While all the evolutionaries were stunned by the notification, Novak frowned slightly.
Naturally, he was a bit puzzled.
Aside from the reputation gained by clearing the dungeon for the first time, and even the reputation earned for the entire Faeloria Country camp, what was the real use of reputation?
It was simple: Civilization took priority.
After all, the proving grounds for gods and demons also served as proving grounds for civilizations, races, nations, and more!
As for reputation growth, the most direct and effective benefit was the additional boost to experience points and item drop rates.
For each point of reputation, there was a 1% bonus to both experience points and the explosion rate of rewards.
Although this bonus might seem small, on a large scale, it was an unimaginable improvement!
One could easily imagine how much Novak had gained by clearing this secret realm dungeon.
Upon analysis, Novak quickly realized that this significant boost came not only because he was the first to conquer it but also due to one crucial factor:
Nightmare level!
Dungeons were graded according to difficulty:
Normal, Hard, Nightmare, and Hell.
Each level was more terrifying than the last!
However, Novak distinctly remembered that when he entered the Cooled Incinerator dungeon, there had been no indication of its difficulty level.
The strength of the biochemical demon within was far beyond what a typical level 5-10 evolutionary could handle.
It was simply too tough, too overwhelming!
At that moment, Novak suddenly grasped the true intent behind the God of Trading's message.
To grow as an evolutionary, one needed to embrace exploration and possess a daring spirit, but above all, one had to be cautious and prudent.
However, while caution could help you survive longer in the apocalypse, being overly cautious would never lead to true strength!
After taking a risk, if you still return alive, only then can you truly reap the rewards!
The risks and horrors involved – Novak realized them only now, though a bit belatedly!
This was the same principle applied in both business and investing.
Everyone wants the bait when they see it, but if they wish to claim it, they must be prepared for the potential trap.
In the face of such temptation, all challenges remain unknown. If you desire high returns, you must also face high risks!
This was the trading method of the God of Trading, a truth Novak only now understood.
A Nightmare-level dungeon!?
For a test!
It was undeniable, just as the God of Trading had subtly implied:
Terrible risks bring equally terrible rewards!
Five points of personal reputation and camp reputation for the Faeloria Country!
The gold-generating potential of the first-ever strategy video for this dungeon!
Fame spreading across the entire Planet Kepler!
And the most tangible reward: Experience points, allowing him to level up twice, along with the dropped items, and the evolutionary boost from the Blacklight Virus – all of these were real, significant benefits!
Novak didn't leave the incinerator in a rush.
For him, this eerie, cold, and terrifying place had become the greatest treasure trove of his rebirth!
Sitting calmly on the ground, Novak inspected his gains and trophies at his leisure.
However, what he didn't realize was how much of an upheaval his actions had caused in the outside world!
At this time, it was already night—late into the night.
Yet, on this first night of the apocalypse, across the Faeloria Country and even in the west where morning had broken, no one could sleep peacefully!
In the De-M-anila Ocean Blue Villa Area.
Daphne stood atop Ocean Blue mountain, gazing into the distant De-M-anila city, and felt a sudden surge of pride as she looked over the vast Ocean Blue landscape.
It was a feeling that was, quite unexpectedly, described with a word often reserved for men—pride was swelling in her chest at that moment!
Back in De M-anila, she was regarded as the untouchable Queen Song. Even within the entire Faeloria Country, she had earned a reputation of prominence.
Many influential figures had tried to bring her under their influence, but she had managed to avoid them all.
Unexpectedly, her first act of submission had been to a young man around the age of her own daughter!
Yet, his strength was such that Daphne didn't dare to harbor any other thoughts about him!
However, after an entire day of mastering her talent and feeling the full extent of her power as an evolutionary, Daphne began to wonder: perhaps that young man wasn't invincible after all?
The future was full of possibilities!
Daphne firmly believed that with her abilities, she could rise to the very pinnacle of the Faeloria Country, standing atop its highest pyramid. In the apocalypse, starting from such a point, she would undoubtedly reach the peak!
And when that day came, she would make sure that young man knew what it felt like to be oppressed!
With that thought, Daphne tucked away her ambitions and gracefully returned to the villa. But just as she stepped inside, Nicole appeared with a frown.
"Sister Daphne, there are quite a few mutant rats in the forest. Many of our people have been attacked by them." Nicole reported.
Daphne frowned slightly.
"Build the city walls immediately. Those rats are entering through the sewer pipes at the mountain's base. Seal the sewers with cement!"
"DING!"
At that exact moment, both women were startled, almost simultaneously!
Because, at the corner of their vision, a special reminder appeared:
[The Cosmic Will: 'Novak 'White Emperor', an evolutionary from the Faeloria Country camp, has cleared the Cooled Incinerator (Level 5-10) and conquered the nightmare-level secret realm! This dungeon's video guide has been permanently saved! Viewing price: 1 copper coin!]
[The Cosmic Will: 'Novak 'White Emperor' an evolutionary from the Faeloria Country camp, is the first to clear the nightmare-level dungeon and upload a strategy video. Reputation +5! Faeloria Country camp reputation +1!]
A secret realm!?
Hadn't Novak mentioned something like this before?
That was Daphne's first thought.
Her gaze shifted as she took in the details of the message.
Faeloria Country! Nightmare-level secret realm? Level 5-10? White Emperor?!
Daphne's heart leapt.
She suddenly had an ominous yet exciting realization!
What mutant rats? What sewer pipes? She no longer cared.
Her full attention was now on the video guide that had just appeared.
Upon seeing the name, Daphne lost all hope of denying the truth.
Faeloria Country... De M-anila University…
This was where the Cooled Incinerator was located!
And in this region, there was no doubt in her mind who this "White Emperor" was, the person now seen by all evolutionaries on the very first day of the apocalypse!
With this thought, Daphne swallowed hard, paid the copper coin fee, and clicked on the video guide.