Chapter 36: Navigating Tight Security
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"Smart move, Nexus," Kent muttered, impressed. "But not smart enough."
He carefully reached into his backpack and pulled out a small pouch containing a handful of stones. Tossing one a few meters away from the array, he watched as the stone triggered the detection field.
Alarms blared, and several operatives rushed toward the disturbance.
"Go, go, go!" one of them shouted.
Using the distraction, Kent darted past the array, slipping into the shadows.
The Emerald Vein facility was eerily quiet compared to the chaos outside. The air was thick with spiritual energy, a mix of natural and corrupted. Kent could feel the tension in his chest as he moved deeper into the structure.
His goal was clear: find the source of the corruption and complete the system mission.
Kent entered a large chamber filled with old crystals, each one radiating a faint spiritual energy. Most of them seemed stable, but a few glowed with a dark, ominous aura—the corruption was unmistakable.
In the center of the room, a massive machine hummed quietly. Its purpose became clear as Kent observed the process: corrupted crystals were being purified and stored in containment units.
"So Nexus isn't behind the corruption," Kent realized. "They're trying to stop it."
He approached one of the containment units, his eyes narrowing as he studied the glowing crystals. There is a small, black crystal, its energy pulsating like a heartbeat.
Ding!
System Notification:
Corruption Source Identified: Black Vein Crystal.
[Note: The Black Vein Crystal is an ancient artifact tied to the corruption of spiritual energy.
It was originally created by a long-forgotten sect of rogue cultivators during the age of spiritual energy's peak.
These cultivators sought to harness and weaponize spiritual energy by concentrating it into powerful cores.
However, their methods were unstable, causing spiritual energy to become tainted, dark, and chaotic—what is now referred to as corruption.]
"This is it," Kent muttered. "The cause of all this chaos."
He activated his Spiritual Clock again, using its cloaking ability to mask his presence as he examined a machine.
(The machine is for corruption purifications.)
Kent's curiosity got the better of him. He wanted to know how the machine worked, and more importantly, how the Black Vein Crystal was connected to the corruption.
He carefully adjusted the controls, his fire aura sparking faintly as he tampered with the device.
Suddenly, the machine let out a loud whine, its lights flickering erratically.
"Oops," Kent whispered, stepping back.
The machine overloaded, causing several of the corrupted artifacts to shatter. A dark mist filled the room, swirling ominously before dissipating into nothingness.
Alarms blared throughout the facility.
"Great job, Kent," he muttered sarcastically, slipping into the shadows as Nexus operatives swarmed the chamber.
He quickly grabs the Black Vein.
System notifications come.
Ding! Host is advised to put the crystal in the system storage.
Kent quickly followed and put the Black Vein into the system. Then a System notification comes.
Black Vein Crystal Stored.
Description: A concentrated source of corrupted spiritual energy. Capable of destabilizing spiritual lands and mutating living beings.
Function: Acts as a core for corruption, spreading its influence across the surrounding area. Can be neutralized through purification or containment.
Warning: Prolonged exposure can cause irreversible damage and make the soul violent.
Kent's heart raced. "This thing… it's worse than I thought."
Using his Spiritual Clock, Kent navigated the chaos, slipping past guards and avoiding detection. He managed to reach the facility's exit just as a high-level operative entered the chamber.
The man radiated power, his spiritual energy unlike anything Kent had encountered before.
Meanwhile he was getting many sp from the guard.
Ding!
+999, +999, +888,567+876…. SP copied.
Before Kent left, He saw glimpses of Nexus's plans— a map of a massive ancient ruin hidden deep within the metrocity, its activation imminent. ,(very soon it will open)
"He just took the map. Thinking he might be able to get some treasures from the ruins."
Once he was safely out of range, Kent pulled out the map he had retrieved from the facility. It was old and tattered, but the markings were clear.
The ruin Nexus was targeting was massive, and its activation could potentially destabilize the entire region.
"System what now?," Kent said, folding the map and tucking it into his system storage.
No response...
When Kent returned home, he found Nima already asleep on the couch, her Soulbear curled protectively beside her.
He quietly spread the map on the table, studying its details under the dim light.
"This is bigger than I thought," he whispered to himself. "Nexus is trying to explore this ruin. When will it open? It doesn't say anything."
"I guess I have to go to the location and find out for myself."
Kent glanced at Nima, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'll protect you, kiddo. No matter what."
With the map in hand and a clear goal ahead, Kent knew his mission wasn't over yet. He folded the map carefully and this time he placed it in his bag, his mind already racing with plans for the next step.
While Nima is sleeping, I should go and check the location. It's not very far but I have never been to that location before.
Only a 1:30 hour journey outside the city.
I am a cultivator now. I can handle this. Let's do it. If I find a good treasure I will become more powerful. Then step out of the house full of confidence.
Kent is standing in the yard and suddenly a sound comes.
Ding!.
System Notification:
Mission complete: Investigate the corruption's origin and its connection to the Emerald Vein.
Reward:
1. Flashing Step.
2. A skill slot.
What is this Flashing step? System can you explain?
Skill: Flashing Step. Description: A movement technique that allows the host to dash forward with explosive speed, leaving a trail dust behind.
System Notification:
Host has a footwork technique.
Do you wish to learn the Flashing step?
[Yes] / [No]
Before leaving the yard, Kent decided to learn his newly acquired rewards.
[Yes, I want to learn it.]
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