Zumi turned to Gia and said, "I need to catch my breath a bit. I've done too much in a short amount of time. I'm tired." As he spoke, a sudden heaviness settled over him, the weight of everything that had transpired pressing down like a deep well, urging him toward slumber. Gia, sensing his fatigue, helped him up, supporting him on her shoulder as she guided him to a nearby room with a couch where he could rest. She had pledged to protect Zumi with all her heart, and a rush of warmth flooded through her as she watched him lay down on the couch, asleep. He's so handsome, she thought, blushing intensely.
Driven by curiosity, Gia began to explore the enigmatic house that had become their refuge. The interior, a stark contrast to the dilapidated exterior, was a testament to hidden grandeur, holding its secrets close and daring anyone to uncover them.
She wandered into a room near where Zumi was resting. As Gia stepped inside, the rich glow of the decor enveloped her senses. A red velvet fleece chair against the wall, its corners glistening in gold, beckoned her to sit. The chair bore a majestic gold lion roaring symbol, exuding power and authority. Every item in the room seemed crafted from gold or adorned with it, creating an aura fit for a king or high-ranking official.
Suddenly, a realization struck her like a lightning bolt—this room belonged to the Dojima family. They had numerous safe houses across the country, each uniquely designed and purposefully hidden. Hospitals, schools, storage rooms—all disguised behind an abandoned facade. Gia shuddered at the thought of the rumors surrounding these safe houses, said to be protected by a mysterious barrier that obscured the presence of anyone inside. The room seemed to pulsate with an unseen energy, and a wave of relief washed over her; they were still on Dojima family property.
While Zumi slept, Gia recalled everything Ana had told her about the safe house: "To the east, beyond the reach of lights and skies, lies a realm where emptiness and abundance coexist in eerie harmony. Only the chosen ones can perceive its existence, stepping into the ethereal House of the Great Lion and Eagle, a sanctuary sought in times of dire conflict." After pondering this for a moment, Gia realized where she needed to go. While Zumi rested, she practiced her fighting techniques, feeling a deep sense of regret for her perceived uselessness during the battle.
Reflecting on her past, the memories of her foster father's death and her own harrowing experiences haunted her, driving her to become stronger and more determined. The pain of past failures weighed heavily on her heart, fueling her desire to protect Zumi. She had never felt such a strong connection to anyone before, never felt such a burning need to stand by someone's side and give her all for their sake. Zumi had become her reason to fight, her reason to live. She was ready to face any challenge and overcome any obstacle, all for the one person who had finally given her purpose and meaning in life.
Minutes passed as Gia honed her skills, and then she heard a slight creak from Zumi's direction. Startled, she prepared to fight. To her relief, it was Zumi waking up.
As Zumi stirred from his slumber, a melodious chime resonated in his head: Ping! The Host has achieved a Charisma Reward Chest since Gia's integration as a system character. There are also 30 units of Gold Essence values in the vicinity. Host, please extract so the system can level up. Zumi's visage lit up with a knowing smile as he rose from the couch. Gia appeared by his side, bowing her head deeply in a gesture of respect and humility. "Greetings, Master Zumi," she said, her tone filled with reverence and admiration.
Zumi instructed her to raise her head and gave her a gentle pat, causing her to blush slightly and smile at him. "Master, I figured out where Ana's safe house is. Do you wish to depart?" Zumi didn't answer her question but instead asked with curiosity if a room filled with gold existed. Gia nodded eagerly. "Yes, Master," she replied, pointing to the room she had entered earlier.
"Wait by the door," Zumi instructed, entering the room and closing the door behind him. Gia obediently complied, fully embracing her new role as a system connection character, treating every word Zumi spoke as absolute truth and law.
"System, extract the Gold Essence around here," Zumi directed while present in the room.
The System Spoke, "Gathering all nearby Gold Essence, One moment, please."
