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Chapter 305: The World Imprint
🕑 Added 2024-10-07 07:00:43 +0000 UTCKing Milan smiled slightly, carefully choosing his words before speaking:
"In truth, when discussing Saint-level power, we must also talk about Mystical Power. Through the summaries of our predecessors and my years of insight, my understanding of the connection between Mystical Power and the world has deepened over time."
"If we liken magic and battle energy to the surface of the world, as external forces, then Mystical Power can be understood as the world's fundamental force, the essential source of its construction and operation. Mystical Power existed first, leading to the creation of the various diluted and externalized forms of magic and battle energy."
"When we comprehend Mystical Power, it's akin to grasping the fundamental forces unique to our world. Compared to those external forms of magic and battle energy, the combat power of Mystical Power naturally stands several levels higher."
"I personally believe that the process of a transcendent's cultivation is a process of deepening their integration with the world. As long as one follows the path of our world, the higher their power grows, the deeper the imprint they leave on the world. Saint-level warriors represent the current pinnacle. Once this threshold is crossed, one's affinity with the world significantly increases, earning the world's favor. Mystical Power, which is difficult to perceive during the transcendent stage, becomes much more evident."
"Of course, this seems fair, as anyone can reach the pinnacle through effort. But surely you've noticed that reality doesn't always reflect this—many people not only differ in their speed of comprehending Mystical Power, but some even lack the talent entirely."
Rhett nodded thoughtfully and then asked, "That's true, but why is that?"
King Milan continued, "Because the world's fundamental force is limited. For some to receive its favor, others are inevitably overlooked. This means that some people are born with a deep imprint on the world, giving them a natural advantage in comprehending Mystical Power. On the other hand, some progress much more slowly."
Hearing this analogy and insight, Rhett felt as if a light had been switched on in his mind, and he exclaimed in realization:
"So that's it. So, if one's world imprint is deep enough, it's like having a higher level of access, accelerating the comprehension of Mystical Power?"
King Milan paused slightly before laughing, "Your summary is much more straightforward and clear—yes, that's exactly it."
That almost sounds like the difference between regular users and premium members, with an added acceleration feature—what a thought... Rhett mused inwardly but still had many questions in his mind, so he asked another, "Your Majesty, what about the innate talent for spiritual power in mages and battle energy in knights? How do those fit in? Based on your earlier explanation, it seems they aren't directly related to the world imprint."
King Milan pondered for a moment and then said:
"That's correct. Historical evidence shows that transcendent talent and affinity for Mystical Power are not directly linked. Some people may have exceptional talent for magic or battle energy, yet be average when it comes to Mystical Power. Conversely, others may have poor talent in magic or battle energy but possess extraordinary advantages in comprehending Mystical Power. To this day, no one has fully understood the specific reasons for this. Some speculate it's because the world's operations are unconscious, unlike humans, who have conscious awareness. It can't actively intervene when it comes to the evolution of life."
Rhett nodded in understanding, "I see... Thank you, Your Majesty, for explaining this. It has broadened my horizons!"
"With your talent, you would have figured it out eventually." King Milan remarked, then with a tone of concern, he added, "Rhett, make sure you reach the Saint-level as soon as possible. Don't waste your exceptional world affinity. The time left for you and us is running out..."
Hearing this, Rhett's expression grew serious, and he asked, "Is it because of the orc invasion? Our world... is it truly running out of time?"
A flash of surprise crossed King Milan's eyes as he looked Rhett up and down, saying, "Oh? How do you know about this? Has someone else told you the secrets of the Saint-levels?"
"I've heard about the concept of high-level world invasions before because I’ve also read notes left by the Saint Magister Mozassi from ten thousand years ago, which gave me some insight into the orcs..."
"Mozassi..." King Milan thought for a moment before realizing, "Ah, him—the water-type Saint Magister who was obsessed with the Mermen. I wonder if he ever found their artifact. Unfortunately, much of his story has been lost to history. That being said, he was indeed proactive in exploring the world's origin in his time, so it's not surprising that you know about these things."
Rhett humbly replied, "I don't know much, only that the invasion from a higher-level world has affected ours. Beyond that, I'm unclear. Your Majesty, it seems that the number of Saints in our world is fewer than it was ten thousand years ago?"
King Milan gave Rhett a complex look and said, "I hadn't intended to tell you this so soon, but since you already know quite a bit, there's no harm in revealing the truth to you. However, you must promise that our conversation today will not be disclosed to a third party!"
"I swear to abide by this order!" Rhett said, pressing his hand to his chest.
King Milan sighed, then spoke in a low voice:
"You're right—our world's number of Saints has been steadily decreasing, and our world itself is in decline. The invasion from higher-level worlds poses a grave threat. Our predecessors did not fully understand this, but now we do. Even their mere existence disrupts the operation of our world's fundamental forces. The longer they remain, the more severe the interference."
King Milan's tone grew angry as he continued, "In fact, the orcs are constantly suppressed by our world, but their talents are remarkable. The world that sent them here must be far stronger than ours. Despite their hardships, they’ve endured thanks to their powerful origins."
"As things stand, they are like a malignant tumor, difficult to remove. Their survival and growth leave increasingly more foreign imprints on our world, causing it to wither while providing them with a more comfortable living environment. This vicious cycle means that our world will eventually face destruction!"
Rhett's expression darkened, and he clenched his fists, saying, "Damn it! So, if this continues, they'll grow faster and faster while we grow slower and slower... until we perish!"
"Yes, it's a vicious cycle!" King Milan's gaze turned cold. "In fact, after humans resolved to end internal conflicts nearly a thousand years ago, we made a plan—if the situation does not improve within a millennium, it will be time for a decisive battle with the orcs!"
