Chapter 20 - Rise of the Primimials

Percy stood momentarily frozen, the sheer scale of recent developments weighing heavily upon him. Gazing at the Alpha Quest reward, curiosity ignited within him. "Celestial Bond Whisper? Enhanced Scripture for Mana Core Blessing? This seems... pivotal," he mused quietly, anticipation sparking behind his eyes. Yet, his focus was quickly pulled back to the enormous golem looming ominously nearby, its presence a mountain of dread.

Shaking off his apprehension, Percy straightened, resolve hardening his features. "I can handle this," he declared firmly, more to reassure himself than anyone else.

"Beta," he called decisively, his voice edged with determination, "allocate my attribute points. Raise stamina, strength, and mana to 50. Confirm the purchases of 'Unbreakable Will' and 'Constitution.'"

Beta responded swiftly, her tone steady and supportive. "Master, after adjustments, your remaining AP is 7. However, acquiring 'Constitution' requires 10 AP. We can request an AP loan to cover the difference, repayable from future rewards."

Percy nodded without hesitation, eyes fixed steadily on the formidable adversary. "That's fine. With those enhancements, this quest will be mine."

Beta executed the request efficiently. Moments later, she confirmed, "Loan approved. 'Constitution' skill acquired. Current AP: -3."

Percy felt the transformation immediately. His body surged with power, a robust vitality coursing through his veins. A notification flashed before him: "New attribute 'Constitution' added. Due to Body Grade A+, stat points adjusted accordingly."

Abilities: Eternal Lucky Charm, Life/Death Benefits, Absolute Immunity, Mergence, Blessing of Mana, Mana Core Blessing, Heavenly Eyes, Unbreakable Will (NEW), Celestial Bond Whisper (NEW). Stamina: 50 Constitution: 100 Strength: 50 Intelligence: 37 Mana: 50

Percy marveled at the profound surge of power coursing through him, his body pulsing with newfound strength. It felt as though the very essence of earth had merged into his bones, reinforcing his limbs, making him feel grounded yet formidable. Another system notification swiftly confirmed his thoughts: "Attribute milestone reached. All stats increased by an additional 10 points."

Taking a quick glance at his enhanced attributes, Percy's eyes gleamed with confidence. Strength, Stamina, and Mana had each ascended to an impressive 60, while his Intelligence had climbed to a sharp 47. He flexed his fingers, gripping the battle axe tightly and testing its weight with ease. Every muscle, every breath, resonated with a sense of power and clarity.

Turning to Beta, Percy spoke decisively, determination blazing in his eyes. "I'll need your help for this fight, Beta."

Beta nodded solemnly. "Understood, Master. I'll identify the golem's vulnerabilities as you engage. Remain cautious—this adversary surpasses any you've faced before."

With a firm nod, Percy instructed, "Return us to the initial checkpoint."

In an instant, reality shifted around them, and Percy found himself facing the enormous golem once more. The earth trembled beneath its colossal form, its intimidating presence a stark reminder of the fierce battle ahead.

Percy surged forward without hesitation, each stride now agile and precise, enhanced by his increased attributes. He smirked inwardly, feeling a thrill from the remarkable improvement. "The stat boost really changes everything," he thought, gripping his axe firmly.

He darted ahead, eyes locked onto a vulnerable joint near the golem's ankle. A swift movement accompanied his shout, "Spatial Bullet!" The compressed space tore through the rocky joint, causing the golem to stagger, its immense form swaying precariously. However, to Percy's frustration, the creature's mana immediately surged, regenerating the injury as if it had never occurred.

Stones reassembling seamlessly. Recognizing the challenge, Percy teleported again, landing deftly near its shoulder. Imbuing his axe with concentrated mana, he cleaved through its massive hand, reducing it to rubble. But again, regeneration rapidly nullified his efforts.

"It's healing faster than I can hurt it," Percy muttered urgently, his mind racing to devise a new tactic. Teleporting swiftly, he appeared near the creature's massive arm, focusing mana into his axe and swinging with intense precision. The weapon sliced through solid stone, sending fragments scattering. Yet again, the golem began reforming, stone reassembling seamlessly.

