Jason wondered why this skill manifested. Was this the reward for struggling mentally all these months, or more accurately, years? The decades of fighting resulted in a will far beyond that of his peers. Or maybe it was because he was a tank, someone who stood in harm’s way to protect their friends and companions. To take all manner of attacks for years on end, what would that do to a person? Would it destroy them, cause a fundamental change in their very being, or something else?
Jason didn’t have the knowledge required to understand the nature of his soul. The tower’s creator knew Jason had entered the Unyielding Path, yet Jason was woefully ignorant and could not grasp his true nature.
Chapter 50
With Jason as the center, no monster in the surrounding few miles lived. His soul swept through the dread plains, and any demon that entered his Domain died. The monsters fighting here were tier five or lower and had such low Willpower the consumption of Soul Force to kill them was non-existent. It was like a giant stepping on an ant. Would it even notice?
However, while the cost was negligible, Jason was too hasty. Killing over ten thousand demons in one go consumed his Soul Force like crazy. The instant drop made Jason dizzy, like if he stood up too fast and the blood drained from his head.
“Oh, boy.” Jason nearly fell over from the sudden change. After stabilizing himself, he quickly checked his stats and found his Soul Force still at healthy levels. Strange. Why would he suffer side effects when it wasn’t close to empty? Take Stamina, for example. It would only cause adverse effects like dizziness, lack of breath, muscle convulsions, and so on once it neared zero.
Jason focused on Soul Force in his information, which brought up a more detailed description. What he read nearly gave him a heart attack.
Soul Force represents the energy of your soul. Sudden drops can cause dizziness or hallucinations. Should it fully deplete, you will die.
“Holy crap!” Jason was lucky he hadn’t extended Domain a few miles farther, or he might’ve caused his soul to collapse, resulting in instant death. From now on, he’d make sure always to keep an eye on his Soul Force. Wouldn’t want it running low.
“Whew.” Jason released a breath as he turned his attention to the countless essence littering the ground like trash. There were thousands of them. The rate at which he could now collect essence was frightening, so much so that Jason began to have silly thoughts. Ebba already had a rune on her face. Considering Jason would soon have hundreds, wouldn’t his body be covered in them? That wouldn’t do. That wouldn’t do at all.
Reality quickly slapped Jason across the face. There was a problem. How long would it take to retrieve the countless essence spread out in every direction? While his soul could move at the speed of light, his body certainly couldn’t. It would take hours to collect his loot.
Didn’t that mean it would only take a second to kill a horde of demons but hours to pick up the drops? And he would have to do that every time? No. That wasn’t fair. This was surely a mistake on behalf of the tower.
“Mr. Architect!” Jason shouted at the sky as if he was a customer making a complaint. “How can I possibly waste my time going around to each essence? Why doesn’t it automatically enter my inventory? This is a flaw! As a respectable trial taker, I demand changes! Don’t make me leave a review!”
There was no response even after several moments. Jason couldn’t help but mutter, “With one oversight will surely come another. Don’t they want to conduct the trial fairly and efficiently?”
Ahem the Architect’s voice entered Jason’s mind. As the person in charge of overseeing the tower’s tests, he couldn’t listen to Jason’s complaints any longer and desperately wanted to beat some sense into the kid. However, after looking into the matter, it indeed seemed like an oversight, so he could only bear with it. I can only recommend you fight higher-tier demons. Or perhaps you can turn to the miracles of runes to resolve this matter?
Honestly, Jason was in an excellent mood and was just joking around. He didn’t expect someone to respond, much less point him in the right direction. The Architect was a powerful existence and not one to become enemies with, so Jason quickly replied. Sweet, I’ll leave a five-star review.
Uh, thanks. The Architect didn’t know whether this was a compliment or not, but considering Jason’s tone, it was probably a good thing.