As the words echoed softly, the ambiance of the room shifted. The air around him began to shimmer, radiating with a warm, golden glow. Dust motes stirred, dancing like tiny stars caught in a gentle breeze, their movements adding to the mystical atmosphere. The ancient stone walls, adorned with intricate carvings, seemed to respond to his command, pulsing with a life of their own.
From the shadows of the room, wisps of ghostly gold began to materialize, drawn by an unseen force. They coiled and twisted, forming delicate tendrils that snaked through the air. It was as if the essence itself was alive, eager to answer the call. Zumi watched in awe as more and more of this ethereal substance was pulled towards him, weaving intricate patterns before finally converging at the center of the space.
The warm glow intensified, wrapping around him like a comforting embrace. As the essence flowed closer, Zumi felt a subtle tugging at his core, drawing the luminous gold into him. It flooded through his stomach, filling him with a radiant warmth that spread throughout his entire being. Each heartbeat resonated with the rhythm of the essence, amplifying his energy and awakening untapped power within.
He could sense the room vibrating in harmony with the essence, as if it too was part of this magical exchange. The golden light illuminated the room, casting flickering shadows that danced along the walls, adding to the enchantment of the moment. As the essence surged within, Zumi closed his eyes, letting the flood of vitality engulf him, knowing that this was just the beginning of an extraordinary transformation.
After a brief pause, another ping sounded: It had been detected that the Host had rapidly acquired an extraordinary array of skills within a remarkably short period. The sheer magnitude of skills amassed by the Host has surpassed the threshold required for a system upgrade.
"Attention, Host. Your substantial accumulation of Gold Essence has unlocked a unique function. From this moment forward, to upgrade the system, you are required to submit only 100 units of Gold Essence. Furthermore, with each system level-up, you will receive an upgrade to all attribute points, granting a significant increase of 100 points to each attribute until you reach the pinnacle of power at level 10. Additionally, you have been granted an immediate boost of 100 attribute points to all stats and sub-stats. Prepare to harness your newfound potential."
"Furthermore, all of your proficiencies and skills have reached their maximum level, achieving total mastery. The system will now be upgraded from level 2 to level 7. Congratulations, Host! This monumental achievement has unlocked the most powerful body transformation in the universe, known as the Immortal Body. As long as you remain undefeated in battle, you will never die and will be rendered impervious to any threat in the universe. Note: The Immortal Body Skill is also granted to all System Characters. Embrace your destiny, Host.
"Ping! Upgrade preparations are complete. The beginning of the transformation is now underway. Prepare yourself, Host, for the next phase of your evolution."
Zumi and Gia stood on opposite sides of the door, a palpable tension crackling in the air. Suddenly, they were swept up in a whirlwind of swirling, mysterious energy. The room erupted in blinding light, and in an instant, they both lost consciousness.
When they finally came to, everything had changed. Their bodies felt different, their clothes were unrecognizable, and it was as if they had been reborn into a new reality. The transformation was so astonishing that even they struggled to comprehend it.
Zumi's metamorphosis was nothing short of spectacular. His once-light hair had morphed into a deep, enigmatic hue, streaked with vibrant green highlights that seemed to pulse with a soft glow. His eyes, now a piercing, intense green, held an otherworldly depth that seemed to see right through everything around him. He wore a sleek, form-fitting black suit paired with a blood-red shirt that exuded an air of danger. Intricate black and gold gloves adorned his hands, and an eagle storage bracelet wrapped around his wrist, completing the look. He now resembled a figure of immense power, a leader in the yakuza world, commanding both fear and respect from all who crossed his path. This transformation was more than just a change in appearance; it was a powerful symbol of his newfound strength and authority.
Gia's transformation was equally mesmerizing. She embraced a striking gothic punk aesthetic, her pale skin and full lips enhanced by glossy makeup that highlighted her piercing red eyes. Her black hair was styled in a blunt bob, with straight bangs framing her face perfectly. Adorned with multiple earrings on her left ear and a spiked choker around her neck, she radiated an edgy allure. A black and red leather-like jacket draped over a vibrant red shirt completed her ensemble. Gia was undeniably more beautiful than before, but it was the surge of power and confidence within her that truly set her apart. It felt as if the transformation had awakened a dormant fire inside her, igniting a fierce determination and purpose she had never known.