He continued his fierce barrage, alternating between rapid 'Spatial Bullets' and precise 'Spatial Slashes,' attempting to outpace the golem's recovery rate. Exhaustion soon clawed at his limbs, breath ragged, mana reserves plummeting to zero. "Damn it," Percy gritted, dodging another heavy swipe narrowly.

With fierce determination, Percy kept fighting, agile movements barely saving him from relentless blows. Eventually, his efforts began to yield visible results—the towering golem's form had diminished significantly. But before he could capitalize, a seismic shockwave erupted, sending chunks of jagged earth hurtling toward him. Unable to evade entirely, Percy took the full brunt, crashing violently into dense shrubs.

Bloodied and battered, Percy forced himself upright, his broken left arm hanging limply, his vision blurred by the blood from an injured right eye. Despite the relentless pain and exhaustion, Percy summoned the remnants of his strength, mana gradually replenishing after a brief respite.

With a determined, defiant glare, Percy stepped back into the fray, knowing this battle would push him beyond all limits—but resolve etched clearly in his battered face, ready to confront whatever awaited next.

"This won't end unless I find another angle," Percy realized, calculating his next move even as he danced around a crushing blow aimed at his chest.

Percy's heart pounded fiercely in his chest as Beta materialized beside him, her form shimmering ethereally under the faint glow of residual mana. "Master," she spoke urgently, her voice calm yet imbued with tension, "the golem's mana reserves are rapidly diminishing with each of your attacks. Its weak point is the glowing Earth orb at its center—you'll need something powerful enough to break through its defensive mana shield."

Percy, eyes narrowing on the orb shining defiantly within the golem's chest, took a deep, steadying breath. He could sense the energy emanating from the orb, dense and pulsating, like the heart of the earth itself. "I have a plan, but I'll need your eyes, Beta. Guide me when the moment comes," he instructed firmly, gripping his battle axe tighter.

"Of course, Master!" Beta affirmed resolutely, her digital form floating gently onto his shoulder, her presence a reassuring weight.

Summoning his remaining strength, Percy charged forward, battle axe poised as the golem, now diminished to roughly human size, swung sluggishly at him. Percy swiftly ducked under the rocky fist and retaliated decisively, shouting, "Fleeting Palm Strike!" His good hand delivered rapid, forceful blows, each strike resonating with precision against the stone body.

The golem staggered but responded with a sweeping backhand that Percy barely evaded. Breathing heavily, Percy pivoted, swiftly repositioning himself. Without hesitation, he channeled momentum into his next move, "Lightning Fist Jab!" His fist crackled with energy, striking the golem's joints with pinpoint accuracy, fracturing its rocky armor.

Yet the golem's mana surged violently, beginning to repair the inflicted damage. Beta, analyzing intently, suddenly called out, "Master! The orb's defense is momentarily weakened—NOW!"

Acting instantly, Percy drew deeply on his recovering mana. With unwavering determination, he roared, "Spatial Slash!" An invisible, razor-sharp blade tore through the air, cleanly piercing the golem's defensive mana and shattering the Earth orb. The orb exploded violently, sending shockwaves rippling outward. The golem, its life-source obliterated, disintegrated instantly, crumbling to dust and rubble at Percy's feet.

Utterly drained and battered, Percy collapsed to his knees, lungs aching with every breath. As he tried to steady his heartbeat, his gaze fell upon a glowing fragment of the destroyed orb. Reaching out, he picked it up, feeling a strange warmth emanating from it.

A whisper resonated gently in his mind, compelling and strangely comforting: "Consume me."

Trusting the voice, Percy instinctively swallowed the fragment. An immediate surge of potent, earth-infused mana exploded through him, merging deeply into his very being. His vision blurred, senses overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of power now flooding his body.

"Master?" Beta's concerned voice seemed distant, fading as Percy's vision blurred. Moments later, he succumbed to darkness.

—

When Percy awoke several hours later, he found himself bathed in a gentle white light. Beta hovered above him anxiously, her usually composed voice tinged with relief. "Master! You're awake—I'm so glad," she exclaimed, her presence radiating genuine warmth.

