Chapter 171 CLEAN
All eyes lay on Noah as he walked towards the empty corner of the white room.
He placed his back on the wall while glancing at the tiled floor. Still feeling the gazes of the men in that room, Noah furrowed his eyebrows, before slowly raising his head to shoot cold glares at their weak figures.
Needless to say they all shrinked, but some remained persistent as they locked gaze's with him, their expressions filled with confidence, they knew he couldn't touch them, and Noah knew that also.
Heaving a slight sigh, he lowered his head again, and continued with his thought process.
Many possible questions rose in his head, and his mind produced suitable answers to them, but some eventually fell short of his standards and he had to remake the stories.
Thirty minutes passed and another person entered the room, also being a man. Noah felt the tension inside him rise.
Whatever description the peak tier 3 soldiers had made, would probably fit him, but he had to remain as calm as he could, since any signs of fretting would cause more probing.
A few more minutes went by, and a soldier entered the room, but unlike the lower-staged tier 3 cultivators, this relatively young looking man had power in the middle-stage.
In that room filled with weaker Individuals he was god.
The men in the room quickly straightened their positions as a show of respect, and Noah did the same.
The man's black eyes scanned the room, and they remained on Noah's figure a bit longer than normal before moving on.
The man's black combat clothes, adorned with golden coloured embroideries on his shoulders, sleeves and neck, spoke of his high position in the security agency of that city, and Noah felt the need to remain careful.
A minute or so of silence passed, before the man's vibrant voice rang out.
"I apologise for the interruption of your entry into the great city, but an incident occurred not too long ago and you all fit the vague description we received," the man started, slowly shifting his gaze on that group.
"I am lieutenant-Colonel Gret, and by my honor I promise that we shall not do any harm to you, as long as you remain orderly and aren't found to be an intruder," he announced with a bow, his tone experiencing a sharp change at the end of his speech.
Murmurs immediately spread at the man's words, 'intruder' they all muttered in surprise, the event seemingly being something rare.
Gret allowed their murmurs for half a minute before rasing his hand, and their words shut in their mouths.
"I will lead you into a room, but different from what the guards told you, your minds will be checked instead," he announced, sensing their panic he continued, "Do not worry we'll only be looking back exactly two hours ago, and all information will be kept confidential if you are found not wanting," he announced with a tone that radiated assurance.
While the men still didn't like their situation, they could only accept it. After all, the high-ranking officer had sworn.
Noah on the other hand, could feel his heart in his mouth. His ever fast beating heart experienced another increase, as panic and fear spread in his mind, all his former planning crumbling in mere instants.
He saw no way of escaping, they would most likely be taken to an enclosed room, definitely filled with powerful existences. And he would be captured without having much to do.
'Okay Noah, you've fucked up again, no doubt about that. But you need to figure a way out,' he tried to calm himself, but failed.
Instead, he marvelled at the fact that such procedure was even possible. Which meant if the royals wanted to, they could have checked his memories and found him not guilty.
At least that would have been so if they didn't want to take him for themselves, or if he had actually known such methods existed.
'What to do! what to do!,' Noah paced inwardly, then he recalled the systems existence, and quickly questioned it.
'Is there anyway to bypass such procedure?,' he enquired, feeling his heart skip when he saw Gret open the door and gesture for their exit.ραпdα `nᴏνɐ| сom
[[Yes there is, but you may not like it]]
'I legitimately do not care right now, anything is better than being locked up. We both know I wouldn't let them capture me, so that means death,' he commented, 'So hit me with what you've got,' he announced.
[[There are a few ways to bypass a memory check, but I'll give you two which you'll find interesting]]
The system replied, seemingly with emotions.
'Go on,' Noah hurried it, walking out of the door, being led by four soldiers across the passageway, where another door lay.
Space distorted at their entry, and Noah found himself Inside a large, white and almost completely empty room.
The room featured a table and two chairs in its center, and above it was a black shiny ball which floated quietly above the table.
Lined up around the room, were ten guards, all having power in the lower-stage of tier 3.
Behind the table, was a lady, and she tinkered with a series of shining words and lines.
They were made to stand on a single file before taking turns, and luckily Noah stood at the end of the line.
pαndα,noνɐ1,сoМ [[The first solution can only be carried out with your clone skill]]
The system started when Noah focused on their conversation.
