ALL NOVEL Chapter 296 293:
Chapter 296 293:
The upgraded versions of all three skills sounded spectacular to Val. However, upon close examination, "Titan's Dominion" wasn't as enticing. He could already push himself to the brink of his speed with the "Blood Rush" skill. And as for other physical stats, he could maximize them using the cores of beasts.
Thus, he cast aside the thought of selecting this skill.
This left him torn between "Monarch's Decree" and "Infernal Touch."
However, upon deeper observation, the decision wasn't as challenging as it seemed at first glance. After all, one skill clearly held more potential and advantages for Val's current and anticipated future endeavors!
While the "Monarch's Decree" was tempting due to its ability to simplify the process of amassing an undead army, it lacked the versatility and importance that "Infernal Touch" held.
Val pondered internally, 'While the 'Monarch's Decree' is indeed a must-have for anyone dreaming of conquering the world, it's only effective against creatures bound to their physical forms. Once the physical forms of these creatures are destroyed, they are as good as read. But what about the foes that don't rely on a tangible body or those that can't be vanquished merely by destroying their physical selves? 'Monarch's Decree' wouldn't hold much weight against them. However, 'Infernal Touch'... now that's a skill that could tackle such challenges head-on.'
The "Infernal Touch" skill would provide him a significant advantage, not just against monsters and devils but also against strange and unpredictable phenomena.
Thus, after much contemplation, Val settled on upgrading the "Infernal Touch" skill.
A system notification popped up in front of his eyes.
[System Notification]
Skill "Hellish Fist" has been upgraded to:
"Infernal Touch"
Description: This skill grants the Host the ability to conjure, manipulate, and quell "Abyssal Hellfire" on command. The Abyssal Hellfire born from this skill possesses an intensity so profound that it can incinerate everything in its path until nothing is left of it, including the very world. Even entities that exist in their soul form or are intangible are not immune to this all-consuming blaze.]
This contained more explanation than the previous one.
Val realized not everything was mentioned in the description issued by the system when he inspected the petals and their effects on bloodline users and normies.
Since this was the case for him, it might be the same for Oliver.
What the evolution would bring might be more than he initially thought.
Val raised his head and looked ahead. Oliver still looked pained, meaning his evolution was far from done.
Val lowered his head again and his thoughts raced as he reflected on the newfound power he had acquired.
'Abyssal Hellfire,' he pondered, 'It possesses the potential to be a game-changer for me.'
Images of his most formidable foes flashed across his mind: the enigmatic "Nameless," the unpredictable "Fog," and the most unsettling of them all, the "Unknown."
Previously, these adversaries seemed insurmountable. They were simply too overwhelming to confront. But now, with the Abyssal Hellfire at his disposal, the tables might have turned.
He could finally have a fighting chance against these formidable entities.
The mere thought of this filled Val with a sense of twisted craving and determination.
His eyes glinted with newfound resolve as he thought, 'The next time they cross my path, I will show them hell!'
He was even considering making a trip to the Shadow Valley to settle his score with those two nuisances after this.
As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Oliver spoke up, his voice sounding steadier than before. "It has suddenly started to feel... different. I think I've completed my evolution."
Val turned to him with an eyebrow raised. "How do you feel now?" he asked.
Oliver took a moment, searching for the right words. "When I was undergoing the evolution, it felt as if my very soul was being torn apart. But now... it's as if I've been reborn. I feel stronger, rejuvenated, and more talented."
Curious about Oliver's changes, Val cast Detect.
A semi-transparent system notification appeared before Val, showcasing Oliver's statistics.
[Name: Oliver]
Hp: 20
Agt: 50
Str: 40
Sta: 38
Ref: 35
Class: Low-level Wizard
Special Physique: Celestial Progenitor Constitution
Val noticed huge differences. Oliver's stats weren't this impressive before he took the purified petal of the miracle flower and he also didn't have a special physique!
'Let's see how special it is.'
