Chapter 151: Chapter 151: Ancient Dwarvania
"Alright, welcome to the party, Zero. I'm Sofia, the party leader," Sofia said, giving him a firm handshake.
Aengus smiled. "Glad to join you guys. Please take care of me in the future."
One by one, he was introduced to the rest of the party, who accepted him into the team.
They knew the situation in the Capital City was becoming chaotic, and they would need all the help they could get. Zero was strong and friendly, not like the arrogant higher breeds.
"Hank, show Zero to his room for now. We'll head outside to gather intel and news about the Secret Land," Sofia instructed.
"Got it. Come on, brother Zero. I'll show you your room, though the conditions are crude compared to your background," Hank smiled as he led the way.
"I don't care about all that. Just having a place to stay is fine for me," Aengus said.
"That's good, that's good," Hank replied, visibly relieved.
As they left, Sofia and the others contemplated the new addition to their group.
"He's as strong as a monster; I can feel it," Lark commented, his expression serious.
"Sofia, isn't it risky to accept him into our team so casually?" Mara asked with uncertainty. "What if he turns against us?"
Sofia sighed, "I know. But we have to take a gamble. He could be a great asset if everything works out. Besides, we need to be ready for the worst. The people from the Dragon Empire will definitely show up, and we know how arrogant they are. We need to prepare for anything."
"Oh, the Dragon assholes? I completely forgot about them," Alisha cut in. "But will any of the Heroes come here?" she asked, curious.
"Hmph, just because they're called Heroes doesn't mean they're saints. Sometimes, they're the most arrogant ones out there," Nate added with an icy demeanor.
"Well, not all of them are bad," Sofia replied with a nod. "And yes, they might come as well. The temptation of the Secret Land is too great to ignore."
Alisha grinned, "We're all here with the same goal in mind. I just hope they let us through peacefully."
"I'm sure they won't have much of a choice when faced with the Empires and the Holy Cathedral. Even Emperor Kairos would have to think twice."
"Whoa! That means the situation inside the Secret Treasure Land will be dangerous," Alisha remarked, her voice full of unease. "Hope we make it out alive."
---
Once Aengus settled into his room, he focused on sensing the connection with his Doppelganger. Yes, it was still there, and he sighed in relief, overhearing the conversation with Bella even from here.
Next, he took out the Spatial Disk from his Space Bracelet. His goal: attempting to absorb its ability. After all, trying couldn't hurt, right? He could never fully trust a device to work when he needed to escape the most.
As for Belial's threat, he didn't care. He was confident Belial wouldn't go too far.
Aengus touched the Spatial Disk and activated Skill Absorption. The void-like energy from his hand attempted to latch onto the runic mechanisms within the device, but notifications of failure rang repeatedly in his mind.
[Error! Skill Absorption Failed.]
[Error!...]
your-MVLeMpYr-source
Aengus furrowed his brows. "So, man-made abilities can't be absorbed?"
"Master, you could use Universal Synthesis to fuse it with your body, like you did with the Energy Converter. I'm sure it would work," came Manas' ethereal voice, echoing in his mind.
"I know, I was already thinking the same," Aengus replied.
"Do you need help, Master?" Manas offered.
Aengus shook his head. "No, I can use Universal Synthesis better than before."
With that, Aengus activated Darkness Shroud to conceal any prying eyes. Then, he placed the Spatial Disk against his chest and initiated Universal Synthesis.
An ethereal blue dome formed around him, and the process began.
This time, the process was quick.
[You have acquired a new Special Trait: Greater Spatial Teleporter.]
[Greater Spatial Teleporter: This trait allows you and your allies to travel through Quick Spatial Rifts to chosen locations available on the map ]
[Limitation: Can be used unlimitedly, but the energy cost varies depending on the distance of teleportation. ]
Aengus could feel something new inside his body, connected to his Energy Converter through a magical integration.
He read the description and felt satisfied. "With this, I can be more assured of my safety," he thought.
With that settled, Aengus addressed Manas.
"Manas, show me your stats. Let me see how much you've changed," Aengus ordered.
Manas Complied obediently, "Yes, Master."
[ Name: MANAS (Melania Ava Norah Arabella Seraphine) ]
[ Race: Seraphim ]
[ Rank: S ]
[ Type: Loyal Assistant ]
[ Description: MANAS is unique intelligent entity from higher dimensions, capable of doing task with unmatched intelligence ]
Abilities:
- Prediction
- Higher Information Processing
- Ultra Comprehension (Assist)
- Basic Information Archives (Mythraldor)
- Telepathic Communication
"So, Manas, you still don't remember your origin? Or the connection with me... or should I say, 'Zero'?" Aengus asked thoughtfully.
Manas replied, her voice soft but resolute, "No, Master. I still cannot remember anything related to your name or my identity, but I do remember that I have a mission—to assist you in any way possible."
"I see..."
Aengus pondered for a moment. He suspected that Manas might be tied to the same higher realm from which many Unique Skill holders, like himself, originated. There were too many mysteries surrounding his reincarnation and the powers at play.
"So, do you have any information on this 'Secret Land' everyone's talking about?" he asked, remembering that Manas had the ability to gather knowledge about the world.
"Yes, Master. I have gathered some primary history and information available in this world," Manas answered confidently.
"First, the place is called Dwarvania. It's where the Ancient Dwarfs once lived. They were renowned for their artifact crafting and incredible treasures. However, by some mysterious intervention, the realm fell into ruin, and now it's scattered with hidden treasures, making it a hotspot for treasure hunters."
Aengus stood by the window, absorbing the knowledge. "Can I find any soul-related treasures or items there?" he asked, his tone soft. "You've seen the condition of my soul, right. Tell me the truth."
"Yes, Master," Manas replied seriously.
"There are records of soul-related treasures within Dwarvania. You may indeed find something that could help your condition. But, be cautious Master. The wild beasts there are formidable, and the unpredictable nature of the realm has led to many casualties in past expeditions."
Aengus nodded. "It seems like we'll be entering Dwarvania soon, then."