Jason felt the Architect’s presence vanish, though he now knew for sure he wasn’t truly alone. Regardless, the suggestion to use a rune was an easy solution and one which Jason set out to accomplish. He spent all night collecting essence until finally, he formed his third rune.
Long-Range Inventory – Tier 1 Rune
Gain the ability to store or withdraw items within your Domain.
Remark 1: Item must be ownerless or owned by you.
Passively reduces the consumption of Soul Force when using Domain by 1%.
Jason snuck back into the haven before dawn, although he wasn’t entirely sure why he was sneaking about. Only after thinking about it did he realize the reason. What would the others think if he revealed such a powerful skill? Would they feel frightened? Would they look at him differently? He wasn’t sure, and right now, he didn’t want to find out.
As Jason entered his quarters to take a nap before dawn, in front of the warehouse storing Cay, a group walked out with grim expressions. Behind Peter trailed two members of the guild representing the United States military. Blood covered their clothes and hands. With a heavy sigh, Peter acknowledged their efforts. “Thanks for your hard work.”
One of them, a stony-faced man, replied. “He’s a tough one. If not for those potions, I’m afraid he wouldn’t crack.”
One of the potions he spoke of enhanced the feeling of pain. Nobody in their right mind would consume them, yet they still had a few uses. Extracting information, for example.
The other man shook his head. “Are you sure we can trust him?”
“You know I was one of the people who tested the truth-potion, right? The intel is good.” The stony-faced man shuddered as he recalled the pranks his superiors had played on him.
“Cay Wolf is yours now, as per the deal,” Peter said as he rubbed his eyes in exhaustion. The past few hours took a toll on Peter, even though he hated Cay to the bone for what he did to Walter. Still, they needed to know as much as they could about the floor of death. Peter would share what he’d learned, but only after taking a well-needed rest.
As for Cay? The man had assassinated hundreds of influential people outside the tower over the past few decades. He had a lot to answer for, yet that was none of Peter’s concern. He already had enough on his plate.
Chapter 51
Hundreds of ascenders gathered around a raised platform early in the morning, wondering what the announcement would be. Peter had yet to show, so they started gossiping. One of Sam’s team members asked. “I think it’s related to the stronghold we wiped out. What do you think, chief?”
“Just wait, and you’ll know,” Sam replied rationally, unwilling to get involved.
“Tch, you’re no fun.”
Unknown to Sam’s squad, he didn’t want to play along because he knew what would happen. This morning, one of Sam’s passive skills alerted him to a disturbance. Since they were in the haven, he went to investigate. It wasn’t a brawl between drunk friends or a private affair, which his skill had discovered in the past. Instead, he found some people getting friendly with Cay.
Sam thought someone was getting revenge. Many hated Cay’s guts, so it wasn’t impossible. Just as Sam was about to intrude, he discovered Peter among them, so he stopped. Instead of leaving, he eavesdropped and learned some confidential information. Not only that, he witnessed those two military interrogators use skills that shouldn’t see the light of day.
The ascenders quieted down when Peter finally stepped onto the platform. For the first time, he was late. It was clear the events this morning left him deeply unsettled. Following behind were a few of Peter’s aides. Of the thr
ee, one summoned a billboard while the other two pinned a hand-drawn but detailed map to it. The map was huge. It spanned ten feet in height and width.
“Ahem.” Peter slammed his hand on the billboard with enough strength to gather everyone’s attention. “This here is a map of the floor of death. As you can see, it's divided into twelve territories, controlled by the demon king’s generals. We only have concrete details on one of the generals. A doom hydra. Level 300 with fifteen runes. It just so happens to be the overseer of the dread plains, which we are in.”
Peter paused to let the information settle in. “Some of you may know we captured Cay Wolf recently. The demons sent him to investigate the destroyed stronghold. When the doom hydra doesn’t get a report, it will likely send more demons to figure out the situation.”
“Our time is limited.” Peter looked over the ascenders. “Sooner or later, the hydra’s forces will discover our haven. We need to be prepared for when that happens. Fortunately, it seems the twelve generals are enemies with each other. It also isn’t uncommon for a demon to usurp their position.”