At that moment, Rhett felt a chill run through his body. Although he had learned much from simulations, hearing it firsthand was different—it allowed him to grasp more details and the essence of the situation.
He had previously wondered how the orcs or other foreign creatures specifically interfered with the native world.
So, it turns out there’s this concept of a world imprint.
Under normal circumstances, the growth of native life leaves an increasing number of imprints. Although Rhett wasn’t sure what these imprints do for the world, there was no doubt that they were beneficial. The more imprints native life left, the more power they gained.
But the invasion of foreign life forms disrupted the local ecosystem. The foreign imprints they left not only didn’t benefit the world but also accumulated over time, leading to its decline.
While the world isn’t without mechanisms to counteract this, as the invading species would inevitably be suppressed, the orcs, with their superior life essence, must have carefully calculated and prepared before their invasion, allowing them to grow despite the world’s suppression...
At that thought, Rhett suddenly considered the elves. Perhaps their need to rely on native life and their limited existence are also related to the world’s suppression?
The scene remained silent for a few minutes.
"Indeed, the time left to us is short..." Rhett spoke with a sense of realization, then looked at King Milan, pressing his hand to his chest as he expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, King Milan, for your insights. We humans will surely achieve victory in defending our world!"
King Milan’s expression had already returned to calm. "Your resolve is commendable, but at the very least, you must become a Saint before you can join the formal counterattack!"
"Keep striving... Child of the World..." King Milan gave Rhett a deep look before turning away. A flash of fire light followed, and the king vanished from the spot.
Rhett was left standing alone, stunned. Did King Milan just call him the Child of the World? It almost made him think his secret had been exposed.
But then, recalling his recent conversation with Locke at the Coldstream Defense Line and the few jokes they exchanged, he suddenly realized. It was likely overheard at that time...
Rhett chuckled to himself, but as he recalled the conversation with King Milan, his mood grew heavy again, and the smile faded from his face.
"Saving the world... it's a daunting task..."
The next day, Rhett returned to the Sixth Legion's temporary base.
Laedros was in the hall, beaming with joy as he stretched out his arms and gave Rhett a big hug before laughing heartily, "That was brilliant! As expected of His Majesty, with his remarkable strategy—inviting several Saints to ambush and completely annihilate the five Saint-level orcs!"
Rhett smiled silently and sank into a bench, finally allowing himself to relax.
"So, how about we throw a grand victory feast at our training ground and prepare a lavish dinner for all the soldiers?" Laedros suggested, clearly in a great mood.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Rhett shook his head.
"Why not?" Laedros asked in surprise. "I've scouted the area in the past two days, and the orc attacks have been significantly reduced in frequency and scale. If you're worried about an ambush, we can leave a garrison behind!"
"On my way here, my scouts detected signs of high-level orc activity, and there were quite a few of them. Originally, I planned to deal with it myself, but worried about potential dangers, I decided to return and gather more troops." Rhett said earnestly.
"High-level orcs? Where are they?" Laedros' expression immediately turned serious.
"Near the Icy Creek, at coordinates (17, 28)."
"Do you think the two of us, along with how many soldiers, can take them down?" Laedros completely forgot about the celebration, pacing back and forth in the hall with a contemplative look.
"All our mid-level soldiers, plus Locke, should be enough," Rhett considered before giving his answer.
"Good!" Laedros' expression firmed up, "Speed is crucial. Let's act now. If those high-level orcs are setting an ambush or on standby, we might still make it in time."
Rhett paused for a moment, then said, "You go gather the troops. To be safe, I'll head to the Coldstream camp to seek Locke's support, and then we'll meet at the end of Icy Creek."
"Agreed. Let's do it!"
After discussing a few more details, the two quickly left the war hall.
It took Rhett a day of full-speed travel to finally reach the Coldstream Defense Line.
He was making his way toward Fortress No. 12 when he unexpectedly ran into a familiar figure—Hypastos! Hypastos, dressed in a deep blue mage's robe today, had a necklace that looked like it was made of sapphire hanging from his chest. When he saw Rhett, he smiled slightly and said:
"What a coincidence, Rhett. I was just out for a walk and happened to run into an old acquaintance."
Rhett was momentarily surprised but quickly responded with enthusiasm, "Tower Master Hypastos, long time no see. I didn’t expect to meet you here. Were you one of the Saints who helped us annihilate those Saint-level orcs a few days ago?"
Hypastos nodded, "Yes, I was one of them. But it was King Milan's intelligence that made this operation successful. His information was so precise, knowing the movements of the orc Saints. I was quite amazed by that."
Rhett’s eyes flickered. From Hypastos' words, it seemed that King Milan had kept his involvement secret, not disclosing it even to Hypastos. If even he didn't know, then no one else likely did.
"Indeed, that news has greatly boosted morale!" Rhett agreed, then, as if suddenly remembering something, asked, "By the way, Tower Master Hypastos, about that bloodline potion you promised..."
"Oh, the bloodline potion? The materials have been gathered, and the extraction process is nearly complete. The final product should be ready in about two years," Hypastos said with a light smile.
"Thank you!" Rhett nodded and then asked thoughtfully, "Tower Master Hypastos, when will you be leaving the Coldstream Defense Line?"
"I'm leaving soon. I came here to see you one last time," Hypastos replied. "I've heard about your recent achievements—they've been quite impressive. I just wanted to remind you that in the fight against the orcs, we humans, regardless of our nation, must stand united. I hope you continue to do your best. And, of course, take care of your own safety..."
"I will." Rhett said firmly, "But I have a request—could you delay your departure by half a month?"
"Delay by half a month?" Hypastos looked surprised and hesitated, "Have you encountered some trouble, or is there another reason?"
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