Cherreads

Chapter 13 - Chapter 12: New Technique

Ding!

"Congratulations to host for highly deviating the plot. Reward: 100,000 system points."

The crisp sound of the [System] echoed inside Leo's mind as he was lying on the training mat in his private chamber.

The soft scent of incense drifted through the air, but Leo's eyes gleamed sharper than ever.

He laughed heartily, his chest rising and falling with mirth.

"Just as I thought. Plundering Alex's precious opportunities nets me the biggest rewards," Leo mused, his tone brimming with confidence.

He leaned back lazily against a padded cushion, the flicker of candlelight dancing across his sharp features.

He took a sip of his tea, the cup lightly trembling in his hands due to the aftershock of excitement.

He couldn't help but picture the exact moment when Alex would realize the egg he found wasn't what it seemed.

That lazy glutton of a dragon... Leo chuckled.

He could already envision Alex's bewildered expression, his proud grin fading into utter despair when the so-called celestial dragon egg hatched into a dozy, chubby creature that refused to fly or even move unless bribed with snacks.

That alone was worth more than 100,000 points in joy.

"Ah, Alex, my dear protagonist, you really are the best supplier of entertainment and rewards."

His mood now elevated, Leo turned his attention to the system store.

An overwhelming number of techniques and items spread before him like an endless sea of possibilities.

But the sheer volume made his head ache slightly.

"System, recommend the best attack techniques that suit me.

Something that complements my current cultivation technique, which absorbs natural energy."

[Ding! Based on host's current progress and energy compatibility, the following techniques are recommended:]

1. Divine Punishment:

Type: Long-Range Attack

Description: Channel your natural aura into a focused energy blast. Can strike down enemies from a long distance. The more energy channeled, the greater the devastation. Highly effective against large groups or fortified targets.

Energy Consumption: Medium to High

Upgrade Potential: Yes

Price: 50,000 points

2. Energy Strike Out:

Type: Close-Range Burst

Description: A precise and focused strike of condensed energy. Capable of defeating most enemies in one blow, especially if their defensive abilities are not activated. Fast execution, minimal energy loss.

Energy Consumption: Low

Upgrade Potential: Yes

Price: 30,000 points

3. Verdant Veil Divine Armor:

Type: Defensive Equipment

Description: Formed by concentrating and condensing absorbed natural energy into a protective barrier that manifests like shimmering armor. Automatically reinforces when exposed to strong natural elements.

Attributes: Increases energy absorption efficiency, reduces incoming damage.

Price: 50,000 points

Leo's eyes gleamed as he read through the descriptions. He paused when he saw the armor.

"Hmm... this armor perfectly syncs with my cultivation technique, but... let's leave it for later.

These attack techniques seem more immediately useful."

He brought up the options once more.

"Divine Punishment and Energy Strike Out... a perfect combination of long-range and short-range attacks.

That covers both offense types."

Without another moment of hesitation, Leo spoke firmly.

"System, purchase Divine Punishment and Energy Strike Out technique."

[Ding! Congratulations to host for purchasing Divine Punishment technique.]

[Ding! Congratulations to host for purchasing Energy Strike Out technique.]

"A total of 80,000 points well spent," Leo muttered, satisfied.

He stood up, eyes glowing with anticipation.

"Time to test them out."

He moved to the center of his training field, where dummies made from reinforced spirit wood stood at various distances.

The area was enclosed and heavily shielded by barrier formations, perfect for unleashing new techniques.

Leo took a deep breath and raised his hand.

"Divine Punishment."

Natural energy surged around him, converging into a sphere of pulsating light above his palm.

He locked onto a target dummy nearly 50 meters away.

The sphere shrank to the size of a fist before it suddenly exploded outward, streaking through the air like a comet.

BOOM!

The dummy vanished in a flare of white light. The air rippled from the blast, and even the reinforced walls trembled slightly.

Leo smiled. "That'll definitely leave an impression."

He stepped forward, narrowing the gap to another dummy. Now for the close-range.

"Energy Strike Out."

This time, he took a stance, channeling energy into his right hand.

The energy condensed into a shimmering blade-like arc on his palm.

With one swift motion, he struck forward.

Crack!

The dummy split cleanly in half, energy crackling from the cut edges.

There was barely a sound; it happened in an instant.

"Fast, precise, and efficient. Perfect."

Wiping sweat from his brow, Leo felt more energized than tired.

He walked back slowly toward his resting area, a deep sense of satisfaction swelling in his chest.

"Let's keep going," he whispered to himself. "There's still much to do... and many more chances to plunder."

And somewhere far away, Alex sneezed again, a cold chill running down his spine.

Chapter End.

---

Author's Note:

Loving the journey so far?

Please support with a Power Stone!

Your votes help this fanfic grow—and as a thank you, there will be bonus chapters for Power Stone milestones!

Got suggestions or wild ideas?

Drop them in the comments—I'd love to include your thoughts as we shape Gojo's path together.

Let's keep pushing forward—no regrets, just pure hype!

– azuredragonx

---

More Chapters