After Peter finished, he asked, “Are there any questions?”
A woman who fought using giant gauntlets eagerly raised her hand. “Maybe if we target specific strongholds, we can force two generals to fight each other.”
“Nice idea.” Peter shook his head. “But essence is akin to money for demons, and each general is required to pay the demon king a set amount of essence each month. Their income comes from strongholds, so it's taboo for generals to target them.”
She followed up, unwilling to let the idea go. “Are the generals loyal to the demon king?”
Peter nearly slapped his head in exasperation. “Look, I know you're eager to help out, but this isn’t a meeting for strategies; I’m just asking if there are any questions regarding the information I shared. If you have an idea, visit my office at any time.”
Sam raised his hand. “Will you distribute this map?”
“Yes, everyone will get a copy.” Peter nearly cried tears of joy upon answering the obedient Sam. Several others followed up with questions, though some were asking just to cause trouble. Questions like ‘Do demons use the restroom’ or ‘Do demons have children’.
Finally, after nobody had any further questions, the meeting ended. Peter’s aides handed out maps of the floor while Peter left to get some breakfast. He hadn’t found time to eat this morning. After a hearty meal, Peter went back to his office and lit some incense. He rubbed his forehead as he took a moment to relax.
Hello? Just then, Jason’s voice rang in his mind, startling him.
Telepathy? Peter utilized his vast knowledge of the tower to come to the correct answer.
Yeah, I don’t want anybody to eavesdrop, Jason explained with a hesitant tone.
What’s wrong? Peter wondered what was about to occur.
Well, Jason paused reluctantly, You know how high my Willpower stat is, right?
What about it? Previously Peter dismissed Jason’s Willpower to change the subject. In truth, he knew the skills that used it were extraordinary; he just didn’t want to point out why Jason’s Willpower was so high.
Umm, so after I trained with Commander Fox, some of my skills fused. Like a few times, Jason explained with some residual disbelief.
A few times? Peter was intrigued. Shenlong and Dubaku came back last night and explained everything about Fox, so he wasn’t surprised about that. What was surprising was the fusion of skills. Su Long and a few others who used the m-serum reported such occurrences, but to have it happen multiple times at once? That was a first.
Yeah, I know, right? Check out the skill. I can share it telepathically.
Peter’s eyes opened wider and wider the more he read. He immediately had a few questions, How far can your domain reach? What tier demon can you kill instantly? How many?
A few miles if I push it. Jason now spoke very carefully. Also, I think I can instakill any demon underneath a general. As for how many, if I don’t care about the cost, probably a hundred thousand if they’re only low tier demons.
Are you serious?! Peter got to his feet so fast his chair fell over. A hundred thousand demons? Instantly? This was great news! Peter broke out into a toothy grin and began to laugh aloud.
Peter’s response confused Jason. Honestly, he was expecting Peter to fear him. Jason couldn’t help but ask. Doesn’t that frighten you?
Peter understood Jason’s concern and shook his head. Honestly, after seeing the gods in person, I was expecting someone to reach this level of strength eventually. But I think differently than most. Other people would react negatively, so you should keep this a secret for now.
Jason immediately felt relieved upon hearing that. Before cutting the connection, he added. Oh, also, Soul Force is super slow at regenerating. I only used around 10% last night, and it still hasn’t recovered.
Noted. Peter wondered how slow it would be for others if even Jason hasn’t recovered. Have you tried the Meditation skill?
Uh, I’m leaving now. Jason didn’t answer directly. It was clear he’d forgotten entirely about the skill.
Chapter 52
Shenlong’s team gathered outside the haven after Peter’s announcement, except for Amara and Carly, who already set off independently. Like Jason, Shenlong and Dubaku learned from Fox and gained the Domain skill. Shenlong already had a similar skill, though much weaker. It fused with Domain, slightly increasing its range.
