Honestly, Roy didn't want to waste any more time dilly dallying, lest the system launch another function that would covet the boss drops. Space rippled, swallowing his figure in a blink.
He was naturally filled with expectations for these drops, as this one signified 7% of a total of thousands of trolls.
And there it was — on the surface of the flame kissed earth, an emerald green chest with a belly full of glowing items: golden coins, a boss monster core, and a gun? Most likely a Glock.
He reached for the weapon, and on contact its description popped into view…
[Rare Item: Glock Budding Green
Level: 8
Damage: 108
Firing Rate: 1 per second
Mag Capacity: 13 rounds
Bullet Type: 10mm calliber]
Since when did weapons have levels? And why are this weapon's stats even more ridiculous than my epic weapons? His brows shot up in surprise.
[Weapons acquired by the system are unique in every way and manner. They are intricately linked to the Host's soul, and their levels are directly equivalent to the Host's soul. They can only reflect his level. Items from other sources, like monster drops, are limited by their source's level and cannot grow.]
Roy nodded in understanding. So the reason its stats are so high is because I'm comparing a level 0 epic item to that of a level 8 rare item.
Dismissing the weapon to his inventory, he reached for the next. It was an egg sized seed, brimming with an ethereal green hue. Its presence radiated the luster of life; from it one could hear the distinct current of rivers and the lush smell of fauna.
[Epic Item: The Seed of Vitality]
[Description: In a desperate attempt to weaken the Lord, the Vitality Troll Chief extracted all vitality from the land, hoping to starve the Lord from prosperity…]
So this is why the entire place looked so barren and desolate. It turned out this bastard was at fault. Roy gnashed his teeth in annoyance. He wished he could revive the oversized brute just to give him another beating.
System, how do I restore the vitality?
[The seed just has to come in contact with the earth, and it will reclaim its stolen inheritance.]
He followed instructions, placing the seed onto the scorched earth. Like the surface of a lake, with a ripple, the seed sank in unimpeded.
After a slight pause, the earth hummed, and distinct chants could be heard from the atmosphere.
A resplendent hue of green undulated into the surroundings as a gemling budded out, and right before Roy's very eyes it grew into full bloom.
And as though in tow, a wave of green burst into the surroundings. The once desolate field morphed back into lush, fertile ground, its belly becoming the cradle for rapidly germinating flora. Rocks split open, revealing crystal clear springs promising endless refreshment.
Massive trees towered from the soil as their branches sprouted fruits in that very instant. Roy realized that from this distance, gazing straight to his outpost, the newly sprouted dense foliage completely obstructed all view.
Finally, he wasn't just a Lord of a barren, desolate field — his territory was as lush and fertile as could be!
Glancing at the chest, all that was left was the pile of gold coins and the beast core. According to the system, gold coins were the new universal currency for this realm. Even otherworlders who had yet to step foot onto the newly ascended Earth used this currency. In trades between territories and even races, these gold coins would come in handy.
He quickly reached for the beast core. The moment the smooth surface of the azure blue core rested in his palm, he immediately felt his Ether already in motion, driving on full instinct as it proliferated. The chilly orb was drained greedily.
And within a blink, the once brilliant resplendent core had been sucked dry, turning glossy grey. Notifications rapidly popped into his view.
[Congratulations! Host has leveled up!]
[Congratulations! Host has leveled up!]
[Congratulations! Host has leveled up!]
Roy, who was grinning carelessly, suddenly found his expression turning dark as he noticed the sudden stagnation of the leveling alerts. Are you kidding me? That's all I get from a level 8 beast? Its core can only push me from level 0 to level 3…
He felt helpless. A premonition bloomed in his mind — the path ahead wouldn't be as easy as imagined. The path toward leveling up wouldn't be as simple as the games of Earth portrayed.
A chime from the system instantly brought him out of his thoughts…
[Host has met the requirements for a territory upgrade…]
[Would the Host like to commence territory upgrade instantly?]
Roy banished every other thought as he quickly packed the chest full of gold coins and teleported straight back into his outpost.
He saw Richard's golden membraned cocoon still standing strong, and beside it Alpha lay diligently. The poor dog seemed half asleep, but his ears perked up, signaling he had noticed his Lord's arrival.
Walking toward the control recliner, Roy questioned the system. How long will a territory upgrade take?
[For Host's current circumstance, by which his territory is about to move up a tier from zero, it is estimated to take 7 hours…]
Can anyone stay inside the territory while the upgrade takes place?
[Yes… But entering and exiting the premises will not be possible until the upgrade is complete.]
Roy nodded. He was already weary anyway. Letting the upgrade take place while asleep wouldn't hurt, so he immediately gave the go ahead. Commence the upgrade.
[Territory upgrade commencing. All exits and entry points will be sealed until upgrade is complete…]
[Time left: 06h: 58m: 52s]
Roy expected a lustrous haze to coat the building or some extraordinary phenomenon of sorts… but there was nothing. Everything still remained bright, cool, and placid. No visible restructuring of any kind was taking place.
It wasn't until he noticed something… Is the ceiling getting taller? His doubtful eyes couldn't help but take a second glance, and indeed he was right — the entire building seemed to be expanding slowly but surely.
Finally, he could rest at ease. Sprawling lazily on the extremely comfortable recliner, he let his heavy eyelids close, ready for a good night's rest. His final thought: Yeah, I'll think about dealing with my stats tomorrow…
And as such, the trio — or to be more clear, two — slept peacefully, while one was in a coma forced by evolution, leaving the atmosphere tranquil.
A few hours later…
Roy was suddenly jolted awake by a blaring alarm…
[Warning! A crime is being committed in the territory of the Host, the Cosmic Policeman!]
[Such blatant disregard of law and order will not be condoned!]