious? It's fine. Everyone, come out and meet one another."
As my voice, carried by the Domain Order, echoed in everyone's ears, they suddenly felt their bodies moving forward against their will!
This terrifying scene, which defied their understanding of reality, caused many to cry out in a desperate bid for survival.
It was only after they had all been pulled out that they realized just how many people had arrived! A single glance revealed more than ten individuals.
The others wore expressions of intense resistance just like them, yet they were still pushed forward by an invisible force.
"Eighteen in total. Quite a few more than I expected," I said with a light chuckle.
At least it was several times more than the seven people back at the Calamity Shelter.
As my words rang out, everyone's gaze shifted toward me. Seeing that they looked like they had a mountain of questions, I simply placed a Silence Spell on each of them. Now was my time to speak.
"I'll have to ask you all to keep your mouths shut. I have a few things to explain. I know you have many questions, but I promise not to harm you—unless you're looking for trouble," I said calmly, my gaze sweeping over them as if confirming everyone had heard me.
"Very good. No voices of dissent; I assume you've all taken it to heart. Now, allow me to introduce myself." I paused briefly, straightening my collar. "I am the Calamity Witch. I don't know if you've heard of that title. I have appeared in your civilization before. If you've followed the news, you might have an impression of me. If not, it doesn't matter; it's just a title, after all."
"Introduction over. Now, you must be curious why I guided you here and what I want you to do."
"First, as for the 'why'—it's because you set foot here. I can give you a bit of a crash course: this area was originally under a dream invasion. Those things you encountered that looked like mist monsters are called dream creatures. They drag a person's consciousness into a dream. The fact that you had the courage to step into this place is why I've taken an interest in you."
"You're in luck. I've temporarily resolved the dream invasion issue. Those annoying dream creatures basically won't be appearing in front of you anymore."
As I spoke, I observed their reactions, using Heart Sense to perceive every emotional shift and physical change to infer the movements of their consciousness.
At this moment, they were probably thinking that even if they didn't run into those dream creatures, they had run into me instead.
But it didn't matter. I didn't mind them harboring hostility toward me.
"You are very fortunate. Do you see this tree behind me? This is the Omni-Link Main Network Tree you are familiar with. Although it's a pity the original Omni-Link Main Network Tree that hosted the Plant Network can no longer serve you, I've given it a bit of a makeover."
As I spoke, I beckoned with my hand, and one of the fruits growing upon it appeared in my palm.
"You should know that Omni-Link Main Network Trees aren't supposed to bear fruit, but now this one can. I have bestowed a certain power upon it. As long as you eat it, you will also obtain extraordinary power. I imagine some of you have seen people like me before? They possess great power, unrivaled power, power that stands above all living beings. Do you want it?"
My voice was filled with an unquestionable majesty. Even though it was a question, it felt as though a single 'no' would plunge them into eternal damnation.
Yet, those final words were so full of temptation that they began to waver.
Seeing them moved, I beckoned again at the right moment. Eighteen fruits appeared beside me, and with a wave of my hand, they lined up neatly in front of each person.
"Choose. Eat it yourself, or shall I feed it to you?" The moment I released the restriction, everyone's bodies went limp. Some, due to extreme tension, collapsed onto the ground the moment the force holding them up vanished.
Everyone stared at the fruit in front of them, hesitating over whether to eat it.
Right then, a sudden munching sound broke the silence. One man in the front began devouring the small fruit as if possessed, finishing it in a few bites.
His speed left the others stunned.
"Lord Calamity Witch! I—I recognize you! I'm the first to finish! Can this... can this really give me power?" The man who had finished stepped forward excitedly, looking like a fervent believer consumed by a craving for power.
"Not bad. I like that obsessive look in your eyes," I said with a smile.
While such a person was a typical "slave to power," he wasn't on the same level as me. If he were my roommate, I'd give him a piece of my mind, but to me, he was just a stranger. In that case, I would only say he was an excellent "example."
"By eating this fruit, you will gain a path to power. See? Someone has already set the example. I have no reason to harm you like this. If I wanted you dead, why would I bother with all this talk?" My gaze swept over everyone as I spoke. "I'll give you one minute. If you don't eat it, I'll help you. After eating, those who want to leave may do so. Those who want guidance on power, stay and listen. Choose."