Percy groaned, holding his head as a dull ache pulsed through it. "Ugh, Beta, what exactly happened?" he questioned groggily. His attention was swiftly drawn to a mesmerizing golden egg hovering effortlessly before him, its brilliance captivating.

"While you were unconscious, something remarkable occurred," Beta explained eagerly, gesturing around them. Percy glanced at his surroundings, startled. The dense forest, the jagged mountains—even the vividly painted sky—had vanished, replaced by a featureless expanse of white, reminiscent of the realm selection space.

Beta continued gently, "The Earth King Elemental Spirit Egg appeared after you defeated the golem. Its power has reshaped this entire dimension."

Percy studied the luminous egg curiously. "How can one egg stabilize an entire realm?"

Beta's voice lowered reverently, as if speaking of something sacred. "Elemental Spirit Kings embody the pure essence of their element—beings of immense, almost incomprehensible power. The Earth King likely planted this egg precisely at Gaianterra's moment of greatest vulnerability, to anchor and stabilize the realm's energies."

Percy nodded slowly, processing the weight of Beta's words. With curiosity and newfound respect, he asked softly, "Then this egg... could it hatch into an Elemental King?"

"Yes, Master," Beta confirmed solemnly, "And you now hold its fate in your hands."

Beta, her ethereal form glowing gently under the subtle hues of the altered sky, projected an aura of infinite wisdom as she addressed Percy's query. "The hatching of an Elemental King Spirit Egg isn't bound by the usual limits of time. Rather, it resonates with the energy and essence of its master. Given your rapid assimilation of Earth Elemental power, this egg senses a profound kinship with you—it might hatch sooner than anticipated. This isn't merely a creature being born; it's a primordial fusion of your spirit and the element itself."

Percy considered her words carefully, feeling a blend of excitement and reverence for this unfolding phenomenon. "Then I guess my job now is clear—strengthen my connection with the Earth Element, deepen my understanding, and see just what kind of ally emerges from this egg," he said, his voice filled with quiet confidence and anticipation.

"Precisely, Master," Beta replied, gently taking the radiant egg and storing it securely within the inventory, her movements precise and reverent.

Turning his attention back to his stats, Percy's eyes widened as he took in the staggering leaps he'd made:

"Space Element — 27.18%, Earth Element — 25.67%, Sensory Field — 5.10%, Inferior Mana Utilization — 7.45%, Inferior Mana Recovery — 16.10%, Basic Weapon Mastery — 3.76%, Whirlwind Kicks — 5.78%, Lightning Fist Jab — 5.41%, Fleeting Palm Strike — 5.64%."

A small smile of satisfaction crossed his lips as he absorbed the impressive leaps forward. "Incredible. I've come further than I thought possible in such a short time," he murmured to himself, acknowledging the culmination of his efforts.

Almost immediately, the system chimed, flashing brightly before him, "Congratulations! You've reached Level 2! Further potential unlocked—experience threshold surpassed significantly."

Percy's eyes sparkled with excitement, and he quickly acknowledged the new acquisitions. "Spirit Taming Technique: Collected. Mana Core Blessing Enhancement Scripture: Collected," he recited aloud, feeling a surge of exhilaration.

The system promptly chimed again, its words brimming with encouragement: "Due to your exceptional completion of realm tasks in a record-setting time, additional rewards have been generously bestowed."

Percy could barely contain his excitement as he scanned the additional rewards, his heart thudding faster. "This is remarkable. My pace set a new standard?" he murmured, astonished.

"Yes, Master," Beta responded proudly. "Your rapid progress and strategic brilliance have exceeded all expectations, earning you these exceptional bonuses."

Buoyed by this success, Percy's curiosity peaked. His attention shifted eagerly to the Eternal Gacha Lottery tickets gleaming in front of him. "Alright, let's see if luck is still smiling on me. Beta, initiate the lottery!" he declared with enthusiasm.

A radiant whirl of energy accompanied the opening of the gacha machine, colors swirling like galaxies colliding. From the vortex emerged two distinct treasures, gently hovering in the air before him. Yet, his excitement faltered slightly upon reading the name of one: "Mana Circle Method."

Percy furrowed his brow, puzzled. "Wait, Beta—I'm already considered a first-circle mage, right? The Mana Core Blessing got me there. Why would I need the Mana Circle Method?"