[[I believe you recall one of its requirements being your soul core. Well, only because of that, will the empty clone be capable of inheriting your memories]]
[[When you active that ability, you will be capable of transferring whatever portion of your memory you want. Or simply lock a portion of its inherited memories]]
[[Although this would weaken you, it'll assist you lot. The issue remains as to what they'll see, since your even a small portion of your life isn't exactly something that you want out in the open]]
'Thanks, I never knew that, but it doesn't fit my current situation,' Noah complained, occasionally glancing at the person whose memory was about to be read, and something eventually happened.
The black shiny orb lit up with hundreds of shining words, as it began to spin. The lady behind the table shut her eyes while muttering words that Noah couldn't make out.
The ball soon projected a beam of red light into the man's head, and he immediately passed out.
Then another beam of light this time blue, shot into the woman's head, her middle-stage tier 3 aura bursting out due to her partial unconsciousness, but colonel proctected the weaker existences.
Actually the unconscious man had also released a burst of his aura, but it being middle-stage tier 2, Noah's body had completely disregarded it.
The beam of light soon stopped and the lady regained her consciousness. A few seconds later she shook her head.
"He's clean," she announced, then the man regained his consciousness and was walked out.
The next person was led to the seat, and Noah regained his focus on the system at that point..
'What's the next one?' Noah asked impatiently.
[[The second way, is to of course wipe your memory clean...]]
Chapter 172 VANISHED
Noah felt his mind go blank at the systems words. He re-read the panel multiple times to ascertain that he hadn't read wrong. He hadn't.
'Are you crazy!' Noah screamed, 'Wipe my memory!' He grimaced, 'I'll take my chances with death than do that,' He concluded.
[[I am incapable of becoming crazy, as I am a series of ****** laws put together in a ****** material. You have only utilized the tiniest bit of me]]
Noah felt shocked by that seemingly angry reply, he soon began to wonder if the system actually held emotions.
[[That wasn't the complete explanation of the solution]]
'Please continue then,' Noah spoke with his calm regained. It seemed he knew nothing about the system after all.
[[After I save your memory to my database, I'll wipe it]]
[[Although your connection with the speed force gurantees that your memories continue to exist; you not being at the permitted level to utilize such complex skills, we'll simply have to settle for mine]]
Noah's eyes sparkled at the second panel. He had gained information that he never would have thought to ask.
Unfortunately it seemed the system wouldn't go deeper into that topic.
[[After wiping your memories, I'll refill your soul core with the simulation I've created]]
An eyebrow arched on Noah's face at those words, 'How do you have such a thing at hand,' Noah felt perplexed.
[[I just generated it]]
'Go on then," he quickly replied, seeing that the second Individual was done.
[[You'll be Aiden an only father of two sons, as your wife died a few years ago. Being an adventurer from Crilion, you came here for missions purpose]]
Noah felt really intreasted in that stroyline, but he didn't let himself stray.
'What was I doing a few hours ago?,' Noah raised an eyebrow.
[[You just arrived here of course]]
'I know you said you generated it, but how will you simulate a landscape you don't know about. She'll notice if she doesn't recognize the land areas,' Noah spoke.
[You do not have access to that information]
"What the-" Noah muttered in pure shock. That simple query had met a powerful wall.
[[Do not worry about that, though they'll be a few flaws, as they are something I can't control]]
'Like?,' Noah felt genuinely curious.
[[The new personality will be unable to control the speed forces's essence, thereby being unable to cast spells or run, though he'll remain physically powerful. But since the speed force doesn't recognize his consciousness he won't have access to it]]
[[He'll also find that his reason for coming here actually doesn't exist, only having a fake memory]]
A soft sigh escaped his mouth at that point. He didn't like going into something so sensitive, blindly, there were even flaws in the plan, but he could only trust the system.
[[You could just return to your cultivation room]] The system suggested seemingly reading his thoughts.
Noah's expression darkened at the understanding of those words.
'And do what?,' he enquired.
'If I suddenly disappeared, my face will be on whatever medium they utilize in communicating that a person is wanted,' Noah snorted.
pαndα,noνɐ1,сoМ 'I'll be unable to enter the city, join the guild, or do anything relatively important with myself,' he continued.