As I finished, faced with such a choice, some saw the situation clearly and chose to eat.
Seeing more and more people eating, many followed the crowd.
As the fruit entered their mouths, a wave of sweetness followed. For these people who had been living hand-to-mouth in the wasteland ruins, it was a rare moment of culinary satisfaction.
Soon, the minute was up. All eighteen people had eaten the fruit before them.
And not one of the eighteen chose to leave immediately.
"Very good. It seems you all know how to adapt to the circumstances. Then, let us move to the next stage. Remember what I said? By eating this fruit, I have granted you a path to extraordinary power." I smiled. Now that they had eaten the fruit, it wouldn't be long before their Personal Data Panels appeared before their eyes.
They could all see them now; it was just that no one had spoken up to ask yet.
"Before that, I have one question. You've... played games before, haven't you?"
At my prompt, some looked confused, while others' spirits were jolted!
"What you see before you is a game panel. I have used a special method to evolve Transcendent Knowledge into a form that is simple and easy for you to understand. Please remember one thing: this is a form of Transcendent power, not some 'cheat' or 'gold finger' from a novel. If I had to make a comparison... Players—those invaders who once attacked your civilization—the power they wielded was similar to this. I created this using those players as inspiration. I hope you like it."
When I mentioned the concept of "Players," the emotions of several people fluctuated violently. I imagined those individuals had quite the history, but I didn't care and couldn't be bothered to find out.
"Everyone knows how to play a game, right? Follow the guidance on your panels to cultivate; that is your only path to power," I explained. "Your future power stems from this Omni-Link Main Network Tree. Therefore, the first thing you must do after gaining power is... protect this tree from harm. And the second thing is my requirement for you... you need to establish a large-scale shelter here."
Hearing my words, everyone was startled. Having experienced so many reality-defying events in such a short time, many of their brains needed a moment to process. However, a few quick-witted ones understood my intent almost immediately after I finished speaking.
Granting power, establishing a shelter... this was an intent to uphold this Calamity Witch as their Queen!
But... they looked at the panels before them. Although they had yet to experience what this so-called extraordinary power was like, a spark called ambition ignited in many of their hearts.
Furthermore, they didn't want to just scrape by in this chaotic world. If someone could guide them in establishing a stable social order, who wouldn't want to follow and build something great?
"Now, meditate where you are. Follow the New Student Guidance tasks. Once you meditate and produce Mental Power, you can begin your Class Transfer. After that, you will truly master Beyonder power." My voice continued to ring out. As for whether they could accept the situation so quickly, that wasn't my concern.
"I will handle the food situation in the meantime. As for those who have urgent business and need to leave... I'll leave that to you. The choice is yours. If you want to bring your friends, family, or the like here, that's also up to you. However, I suggest you complete your Class Transfer before heading back."
In truth, I didn't need to care about these trifles. But if I wanted them to work themselves to the bone for the construction of a civilization, I naturally couldn't ignore their kin.
What if some guy had an elderly person, a child, or a sweetheart back at his shelter who couldn't take care of themselves?
If they died, he'd probably resent me. While I didn't fear such revenge, it could be summed up in one word: troublesome. It would waste my time.
However... if they still had attachments, they probably wouldn't have dared to risk their lives coming here. Thus, not one of the eighteen left early.
Seeing them working so hard, I felt quite gratified. They were all quite obsessed with extraordinary power.
While they were all meditating, I began my own work. Since I had promised to solve their food problem, I naturally had to keep my word.
And my method of doing so was... gardening.
I had just finished scouring the Seed Vault, after all, and I had collected many seeds that could serve as staples.
For example... Breadfruit, a plant with an interior similar to bread and a nutritional profile to match. It was a type of "artificial plant" induced through plant technology.
It was perfect for the current needs.
As for making the fruit ripen, I'd just use a ripening spell. Even if I didn't have the corresponding spellbook, I had the library of an entire Witch Academy in my head. I could learn it on the spot and manually cast the spell.