Beta's form shimmered gently, her calm voice filled with quiet wisdom. "Master, the Mana Core Blessing gifted you a powerful foundation. However, the Mana Circle Method offers a complementary route, refining your existing pathways and greatly enhancing your mana's purity and potency. It's not about replacing your current cultivation but augmenting it, giving you a broader and more balanced mastery of mana manipulation."

Percy considered Beta's explanation thoughtfully, realizing this new method could indeed propel him further in his magical journey. "So it's about reinforcing and expanding my abilities... Interesting," he murmured, intrigued by the potential it held.

"Exactly," Beta affirmed, pleased with Percy's rapid comprehension.

Percy's heart quickened with anticipation as the lottery machine whirred, gems shimmering in a hypnotic dance of colors. Two radiant spheres rolled out, dazzling and shifting hues like captured fragments of a rainbow. He reached out eagerly, fingers brushing the spheres as they burst open with a radiant flash, revealing their mysterious contents—a gleaming golden ticket and a peculiar, stark black-and-white mask devoid of any expression.

Percy's brows knitted together, intrigued but puzzled. "What's this? Looks a bit ominous, don't you think?"

Beta's celestial form flickered slightly as she hovered just above his shoulder, leaning closer to inspect the items. Her tone was laced with subtle excitement, tinged with rare curiosity. "Master, these are extraordinary treasures. That ticket is a golden pass, a Job-class token capable of guiding your growth—shaping you into either a versatile master or a dedicated specialist. The mask, however, remains enigmatic even to me, suggesting untapped potential beyond our current comprehension. Truly rare finds."

Percy nodded slowly, fascination stirring in his chest. "Rare, huh? Guess luck's finally smiling my way."

Beta chuckled softly, her presence shimmering gently with warmth. "Indeed, your Eternal Lucky Charm seems to be working overtime today, Master. Shall we continue?"

Encouraged, Percy turned towards the Earth Gacha, his anticipation building. As the lottery mechanism spun once more, its intricate mechanisms glowing with earthy tones of ochre and emerald, another set of rewards gracefully emerged. Percy's eyes widened in amazement as the spheres revealed their secrets—a strikingly vibrant mana-infused ring and an exquisite necklace radiating the serene pulse of life itself.

Percy inspected the items closely, curiosity evident in his voice. "Beta, these look incredible. What exactly are they?"

"Oh my, Master," Beta breathed in awe, her celestial aura shimmering excitedly. "The necklace is the Phoenix Vitality Pendant, boosting your life recovery significantly. The ring is the Magi Resonance Ring, strengthening your mana potency by resonating directly with your mana core. Both are life-bound items—eternally connected to you and irreplaceably precious."

Percy studied the items thoughtfully, understanding their value instantly. "Life-bound, huh? Like I'd ever willingly give these up," he mused with an appreciative grin, gladly accepting the system's terms as the artifacts merged seamlessly with him, further augmenting his capabilities.

Another notification swiftly followed, prompting his attention. "Alpha Quest Progression detected. Please select your next elemental affinity to unlock."

Percy paused thoughtfully, eyes scanning the available options. "Beta, any recommendations?" he inquired, respecting her insightful advice.

"Master," Beta responded without hesitation, gently indicating the swirling shadowy icon labeled 'Darkness.' "Remember the scythe you couldn't wield earlier? Unlocking Darkness will bring it within your reach. Imagine the synergy it would create."

A spark of realization flashed across Percy's face, memories of the powerful yet inaccessible weapon flooding his mind. "Right! the Abyssal Requiem scythe...You're absolutely right," he admitted eagerly. He tapped decisively on the Darkness Element icon, feeling a rush of shadowy energy pulse through his veins as a new strength seeped into him.

Percy took a deep breath, savoring the newfound sense of empowerment. His eyes gleamed with confidence, a hint of playful excitement dancing in their depths. "Things just got even more interesting. Let's see just how far we can take this."

∞ INFINITE OMEGA SYSTEM ∞

Spells: Teleport (Lvl 2) | Spatial Slash (Lvl 2) | Spatial Bullets (Lvl 2)

Chapter 20 - Chapter 20