'And even if I went on with vanishing, where will I go? Back to Vonol?, or Enil, or across the lake filled with unknown entities, or behind the city's wall most likely swarming with newly added surveillance,' his mental voice dripped with annoyance and disgust at the thought of returning to those backwater settlements.
He'd be unable to buy beasts, and would have to hunt, which could take weeks to months. Heck even those settlements won't allow him in, as he would be a criminal to them.
The system remained silent at the evaluation of his options. It had done that to ensure that its host knew exactly what he was doing.
A few seconds of calm filled Noah's mind and he conversed with the system again.
'After all this when will my memories return,' He asked, as that was the most important thing.
[[Unfortunately you'll have to spend three days with that artificially generated identity]]
Noahs mood took another dive at those words, but he soon came to accept those terms.
'I wonder how having my memory wiped will feel,' Noah mused, 'I'd practically be dead during those days,' he giggled softly at his thought.
'I seem to have a knack for dying and returning,' he couldn't hold himself and a broad smile cracked on his face, but
It quickly vanished.
Noah hoped no one had seen him, but unfortunately lieutenant Gret did, and his cold expression didn't allow Noah understand the light that flickered in those black eyes.
The turn of the fifth person came, and Noah could only watch while trying to keep himself calm.
He still had seven Individuals before him, and could use that period of wait to think more about the action he would ask the system to take.
The person proved innocent again, how wouldn't he, after all the real culprit hadn't been checked.
The sixth person did theirs, and was also released, but when the seventh person got ready to move, a masculine voice dripping with the authority stopped him.
"Let's do him first," Colonel Gret announced, gesturing at Noah, who felt his soul almost leave his body.ραпdα `nᴏνɐ| сom
All eyes fell on the handsome man behind the queue, and Noah felt a massive pressure land on his shoulders, but no one had acted on him.
The lady at the chair gestured at him to walk forward, and Noah did, but each step felt insanely heavy.
'When will you begin,' Noah questioned the system.
[[When you sit]]
'Wouldn't that be too late,' Noah asked fiercely battling the doubt trying to form inside him.
[[If I begin before you sit, your body will attain a new personality, who doesn't know I exist. I wouldn't be able to inform him of what is happening, and his inevitable delay due to your body losing its consciousness momentarily will alert them. The timing has to be accurate]]
Noah tried to frown but stopped himself from having such an expression.
'You better know what you're doing,' he pouted.
His steps to the chair felt like it took eternity, but he eventually arrived.
Noah swallowed a lump of saliva while trying to disperse the tension within him. And his eyes landed on the lady before him.
She looked to be in her mid thirties, as her blemishless face retained its youthfulness even if she could be a century old.
Her sharp eyebrows complimented her skiny face, and her hazel hair; which she let loose further higlited the delicate features of her face.
Her dark-brown eyes fell on Noah's face, and he managed to make out a stunned look on her.
Their closeness probably let her witness his beauty in more clarity.
"There might be a few difficulties due to your developed mind and improved natural defense. But do not worry my power can handle them,' she explained tinkering with a series of shining lines which featured words.
Noah nod his head at her words, waiting for the system to begin.
"Are you ready?" she said focusing on Noah. Seeing his nod she began.
The black shiny ball lit up with multicolored inscriptions while she chanted something that Noah still didn't understand.
Watching the balls light increase in intensity Noah wondered why the system hadn't acted.
'Anytime soon!' he shouted seeing the balls light reach an all time high, then a beam of red light shot towards his head.
[Commencing deletion of memory....]
[Deletion completely by 5%]
-- -- -- -- --
Deletion complete by 13%]
Noah felt his consciousness get pulled into his soul realm, as it seemed like a storm had hit it.
He watched a red light try to pierce his barrier, but his realm stood strong.
[Deletion complete by 43%]
A few Instants passed and Noah felt something deep inside him vansih, he soon couldn't recall most of his life, but remained conscious.
The beam of light eventually broke through his defense, but a limited amount of essence moved to reinforce his mind.
The lady clearly struggled on the outside, as a few tens of seconds had passed, and she wasn't done with him.
She expected a difficulty but the man's mental barrier was Incredible.