Val's attention was particularly drawn to the 'Special Physique' part.
As he focused his gaze on it, another notification popped up, providing more detail:
[Celestial Progenitor Constitution]
A: This unique physique allows Oliver to inherit any type of bloodline, from low to high level, with a 100% success rate. However, this can be done only once, either by drinking blood or consuming a bloodline potion.
B: Due to this physique, the upper limit of the raw strength his body can achieve has increased to 150 points in each stat.
C: All his stats will continuously increase over time until they each hit their limits.]
After taking a moment to digest the information, Val looked at Oliver with a proud smirk, "You weren't just feeling things. You've truly grown stronger. And I dare say, you have an exciting future ahead."
Oliver furrowed his brows. He looked visibly puzzled as he tried to process Val's words.
"Wait a moment, can you explain that a bit more? What exactly do you mean by all this??"
Val, sensing Oliver's bewilderment, took a deep, steadying breath, readying himself to provide a more thorough explanation.
"Alright, let's take this step by step. Remember when I mentioned you'd gain a special physique after consuming that petal? That wasn't an exaggeration. You've been blessed with what's known as the Celestial Progenitor Constitution. This doesn't just grant you the ability to inherit any type of bloodline, from the simplest to the most intricate, without a problem. It also elevates the potential of your physical body to that of a high-level warrior and improves every aspect of your being with the passage of time," Val explained.
"Meaning?" Oliver asked.
"You'll continue to grow stronger and stronger until you hit your limits, even if all you do is breathe. And yeah, thanks to this special constitution, your natural vitality has also soared to new heights," Val answered.
Oliver's eyes shimmered with a mix of awe and disbelief as he tried to fathom the magnitude of Val's words. The weight of what had been gifted to him settled in his heart. A lump formed in his throat as gratitude overwhelmed him.
""I... I can't believe this," he whispered, voice thick with gratitude. "Val, your kindness is unparalleled. How can I ever repay such a monumental favor? Dedicating my life to your service wouldn't even scratch the surface of the debt I owe you."
"Cut it out." Val waved his hand dismissively, a playful smirk on his lips. "We're family, aren't we? Just use this gift wisely, and you will have repaid me enough."
After a brief pause, Val added, "So, what will you do now? Any particular bloodline you've got in mind? If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try drinking my blood. I have two powerful bloodlines, and I guarantee you would not be disappointed no matter which one you end up with."
Oliver felt tempted. The temptation was evident in Oliver's eyes, a light that hadn't been there before. The very idea of finally possessing a bloodline, after all the years he had yearned for it, was an irresistible siren call. Every fiber of his being seemed to lean towards it. But after a moment, his face set in a mask of determination, he firmly said, "I'm immensely grateful for your offer, but I cannot bear the thought of you harming yourself for my sake. I'll consult with my master first before deciding."
This reaction, this very decision of Oliver, was exactly the outcome Val had anticipated. It was all going according to his plan.
In the recesses of his mind, Val hoped that Oliver's discussion with Lucious would lead to Oliver inheriting Lucious's esteemed bloodline. Having an ally like Oliver, especially one bonded with the blood of the D. Dragon and owing him a life debt, would be invaluable.
"I understand and respect your choice. Whatever path you choose, I'm sure it'll be the right one," he said.
Time seemed to pass quickly, and soon the rain's persistent drumming ceased, leaving behind a serene silence.
Val cast a sideways glance at Oliver and asked, "Think you're up for moving around?
Oliver, despite feeling a bit drained from his recent transformation, nodded. "Yes, I can. But why do you ask?"
"I think we should resume the search for the core," Val said as he stood up.
Oliver's eyebrows knitted in concern. "In this darkness? Aren't you worried about encountering the devils that roam freely at night?"
"We've got nothing to worry about. The petal upgraded my strongest bloodline skill to a bane of all things unholy and granted me full control over it. If any devil dares cross our path, they'll be courting death," Val replied with a smirk