Together, Zumi and Gia stood transformed, ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead in this new chapter of their lives.
The system chimed again: Ping! The system has successfully leveled up to Level 7! The Host has unlocked 8 high-tier rewards and gained access to the Soul Space. All Host attributes and sub-stats have increased by 100.
Here are the new Host stats:
Strength: 228
Dexterity: 220
Charisma: 240
Wisdom: 241
Intelligence: 241
Constitution: 240
Sub Points:
Charm: 240
Damage Points: 240
Legendary Qi Energy Level: 10
With this significant boost, the Host is now more formidable than ever, ready to face new challenges and explore the depths of the Soul Space!
Zumi decided to open his rewards later; right now, he had to find Ana. He swung the door open and was immediately taken aback by Gia's transformation. He recognized her by her Qi energy, but her appearance was strikingly different. "You look incredible!" he exclaimed, causing a blush to creep across Gia's cheeks.
"Are you ready to go?" she asked, her excitement palpable.
Snapping out of his daze, Zumi replied, "Yes, lead the way." With that, Gia dashed out the door like a bolt of lightning, and Zumi followed closely behind. As they raced eastward, Gia began to explain the riddle of their destination: "To the east, beyond the reach of lights and skies, lies a realm where emptiness and abundance coexist in eerie harmony. Only the chosen ones can perceive its existence, stepping into the ethereal House of the Great Lion and Eagle, a sanctuary sought in times of dire conflict."
With their newfound strength and speed, Zumi and Gia propelled themselves to Mach 4, zipping past the city's glowing lights and soon leaving it all behind as they entered the outskirts. After a few exhilarating minutes, Gia suddenly skidded to a halt. "It's here," she said, pointing to a desolate area that resembled a barren wasteland.
Zumi's eyes were drawn to a stone platform on the ground, visible only to those with high-level legendary Qi. The safe house could only be accessed from the outside by standing on the platform or by someone inside letting them in. An inscription at the top of the slab read: "Those who bear the mark of a king may enter."
Just as Gia was about to call for Jasmine to gain entry, the ground trembled, and a deep voice echoed: Access Granted: King Zumi Gold. Gia turned back in shock, her heart swelling with joy as she saw Zumi standing on the platform. She admired him immensely; her Master possessed the legendary Qi energy of a King!
Before them, the ethereal safe house materialized from the barren wasteland like a shimmering oasis of peace and protection. Its smooth, cool jade walls reflected the dim candlelight, casting a kaleidoscope of colors that danced across the room. This massive structure could house 20 million people within its spacious halls and rooms.
At the entrance, a grand statue of an eagle stood proudly on one side, its wings outstretched as if ready to take flight. Opposite it, a majestic lion sat regally, its mane flowing in an unseen breeze. These guardians watched over the safe house, their fierce and noble presence offering security to all who entered.
Inside, the interior was a marvel of design and luxury. Plush carpets woven from the finest silks lined the floors, while intricate mosaics depicting scenes of nature adorned the walls. High, vaulted ceilings allowed sunlight to filter through stained glass windows, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the space.
The safe house boasted all the amenities needed for comfort and security, with communal areas for dining and socializing and private quarters for individuals and families. Surrounding the structure were gardens filled with exotic plants and flowers, providing a peaceful retreat from the harsh realities of the outside world.
Despite its grandeur, the safe house remained a humble refuge for those seeking shelter from the chaos of the wasteland. It stood as a beacon of hope and resilience, a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of adversity.
As Zumi and Gia entered, everyone inside was amazed that the safe house door had opened. The only two known to be capable of opening it were present, leaving them shocked to see a young man they had never encountered before walk in. The moment Zumi and Gia crossed the threshold, the entrance closed behind them.