[Deletion of complete by 89%]
-- -- -- -- -- --
[Deletion complete by 93%]
The red beam eventually shattered his barrier and no other essence moved to reinforce it.
It travelled rapidly towards Noah's black core, but at this point Noah had no idea who he is and what was happening.
[Deletion complete by 100%]
Noah's consciousness vanished from the face of Cregar, his soul core losing its swirling lights. Only his now empty body remaining, but the system Instantly acted.
[Finalizing deletion procedure...]
[Procedure finalized]
[Running constructed simulation...]
[Simulation has successfully been run]
[Revamping simulation...]
[Revamping successful]
The beam of light struck Noah's black core at that point.
Chapter 173 LANDMASSES
He's clean," the lady announced visibly prespiring. Her face looked tired as fatigued breaths escaped her lips.
The new personality within Noah's body, Aiden, gained consciousness, and he quickly stood up seeing that he was done with his memory check.
The system had also included those memories.
"You have an amazing mental defense," the lady couldn't help but compliment him, her face that of nigh awe.
Aiden gave a broad smile that seemed to light up the room. His facial features seemingly being enhanced by that genuine smile.
This scene being etched into the mimds of most present, especially the person it was directed to.
"Hard work sure pays off," Aiden spoke, his figure turning to exit that place.
Totally being caught off guard by the smile, the lady froze, but regained her composure when she saw him begin to leave, her voice quickly calling out to him
"If you are interested there is a vacancy that you could fill in our agency. That is, after you're done with your current objective," she announced ignoring Gret's questioning gaze.
Turning back to face that lady, Aiden smiled again, "I'll think about it," He said exiting that room.
"You can make your way into the city," The soldier escorting Aiden spoke, his hands gesturing at the inner gate.
ραпdα nᴏνa| сom There seemed to be a tinge of reverence in that man's behavior, for reasons unknown to Aiden.
"Ah thank you," Aiden replied immediately making his way towards that gate, and it soon opened to allow his entry.
With his entry into that great city, Aiden took a deep breath, as the air there excited his body for reasons he didn't understand. But he didn't place too much focus on it.
Aiden focused his gaze on the city at that point, this was the first time he would actually arrive there and it excited him.
Although he had an objective he had to take care of, he felt the need to understand why that city was so popular amongst the knowledgeable.
The city was huge, as from where he stood Aiden could tell that moving around the city would be an hassel.
Nevertheless the city remain remained beautiful.
The sheer grandness of the buildings, and the style of the architecture gave off both an ancient and modern feel.
The bustling streets, and the orderliness the city portrayed, showed of the advancements that place had gone through.
Right from his position, Aiden could make out three landmasses of sorts, lined up in a parallel position to the other.
Not understanding what it was didn't deter his curiosity.
'A bit of exploring wouldn't do bad,' Aiden mused taking a step forward, and being someone who loved gaining new knowledge, he soon found himself accociating with the people of that region in the city.
Apparently he had arrived at the poor portion of the city. The richer regions being close to the centre of the city, which was also a peculiar place to the nobles of that city.
After a bit of asking, Aiden found out that the reason the city was named as it was, was as a result of an event that occurred millennials ago.
"A great Dragon!" Aiden repeated, conversing with a middle-aged man in the lower-stage of tier 3.
"History has it that the ruler of Cusk at that time angered a lot of powerful existences and someone eventually took aggression," The man explained.
"The great Dragon was one of them."
"Being a dragon with the royal bloodlines within it, the great dragon Terugand, held great power, and was feared amongst the other races on the different continents," The man continued.
"His pride at that time had pushed him into attacking the ruler of Cusk," he paused seemingly in wonder.
"Their battle they say, lasted for decades. As the whole world witnessed calamities that claimed millions," he shuddered. There seemed to be more at play, but Aiden didn't dare interrupt him.
"The landmasses you see aren't naturally occurring. They are as a result of one of Terugands claw attacks, which was also where one of his severed claws landed. Spanning miles apparently."
"The fauna of that environment witnessed a drastic change as more powerful beasts rose from that region. It became a haven for really powerful magical beasts," The man stopped.ραпdα `nᴏνɐ| сom
"Is the severed claw still there?," Aiden chipped in with much interest on his face.
