Bai Yingxue stood unwavering, her resolve shining brighter than the faint flickers of destruction still lingering in the air. To her, the figure of Xia Chuan, wreathed in thunder and exuding an aura of destruction, was the key to her desperate pursuit of power.
Xia Chuan's eyes softened with contemplation as he gazed at her.
"Do you see me as a god?" he asked, his voice calm yet carrying an edge of curiosity.
To an ordinary human, his presence was indeed divine. With the world props at his command, he wielded power far beyond the realm of mortals. In the miniature world, he was revered as a god, and here in Xuanhuangxing, his influence was no different.
Thor's Hammer, still crackling with latent energy, interjected.
"Master, this woman has the aptitude to become a dependent. Should I grant her the chance?"
Xia Chuan raised a brow, intrigued by the hammer's words.
"A dependent? Explain," he demanded.
Thor's Hammer's tone grew solemn as it began its explanation.
"Master, the true reason world props are feared as tools that disrupt the balance of existence lies not just in their raw power. Each world prop has the unique ability to develop dependents—individuals who inherit a portion of its strength. These dependents gain extraordinary abilities tied to the prop's essence.
The more dependents a world prop nurtures, the stronger it becomes. Their growth and power directly feed back into the prop, accelerating its evolution and expanding its potential."
Xia Chuan's expression shifted, a mixture of astonishment and curiosity.
"So, dependents are an extension of a world prop's power?"
Thor's Hammer continued, "Precisely. Take me, for example. As Thor's Hammer, I can grant my dependents control over lightning, imbuing them with the power to command storms. The Book of Wisdom, on the other hand, creates dependents who gain unparalleled intelligence and insight.
This is why the Kingdom of Thunder once boasted ten extraordinary warriors who swore fealty to its ruler—they were my dependents, empowered by my essence."
At this point, the Book of Wisdom, always keen to offer its insight, chimed in.
"World props are not just weapons or tools, Master," it said, its voice calm and measured. "They are catalysts of transformation, capable of reshaping individuals, societies, and even entire worlds. A single world prop can leave an eternal mark on existence by fostering dependents whose influence ripples across generations."
Xia Chuan nodded slowly, absorbing the revelations.
"So, this power to create dependents is what truly sets world props apart," he mused. "It's not just about destruction; it's about shaping the very fabric of reality itself."
His gaze fell once more on Bai Yingxue, who stood resolute below, her eyes burning with unyielding determination.
"If I choose to grant her this power," Xia Chuan thought aloud, "she will no longer be an ordinary mortal. She will carry the burden and responsibility of wielding the strength of a world prop."
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.