Nearby, Cathy and Jasmine recognized Zumi and Gia's Qi energy and rushed toward them. "Master Zumi!" Cathy yelled, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug, while Jasmine embraced Gia with a warm smile directed at Zumi. Both girls suddenly paused, realization dawning: How had Zumi gotten in, and how was Gia walking? Their appearances had also changed dramatically.
Seeing their expressions of confusion, Zumi quickly reassured them, "We'll have time to talk later. Where's Ana? What's going on? Thousands are here, and many are gravely injured."
Jasmine replied, "We'll discuss how you got in later, but I have to ask—Gia's injury was terrible. How is she walking?"
Gia chimed in, "Master Zumi fixed my legs! He used Traditional Chinese Medicine!"
Jasmine and Cathy exchanged shocked glances. "Okay, I'll need more details later, but let's go to Ana!" Jasmine urged, turning on her heel.
As Zumi followed her, the system chimed: Ping! Jasmine's respect for you has increased immensely. Progress: 5 out of 10. Cathy's intimacy towards you has increased by five, reaching the maximum value. They entered a room at the back, where many people stared at Zumi, murmuring among themselves. They wondered who he was and why the two bodyguards of the Oyabun's daughter were so friendly toward him—especially since her attendant called him "Master."
They approached a large ruby door that revealed a grand hallway. The opulent hallway featured high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers casting a warm, golden glow over the red-carpeted floor. Ornate tapestries and gilded frames holding portraits of past Oyabuns lined the walls.
As Zumi walked down the hallway, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was in a palace fit for royalty. The plush carpet beneath his feet muffled his footsteps as Jasmine led them to an extravagant door at the end of the hallway.
The door was a masterpiece made of rich mahogany, featuring intricate carvings and gold accents. At the center of the door was a fist-sized roaring lion head, its mane detailed and lifelike. The lion's eyes seemed to follow them as they approached, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the already impressive entrance.
Jasmine knocked on the door in a series of rhythmic taps, like a secret code. The lion's mouth closed, and a loud unlocking sound echoed as the door swung open, revealing an extravagant bedroom fit for a king. Luxurious furnishings and opulent decor exuded wealth and grandeur. The spacious room featured high ceilings and large windows that let in a flood of natural light, illuminating the space with a warm, inviting glow.
At the center of the room stood a massive four-poster bed draped in rich velvet curtains, adorned with intricate carvings and gold accents. The bedding was plush and decadent, inviting one to sink into its softness and drift off into a peaceful slumber.
On either side of the bed stood ornate nightstands, each holding a gleaming crystal lamp that cast a soft, ambient light throughout the room. The walls were adorned with tapestries and paintings depicting scenes of royal life and grandeur, further enhancing the regal atmosphere.
In one corner, a grand fireplace crackled with a warm fire, its flickering light dancing across the room and creating a cozy, inviting ambiance. Plush armchairs and a velvet chaise lounge offered comfortable seating options for relaxation and contemplation.
As Zumi took in the luxurious surroundings, his gaze fell upon a large, muscular man lying motionless on the bed. Ana sat in a chair beside him, her expression a mix of worry and hope. When she heard Zumi and Gia enter, her eyes lit up. She sprang from her seat and ran straight to Zumi, enveloping him in a tight hug.
"Zumi!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with relief and joy.
Zumi wrapped his arms around her, feeling the warmth of her embrace. "Ana, I'm here. I'm so glad to see you," he replied, his heart swelling with emotion.
Ana pulled back slightly, looking into Zumi's eyes, her expression a blend of gratitude and concern. "I was so worried about you. I didn't know if you'd make it here in time."
"I'm here now," Zumi reassured her, glancing at the man on the bed. "What happened to him?"
Ana's gaze shifted to the man, her brow furrowing. "He was injured during the attack. We've been trying to keep him stable, but…" Her voice trailed off, the weight of the situation pressing down on her.
Zumi nodded, determination settling in. "We'll figure this out together. I promise."
As they stood together, the flickering light from the fireplace illuminated their faces, casting a warm glow over the room filled with both hope and uncertainty.