"We don't know. Much wasn't spoken of it, and records about it do not exist to the public. This is all we bloody civilians know," the man burst into a boisterous laugh chugging down the beer he had in his cup.
"That's all for now kid. I've got work to do!" The man announced getting up.
"I have kids," Aiden arched an eyebrow, and the man shot a surprised gaze at him.
"What are their names?," He asked with a smile Aiden didn't understand.
"Ian, and Seth. 19 and 17 respectively," Aiden announced with a proud smile.
The man before him watched that scene and sadness soon appeared on his eyebrows. His voice ringing out a few seconds later.
"I heard that i lost my only daughter to a calamity that occurred in Crilion a bit over a month ago," he held his breath.
"Apparently a tier 4 existence went rouge and caused a lot of destruction," he explained, his experession that of deep pain, and Aiden stayed silent for a few seconds to allow him share his feelings.
"I'm sorry for your loss," Aiden eventually spoke, his tone that of genuine sympathy. He really couldn't imagine ever losing his sons. They were his world.
"Where were you during that event, you said you live in Crilion," the man spoke wiping the tiny tear that exited his eyes.
"We were on a mission in Keriele, all three of us. But I only found out when I arrived at the destroyed city," Aiden explained reviewing his memories.
The sheer destruction caused by merely two people frightened him.
"Oh I see. Then why are you here, so far from home," The man enquired.
"On an important mission. I have this vague feeling that my life depends on it," Aiden laughed.
"Oh, then I hope it all works out fine. I'm John by the way, you can find me here at evening times like this. I'd love to buy you a drink sometimes," The man announced smiling, before leaving.
Aiden could only nod his head at those words. He didn't make any promises but he felt he would see the man again.
'A bar only for tier 3's,' Aiden shook his head sweeping his gaze on that dimly lit room filled with nice looking furnitures, but featured blinking multicolored lights.
With the day settled, Aiden figured it was time to find place to sleep. He had travelled a bit Into the city, but remained in its edge.
Taking in the beauty the city had at night, Aiden wondered how such an environment could be termed poor, it already out did most cities he had been too.
Not knowing where to go, Aiden simply took a strool down the still bustling streets.
He found himself occasionally glancing at the landmasses at the horizon, and felt an urge to go there.
It had an ecosystem seemingly special only to it. An adventurer like him would definitely desire to check it out. But the distance remained quite large, and he still had something to do.
'Whenever I get the chance,' Aiden sighed, but his eyes suddenly sharpened, his keen sense's picking up a few presences.
Five individuals appeared behind him. "Turn left if you don't want to lose your life," a rough voice called out to him from behind.
An eyebrow rose on Aiden's face at those words, he looked forward and saw a diversion into a place away from public eye.
"What do you want?," he asked slowing his steps, while trying to understand their power.
"We'll talk over there," another voice replied him.
The five of them had power a bit over the bottom of the lower-stage.
Although they tried to hide it; he could sense three other presences close to their positions.
'They know what they're doing,' Aiden thought without the slightest tinge of fear. 'I'll hear them out,' he concluded doing as they said.
Chapter 174 ADVENTURE
"So what do you want?," Aiden enquired after arriving at the end of enclosed alley of sorts. It seemed to been constructed simply for events like that to take place.
In front of him were five individuals completely clothed in black, their faces also concealed by their black hoods and masks.
Three presence's remained on three points above them. There were probably roofs capable of hiding their figures, but not their aura's.
No response came to him and he began to feel impatient.
pαndα`noνɐ1--сoМ 'Are they trying to be cool,' He giggled inwardly, he could clearly sense their intent to talk.
"I don't have much time, I don't know my way around this city," Aiden announced, and their auras burst out, their I'll intents pouring out of their figures.
"We don't want something from you. We want you," One of the five announced omniously.
Aiden couldn't help but feel stunned by those words. "Why even tell me. You could just knock me out and do whatever you wanted, or something," he explained bemused. His face not showing the slightest bit of fear.
"It matters not if we told you or didn't" the person at the forefront spoke before dashing forward, the four following closely behind him.
Aiden's senses immediately sharpened. Seeing no direct way out of that position, he shot upwards.
His feet struck the walls and he swiftly jumped off it to land on the roof, where the remaining three stood.
