Chapter 130
Chapter 130
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 130
Chapter Title: Interlude (2)
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"Oh... that was a close one."
I leaned back leisurely in my chair, gazing quietly at the window floating before my eyes.
⚙ KARMA SHOP ⚙ Unique Skill Enhancement (1,100,000) Status Enhancement – View Details Current Karma: 1,120,122 It had only been a few days since Howard's birth, yet he'd somehow scraped together over 500,000 karma in that time, meeting the enhancement requirements.
It was a speed no Awakened on Earth would believe, but in truth, it was only natural.
'Even if vampires are a rare race, devouring a Sacred Blood at their pinnacle and usurping their throne is no small feat.'
Thinking of it that way, it might even seem cheap—but the karma from this incident was far from over.
The current amount was just an advance for the immediate events.
After taking over the Eupersh Clan, expanding influence, and wielding the power of a Sacred Blood, separate karma rewards would come for those achievements.
'Still, it now takes 1.1 million for a single enhancement. I hope it's worth it.'
The points needed for a transferred Awakened to return to Earth were 1 million.
Considering it took them an average of ten years to gather that much, it was absurdly huge to spend on one skill upgrade.
'But for me now, it's nothing.'
As my avatars grew and played in deeper waters, karma poured in by the hundreds of thousands with every incident.
Once the full 'home theater' began, it would only increase, not decrease.
'Even if I spend it all now, it'll refill quickly. No need to hold back.'
It was the mindset of true bourgeoisie.
Those scraping by through life-or-death struggles to earn karma would probably clutch their necks if they heard.
Just in case, I checked the 'Mental Strength Enhancement' option again, but it required a whopping 640,000 karma.
'Unlike Unique Skill Enhancement, status enhancements double each time, so even with sporadic upgrades—just six so far—it had ballooned like this.'
'Enhancing Unique Skills to boost mental strength is far more cost-effective. I regretted splurging on that 320,000 mental strength upgrade because the efficiency wasn't great.'
Steeling my resolve once more, I took a light breath and selected 'Unique Skill Enhancement' without hesitation.
A throb—
The now-familiar headache passed.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙ Avatar potential has increased. Growth accelerates further. Unique Skill has evolved, unlocking new possibilities. When creating an Avatar, select one from three random skills. The result of investing 1.1 million points.
Fortunately, the expected 'Avatar count increase' and 'massive mental strength boost' came naturally.
Additionally, there was the now-familiar 'Avatar potential increase' and limited choice over previously random skills.
And...
...that was it.
"Whew—I was hoping for at least one useful skill."
Unlike 'Status Enhancement,' which gave exponentially stronger buffs as costs rose geometrically, 'Unique Skill Enhancement' didn't scale effects with the rising price.
50,000 or 1 million—it was just one level up either way.
Even knowing this, it still stung.
'Some days are like this. Skill choice isn't bad. I've been lucky so far anyway. ...Still, aiming for mental strength next time wouldn't hurt.'
The next requirement had jumped to 1.2 million, drawing a sigh, but I was probably the only one who could enhance Unique Skills this far—petty complaints from a full belly.
Shaking off the regret, I immediately began Avatar creation.
Simultaneously, the Customization window appeared for appearance and stats adjustment.
But in the slot that should list new Avatar skills, a new line appeared.
Entity Trait Selection: 「X-Ray Vision」, 「Freeze Resistance」, 「Bond of Binding」 'Pick one of these, huh.'
Initial skills heavily influenced paths, so choice mattered.
With boosted Avatar potential, growth without them was faster now, but why not use what's offered?
Broader options than blindly accepting was progress.
No consistency among the random suggestions, as expected.
'「X-Ray Vision」 and 「Freeze Resistance」 are self-explanatory, but what's 「Bond of Binding」?'
Fortunately, brief info was provided at selection.
「Bond of Binding」's base effect: 'additional corrections upon contract.'
One line revealed its nature.
'Perfect for a summoner like Harris.'
It enhanced affinity and bonds with contract targets—ideal for summoning classes.
I already had Harris, so it might overlap, but...
'A summoner, huh... sounds fun.'
Summons weren't limited to spirits here.
Harley had clashed with Oath of Reverse Heaven summoners in the northern mountains.
Unicorns, phoenixes, demons, aliens—summoning paths were endless.
'Compared to 「X-Ray Vision」 or 「Freeze Resistance」, this seems best. I was thinking orthodox mage for the new Avatar anyway—this direction works too.'
