Chapter 30
[Ding!! 250 Arcane energy consumed]
[(D-) Absolute Artillery - Allows the user to create weapons of their choosing with D-rank basic capabilities.]
[Ding!! 100 Arcane energy consumed]
[(D+) Telekinesis - Enables the user to manipulate objects or create constructs with their mind, limited by their mental capacity to handle the strain.]
[Ding!! 150 Arcane energy consumed]
[(E+) Arcane Mana Regeneration - Increases the user's Arcane mana regeneration rate. While in battle, it provides a boost of 1,000 Arcane mana per second. When not actively using Arcane mana, the regeneration rate doubles, reaching 10,000 mana per second.]
Alex smiled at the results as his Soul Sense spread out to cover the entire town, approximately 10 km.
His senses had grown significantly, especially after his Foundation reached 90% alongside his Soul Essence.
At that moment, Alex's expression turned odd before he brushed it off.
Stella, noticing his reaction, asked, "What's wrong?"
"It seems Ava is here," Alex replied, then added, "and she's with two individuals whose powers are incredibly strong."
Stella, holding her sword, glanced at him while Amber slept on his chest. "What are you going to do?" Stella asked.
"Nothing for now," Alex said.
"If an enemy tries to kill her, I'll step in. But at the moment, let's just ignore her. We already have a B-rank enemy to face in this town."
He paused, thinking to himself, 'If things escalate, I might have to let Ava die here.'
Sitting atop the house, Alex focused on other matters. He began levitating using Telekinesis, though it strained his mind significantly.
A mask formed over his face, matching the one covering Amber, whom he carried in his arms.
"Get ready, my dear," Alex said. "Make sure we kill all the nobles in this town. No matter who they are, kill everyone who isn't a slave."
Stella nodded, donning a mask of her own.
Alex couldn't move quickly because he had spears floating in all directions—east, west, south, and north.
Raising his hand, the spears started spinning, causing blood to drip from his nose.
'This might be too much for me,' Alex thought, but he smiled anyway.
'As long as it strengthens my mind, it's worth it.'
Despite the pain, Alex persisted.
The spears were soon engulfed in Eternal Flames, golden in color, illuminating the night sky.
The townsfolk looked up in awe and fear.
[Eternal Flames - Flames that burn eternally, unstoppable and inextinguishable by any other fire. They possess the dual ability to heal or destroy, depending on the Arcane mana infused. These flames grow more potent with additional mana and can even burn souls.]
Alex grinned as the spears struck the ground. Activating another skill, he created a barrier:
[Arcane Mana Barrier Activated]
A circle of golden flames formed a protective barrier around the entire town.
Though it consumed a significant amount of Arcane mana, it wouldn't drain further unless attacked.
The town was thrown into chaos as Alex's voice echoed everywhere.
"My name is Zero. Kneel or die."
His words reverberated throughout the town.
Lisa and Eve, hearing the name, both thought,
'Why did he choose the name Zero of all things?' Neither of them could understand his reasoning.
Their target was the town's leader.
Alex, however, had no intention of facing him directly.
Kevin and Luna worked with Stella to free the slaves, while Lisa and Eve focused on defeating the B-rank leader—the only one besides Alex capable of handling him.
"For the slaves," Alex announced, "as long as this barrier stands, no command from your masters will work. You are free to do as you see fit."
These words ignited chaos as slaves and townsfolk turned on each other. Alex observed the conflict and thought,
'Let them kill each other while we deal with the real troublemakers.'
Amber stirred awake and mumbled, "What's going on, big brother?"
Alex smiled gently. "Did I wake you? Sorry about that."
She shook her head. "What's happening?"
"Nothing much," Alex reassured her. "Go back to sleep. I'll be quieter."
His eyes shifted focus to Stella, who was underground.
Underground
[Lv65] = C
Stella strode confidently through a dim pathway. Several guards stood before her.
"You've made my husband very angry, you fools," Stella said coldly. "There's no turning back now."
"Get her!" one of the guards shouted.
The guards charged at Stella, but she smiled as purple lightning enveloped her—a rare and destructive form of lightning known for its immense power.
Though it ranked third in destructive capability, its speed was still the fastest among all forms.
In a flash, Stella appeared behind the guards. Unsheathing her sword, she cut them all into pieces.
'I smell blood down here,' Stella thought as she descended a staircase. Her expression darkened at what awaited her below