Aiden raised his palm to cast one of his wind spells, but shock filled his mind when his energy didn't move according to his will!
His target barreled towards him with a glowing knife, and he didn't hesitate to perform a side step. Grabbing the individuals arm, he snapped that wrist with one swift movement and tried to cast a spell again but nothing happened.
His feet struck the man's torso with full force, but a brown barrier obstructed his leg. The kick sent the man flying nonetheless.
'When did I get this strong!' Aiden marveled, but didn't have time to think much since seven figures converged on his figure.
Strangely enough, they utilized no spells, only their weapons out in the open.
'Are they planning something,' Aiden wondered, but their weapons struck his body before much of his thoughts could continue.
And to his and his opponents shock, his body withstood their attacks, only his clothes being torn.
Their figures shot downwards at that point, as Aiden still shook from what just happened.
"We yield!," The leader of that group announced, "We wish to converse with you," the man added.
Aiden felt unsure of his next actions, but seeing their weapons disappear, and their aura receding into their figures, he understood that the man meant what he said.
Still on full guard, he jumped down the wrecked stone roof, and stayed a safe distance from their figures, and they didn't move closer to his.
"I apologize for the earlier incident. I had to understand how strong you were," The same person spoke, Aiden concluding on him as their leader.
"What do you mean?" Aiden frowned.
"You see; we found out that you were an adventurer. Someone who could be useful for something we plan to do," The man explained.
"Ah, the soldiers told you, or was it that woman. Though that Information isn't really a secret," Aiden raised an eyebrow.
"I cannot disclose that Information, but will you hear me out," The man stated.
"I don't have much of a choice, just go straight to the point," Aiden shrugged, his mind never lowering its guard.
"We plan to embark on an adventure. The location, the Claw region," the man started closely Inspecting Aiden's expression, even In the drakness of the night.
An eyebrow almost immediately rose on Aiden's face, "If I'm correct you mean there," he pointed at the distant landemasses, their structures seemed to glow, even from that immense distance
Seeing the man nod, words quickly escaped his mouth. "Aren't really powerful beast like the norm there," Aiden exclaimed. The idea sounded stupid.
"Yes, but we'll have equally powerful individuals with us," the individual replied.
"I really doubt that, but how strong are these individuals?" Aiden almost mocked.
"Tier 4's," the man quickly replied, "And there'll be more of us," he added.
A moment of silence passed before the individual spoke again.
"We wish to recruit you for the journey," he announced.
"What do you crazies even want there?," Aiden spoke utterly bemused by what he heard.ραпdα `nᴏνɐ| сom
"A treasure. That is all I can tell you, for now at least," the individual replied.
"Ohhh! And what would I get for joining you on your crazy mission," Aiden mocked.
"Gold. Lots of it," the man spoke as though it were the most reasonable price.
"Hmmm.....I refuse," Aiden stated with a shrug, startling his audience.
"Why?," the man quickly enquired.
"There are a lot of reasons, but I'll mention the most important one," he paused, "I don't trust you."
Aiden watched his audience grow silent at those words, and he soon continued.
"I don't know any of you, how do you expect me to trust you. Only the worsts of fools would do that," Aiden's voice went serious.
"I have a family that I love to see, the prospect of lots of gold isn't the main reason you'll be capable of buying me over," he stated coldly.
Difficult expressions appeared on his audiences face behind thier masks.
"What do I need to do gain a bit of your trust?," the man enquired.
"Show me your face. All of you," Aiden stated. "If you do that, I'll consider your still crazy offer," he added.
Grunts escaped their mouths at his words. Most weren't ready to reveal themselves to someone who hadn't joined them.
"I can't allow that, but I can show you my face and tell you my name," the man suggested.
The others immediately voiced out complaints, but he quickly spoke.
"Can anyone of you do what he did? If you can't then I'll do as I wish."
No other words were spoken at that point, and Aiden couldn't help but see the individual in a new light. He seemed to know what exactly he was doing.
"I am Williams, a low-ranking soldier who has remained in his position due to unfair judgements of my agency," the removed his mask and hood before bowing.
The man looked well over fourty, which hinted at stagnation in his cultivation.
"I am Aiden, a mere 3-star adventurer," Aiden announced with a smile.