If needed, repurpose summons as guards and pivot to mage later. Solid choice overall.
"Alright... this it is."
After finalizing stats, the new Avatar appeared.
Soft features, slightly drooping eyes, intellectual gaze—textbook model student look.
'Good, one worry down.'
I smiled fondly at the aspiring summoner mage, 'Hesperon'.
Hesperon's first task: Imprint knowledge for Howard, following Hubert.
Until a suitable spot in Outerica prepared for his growth.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ In a private training hall deep within Roselia's Grand Cathedral.
Hummm—
The holy sword in Heinrich's hand vibrated softly at the center.
Simultaneously, the sharp energy within amplified, overflowing into his body.
'This never fails to impress.'
Obtained via Blessing: Holy Sword, the holy sword's energy—'holy sword aura'—resembled divine power but was more aggressive.
On weapons, it maximized cutting and destructive power; on the body, it pushed physical abilities and durability beyond limits.
A fitting ability for a holy sword forged to slay demons and protect the world with force.
But mastering it required one tricky step—
Resonance with the sword.
Hummm—
The sword vibrated again, conveying emotions directly to Heinrich.
Not clear intent, but primal will with clear ego.
'Not as vivid as during the trial. I thought it was an ego sword capable of full communication then.'
Perhaps limited to owner-selection trials.
Once drawn and acknowledged, its intelligence seemed lesser.
Like... a smart puppy?
Bwoooong—!
Suddenly, the sword thrashed in rejection.
A stray thought had leaked through the open channel.
-'No, no. I mean you're friendly and reliable! Not literally treating you like a dog, Rosia.'
Heinrich hurriedly composed himself, soothing the sword.
'Rosia' was the nickname from its first wielder; he used it to honor precedent.
Especially with the Rosia Holy Swordsmanship skill gained.
-'Good girl? Our Rosia is always so dependable. Aww, so cute.'
Hum—
The vibrations calmed.
Upon reflection, more like a five- or six-year-old child.
'Existing for ages yet so pure—only possible for a holy sword.'
Even during mental resonance, Heinrich guarded one thing fiercely.
Preventing his secrets from leaking to the sword.
'I've taken measures, but to minimize dissonance, caution is key.'
Linking maxed Mind Hub and Persona, he blocked 'his' personal emotions and thoughts from flowing into 'Heinrich.'
For perfect immersion as 'Heinrich' in any situation.
Dividing thought processes increased mental strain, but recent Unique Skill enhancement gave ample buffer.
'The Main God already approves, so the sword knowing wouldn't matter... Nah, better keep it this way.'
Feeling the sword's purity deepened his reluctance to betray it.
Born to fight evil, battling countless demons over time.
Learning its chosen hero sided with the Demon King...
'Innocent children must be protected. As sages said: ignorance is bliss.'
No need for uncertain variables.
After a brief moment, 'Heinrich's controlled thoughts' finished resonating with the sword, and he opened his eyes.
Divine power and sharp holy sword aura harmonized, unleashing a torrent of presence from his body.
Rumble—!
The domineering energy surged outward.
The barrier-protected hall shook at the saintly violence...
"Whew—."
He slowly quelled his aura, breathing deeply to withdraw it.
'Getting proficient now.'
After the trial's rapid surge, fully controlling it took time.
Then Grand Blessing: Knight of Light forcibly elevated his very being.
Thanks to initial Innate Martial Bone, physical adaptation was swift, but steady effort remained essential.
Finishing morning training, Heinrich washed lightly and headed to the central cathedral.
To attend the saintess's service.
"Mm, greetings, Saintess."
...And she was here.
Crouched by the flowerbed, as always.
"Ah! Good morning, Heinrich! Nice day, huh?"
Though nearing noon.
Proof she'd been here since morning, lost in time.
"Saintess. Just in case, noon service starts soon."
"...Really?"
"Yes, fortunately not late yet..."
But before he finished, she bolted upright and dashed to the chapel.
'Side effect of work overload? She's been unusually scatterbrained lately.'
Recently, she lived in the garden, pouring divine power into tiny bugs.
Her stress relief—no intent to stop her, but...
'Those bugs going berserk from excess power... don't want to remember.'
Heinrich shook his head and followed slowly to the chapel.
As her current state showed, she'd finally escaped duties, reclaiming longed-for freedom.
Only staff bustled for tight schedules now.
Thus, the 'Continental Summit' to confront the Immortal King loomed.