“Have you unlocked telepathy yet?” Jason explained some of the tricks he learned from experimenting. For example, if you focused Domain in one direction, the distance you could sense increased drastically.
Roy groaned from hearing the three discuss their new abilities. “I meditate every night before bed, so why haven’t I awakened my soul yet? Domain sounds kickass!”
The silent Olivia turned to Jason and confirmed. “So Commander Fox teaches soul techniques?”
“Yep.” Jason saw Olivia had a queer expression. “What’s up?”
“What a coincidence. We found a soul teacher the day I reached the fourth realm.” Olivia spread her hands. After confronting her father with her own beliefs, her shoulders felt lighter and her thoughts brighter. That night she meditated as usual, and with her refreshed mentality, she heard the voice of the world.
“Whaaaat?!” Roy turned to his fellow companion in disbelief.
Jason and the others were similarly surprised and quickly congratulated her. It was great news to have another fourth realm ascender. Alas, it was just too hard to reach and required talent, hard work, and enlightenment. Take Cheslov, for example. He was born with a particularly sensitive soul, yet even he couldn’t take the next step.
“Am I ever going to advance?” Roy started feeling upset, which was rare for him. Olivia was similar in age to him, only a few years older, so he compared himself to her all the time. Over the past few months, both he and Olivia reached the third realm's peak after tremendous effort, yet now she had taken the next step.
“Hahaha.” Jason thought it was the funniest thing in the world to hear Roy doubt himself regarding the fourth realm. “Bro, I didn’t tell you before to prevent you from feeling stressed, but only a single person in my original timeline reached the fourth realm. You!”
“Really? I was?” Roy was both surprised and delighted to hear that.
“Nobody even knew it existed and thought the third realm was the highest you could go. Meditation was a skill only for mages back then.” The Jason of before usually avoided recalling the past. Now, he could think and talk about it without getting depressed.
Curious about her alternate self, Olivia asked. “What about me? Did I do anything special?”
“Uh.” Jason paused and turned to Olivia. “Are you sure you want to know? It isn’t a happy story.”
Olivia’s expression darkened briefly before returning to normal. “I do.”
“Okay.” Jason sighed. “I didn’t know you very well. Nobody did. Only
years after Cay became a demon did I meet you. You seldom spoke and were emotionless. Eventually, a raid formed to kill Cay, and you traded your life for his. Back then, he was the most powerful ascender by far, yet he was alone.”
“Sounds about right.” Olivia could easily imagine going down that path. Not this time. Now she had companions and a place to belong.
Shenlong coughed to change the topic. “Anyway, I want to hunt solo today.”
“Me too,” Dubaku added. Both wanted to experiment with their newly acquired skills. Who could blame them?
“I guess I’ll head to Fox,” Olivia voiced her thoughts.
Roy slammed a fist into his other hand and declared. “I’m going to meditate!”
“All right, good luck.” Jason inwardly sighed in relief. At least he didn’t have to make an excuse to hunt alone.
After the party split up, Jason picked a random direction to travel in as he fell into thought. The blood moons were manageable for now. The Alliance could fight them on their own with the haven’s support, and if things got bad, Jason could make a move. The only problem was if the demons found their base. A doom hydra with fifteen runes was too much to handle. However, they could only hide for so long. How much time did they have? A few weeks? A month?
In that case, Jason needed to increase his strength as fast as possible. If the demon king’s general came personally, Jason wanted to be strong enough to handle it himself. If Lavos or the other tribes heard this, they’d think he was crazy.
There were several ways to improve Jason’s power. First was his legacy sword. It gained stats or skills with every kill. Unfortunately, kills through his Domain didn’t count. The sword had to be the direct cause of death. Otherwise, Jason was confident he could grow the weapon to its original strength, which could probably kill the demon king by itself.
Towers of Heaven: A LitRPG Adventure (Book 3) Page 23