The two conversed for a few more minutes, Aiden eventually accepting the offer.
He understood the danger of going on that mission, but as an adventurer; that was exactly what he did, take risks.
He had lost count how many times he had almost died, but this could go different due to the presence of stronger existences.
"When exactly is the journey commencing," Aiden asked, laying his back on the wall with he arms folded.
"Two months from now, but we're expected to have gathered by at most a week before it commences," Williams explained still in his position.
"How are you certain that I'd still be in this city by then?" Aiden raised an eyebrow.
"That's why we'll contact you two weeks before the date, to allow you enough time," Williams explanined.
Aiden sighed at that point, they seemed to have everything in consideration.
"Gold isn't the only reward is it?" Aiden suddenly announced.
"A treasure that even tier 4's desire has to be something. There might be something for us," Aiden mused studying the man's expression intently.
"I don't know much about that," William spoke blankly, afterwhich a few seconds of silence passed.
"Here!" Williams threw something at Aiden, "We'll communicate with you on that," he explained.
Aiden nodded his head and simply held the communication amulet.
"Thank you and goodbye!" William's announced at that point, and their figures shot upwards.
A sigh escaped Aiden's mouth at that point, but his expression suddenly turned dark. He had to figure out what exactly was going on with his vessels of power.
Chapter 175 HUNT
Aiden eventually spent the night in that alley of sorts. All he did throughout was continue to run tests on his body, and the results caused a grim expression to appear on his face for most of that night.
Not feeling the least bit tired, Aiden found that aspect normal, but the extraordinary strength wasn't something he understood.
Ever since he started the cultivation journey over 40 years ago, he had only been a bit above average, never going past that point.
But his body suddenly broke the very limits he understood, to stand at a level that felt completely ridiculous.
Having such strength would very well break the known stages of power. He risked been captured for experiments.
Something almost everyone in Cusk understood was the norm.
With a dark expression on his face, Aiden reviewed his findings on that baffling matter.
He couldn't control his mana, and could only see a black core with his mental waves. Confusion and fear couldn't help but spread inside him at that strange sight.
His soul realm remained accessible, but it felt different than he remembered.
There was something really wrong, and he couldn't lay his finger on it.
His dark expression remained even as he left that place during sun-rise. The streets of that area had already gotten busy, but none of its beauty fazed him anymore.
The issue at hand had siphoned any joy he could experience at the moment, and he felt the need to get something to drink. But like the other night he recalled that an incident had happened along the way, and his dimensional ring had been lost.
He had no money, but his body remained perfectly okay.
Unknown to Aiden due to the reality of his existence, he couldn't percive speed essence circulating his body constantly.
Noah's body had seemingly activated auto-mode as all important functions went on without any supervision.
It would take a long while for hunger to appear inside of him, as he couldn't even utilize the reserves in any way. He could very well stay okay for weeks.
Aiden spent most of the day travelling like an aimless existence, as he had realized that the objective he came to carry out in that city didn't seem to exist.
The thought of testing the unreal physical strength crossed his mind, but he didn't know where to go for such.
Asking around was an option, but he felt too confused to engage in any meaningful conversation.
Nothing felt right. Nothing actually was right, and amongst all his worries, he feared never being able advance in strength the most
On that note he had realized his inability to feel the energy around him.
He wondered how he had missed that important detail. Though it seemed his body had already accepted it's fate.
Not being caable of sensing the mana around him meant he couldn't cultivate. At that point did he notice the details that were missing in his life.
He recalled to have forgotten his soul cultivation manual, but now that he thought to it, such mistakes weren't like him.
He had been a diligent person in matters concerning his cultivation, as he valued power as an adventurer.
It seemed all things worked together to make sure he didn't have any of his important resources at hand, and it baffled him beyond reason.
'What exactly is going on?' Aiden found himself asking throughout the day.
That simple question had only one answer, and that was tat he didn't know.
Nothing made sense all of a sudden, and his whole being trembled violently when he doubted who he was.
Aiden experienced headaches after such thoughts, and his environment soon faded into the background.
Soon he wanted nothing more than to get his mind off the annoying matter, and only by doing something dangerous did he have a chance at that.
His chances of doing so could only appear the next day, as travelling by foot proved difficult.
Aiden found himself walking towy a small forest which had two relatively large hills on its sides, and in front of the forest was a gate.
If felt funny how different environments could fit into that city, but he didn't focus too much on that detail.
Both hills had multiple buildings constructed on their surfaces. A small street was even built to make those buildings easily accessible.
His target not being the hills but the green forest before him, Aiden reviewed his memories on what people said about that place.
Apparently that forest was a domesticated environment, as every four days; a batch of tier 3 beasts would be delivered into that forest, for people, mostly teams, to hunt down, and be given prizes for their kills.ραпdα `nᴏνɐ| сom
This was as long as they had evidence of their kills; the head of the dead beasts, since no one would be watching them.
The higher the number of kills; the more rewards they would receive.
It was a way the leaders of that city allowed its people have fun amidst the growing political tension of their nation.
But was a safe way Aiden could test his power, since no one important would be watching.
Aiden sighted nothing less than thirty Individuals, all having power in the lower-stage stage of tier 3.
That number of powerful Individuals could threaten large towns, but were merely considered a bit powerful in that city.
Most had red cores, while only few boasted orange spherical cores.
The colour of one's core showed how powerful their spells would be, as the quality of mana would be outstanding, and their reserves higher.
The major hindrance for humans in the realm of tier 3 upwards was the mana core. If an individual couldn't advance their core after a significant period of time, they would find that their cultivation speed would reduce drastically, only their minds being able to improve at a steady rate.
Most Individuals believed that talent determined that aspect of their exsitence, for there were individuals who seemingly advanced their core without much effort.
They weren't totally wrong, but also equally not right.
Hardwork had an important role to play in that aspect like all other vessels of power. While a persons natural talent helped, it would only be capable of doing astoundingly well if one had the right cultivation technique. Which remained something that most non-noble or important individuals would never get their hands on.
Most of the humans Aiden sighted had already divided themselves into groups, and only waited for the gates to be opened.
From the words he recieved there would be exactly 8 tier 3 beast. Their power only in being in the lower-stage, but those beasts would feature an escort of 20 tier 2 beasts each, their power being random.
"Where is your team?," One of the four guards in front of the metal gate asked. It wasn't compulsory to have a team, but highly advised for most of the mass.
Nevertheless, there were exceptions. Though rare, there were individuals who could take-on beasts thier level, single handedly.
Individuals like that were mostly scouted into important positions at some point, but events like that remained rare.
"I don't have one," Aiden replied without removing his gaze from the ash coloured gate.
"Sorry what!," the guard exclaimed, claiming the attention of a few Individuals, who could only focus their attention on the person conversing with the guard.
"I don't have one," Aiden repeated, "Are you going to not let me in because of that," he frowned, doubting the information he had received.
His mind still remained in a mess due to his still ongoing internal strife. He would doubt the blueness of the sky if a reason for such arose.
Clearing his throat to regain his composure, the guard wore his bored face to reply.
"That's not a problem, you'll be allowed into the forest when it's time. But do take note that whatever consequence's you face will be soley bore by you alone," he explained.
Aiden nodded his head to move away from that position, but his eyes never left the gate, or rather the forest.
He felt surprised to be able to, although vaguely, sense the presences of those powerful beasts, even from that distance.
Those who had heard the guards reply shot curious gaze's at the breathtaking man, but none dared to move closer him due to his cold expression.
His gaze felt able to freeze his surroundings if not careful.
They soon noticed his lack of interest for their presences and couldn't help but look at the direction he gazed at.
Seeing nothing but the gate, they glanced at him with pitiful expressions, he seemed to have lost his mind. And truly they weren't wrong.
Although they couldn't understand his power, they figured he would be somewhere close to them in power.
A few more minutes passed, and soon the murmuring amongst the groups stopped as the giant gate slowly moved to reveal its insides.
A minute or so later and they all moved to enter the forest. The hunt had begun.
ραпdα nᴏνa| сom Those who had left their gaze's on Aiden's figure would notice a flicker in his cold expression, but never understand the meaning behind that action.
Only Aiden understood that within that forest; another presence had risen amongst the 8, and it moved rapidly inside that dense forest.
The planners of that small event seemed to have left a surprise for them.