From the Abyss of Stars

095. Rugged Path

 

Whether 【Raider】 can plunder life is unknown, as players haven't tested it, but personality, appearance, corpses, souls, and memories are all recognized as obtainable.

 

Unlike the other five paths, the 【Plunder】 system only has two initial classes: 【Gambler】 and 【Raider】. Since all attributes are low, they mostly rely on hiding and rarely become the main combat force in the early stages.

 

Logically, the 【Plunder】 system should be more of a prison than the 【Dominate】 system, and no one should play it, right?

 

In reality, it's the opposite. Players love this system, and many have accounts in this path. A few people lie low until their class traits activate, plundering elite monsters' special attributes, or sometimes equipment, and then running away, having a lot of fun.

 

Li Aozi's understanding of 【Raider】 isn't deep, but he knows the basics.

 

The six main class systems each have an ultimate path that can be achieved at level 180, known as the ultimate class.

 

For example, the ultimate classes in the 【Dominate】 system:

 

【Radiant Sage】 (Missionary Path) - Twists macro reality with psychic power, illuminating the universe with mental brilliance, the master of the spiritual realm.

 

【Conqueror】 (Esper Path) - Fuses Omega energy and physique, mastering self-destiny, the master of self.

 

【Endbringer】 (Mystic Path) - Sees through the rules of the universe, focuses on researching micro-level philosophy, the master of thought.

 

【Starfall Master】 (Echo Path) - Devours ether, forges the body with starlight, plays with black holes, ignites suns, controls the galaxy's pulse, making the universe's stars submit, the master of reality.

 

And the 【Raider】... even in the later stages, it's still a 【Raider】.

 

【Raider】 has no ultimate path.

 

This system's panel data is strong in the later stages, but in battle... it's the same as in the early stages.

 

From a player's perspective, the unexpected joys from various plunders are unparalleled, but from an NPC's perspective, it's not the same.

 

Especially for Vlovoa's followers.

 

On the better side, maybe one day they'll suddenly get a "dividend" from their fellow believers, like a hundred thousand Derby.

 

On the worse side, this hundred thousand Derby might be squeezed out of their pores, one bill at a time.

 

Of course, it's generally not that bad. After all, Vlovoa's avatar on Azure Star is very considerate of Azure Star people.

 

In the universe, it's another story. Li Aozi remembers that only the 【Weird】 and 【Plunder】 systems have main gods, while other ultimate paths can ascend to godhood themselves.

 

The 【Weird】 system is backed by the 【Lord of Ghosts】, the 【Void Emperor】, and the 【Abyss Lord】, three ancient evil star gods. Despite their evil nature, they can be dealt with, and they even have high fame and reputation.

 

The 【Plunder】 system is backed by the mysterious 【Greedy Speaker】. Players don't even know her name, only that she's famous and her followers are everywhere in the universe.

 

From Alpha (α, the first Greek letter) to Omega (ω, the last Greek letter), there are 【Raiders】 of all levels.

 

What these big shots will give to newcomers is uncertain.

 

If it's a 【Gambler】, it's fine, as their 【Dexterity】 attribute turns into 【Luck】. They sense they're about to get a dividend and go to the casino to lose a few million, increasing their 【Luck】, and then thank the 【Greedy Speaker】.

 

But 【Raiders】, they have to leave it to fate.

 

From Jane Neria's perspective, the sudden "dividend," namely Nomi's soul and personality, almost drove her insane.

 

She could only watch as her body was given to someone else, with Nomi taking over, enjoying freedom and a new life.

 

As for the real Nomi—【Raiders】 only plunder from the dead.

 

The outcome is self-evident.

 

"Since Nomi was sent to you a few months ago, she probably died around that time."

 

Li Aozi looked at Jane Neria:

 

"I know your situation, it's not uncommon, there's about a one percent chance of plundering a personality or soul—I suspect it’s the soul since Omega energy follows the soul."

 

"Is there such a saying?" Jane was a bit surprised.

 

It's not surprising, as Azure Star's understanding of Omega energy and spiritual energy is shallow, only roughly aware of the soul's existence, and organizing psychics (mediums or shamans) to eliminate spiritual monsters.

 

Talking to them about the relationship between the soul and Omega energy is like discussing controlled nuclear fusion technology with primitive tribes.

 

"I'm an expert in Omega energy myself."

 

Li Aozi didn't explain much, knowing they would understand in the future.

 

"Nomi was probably killed by a 【Raider】 a few months ago, likely from the Four Nations faction."

 

Li Aozi recalled Nomi's disgusted reaction to the nuclear waste lake and said:

 

"Her hatred for the Four Nations runs deep, maybe the memory of the Rose Army comes from you, but that hatred is certainly her own."

 

"Enemies of the Four Nations... they're our comrades."

 

Jane nodded without saying much.

 

Qiu Ran moved closer to Li Aozi, her eyes filled with distrust and wariness.

 

Though the other was a true Rose Army soldier, compared to Nomi, she found Jane unlikable.

 

Her personality was completely different from Nomi's, who, despite her foul mouth and curses, was always quietly helping others and longing for a better future.

 

Neria was different.

 

She looked beautiful and resolute, but she was cold inside, only caring about her cause and nothing else.

 

"I just want Nomi back..."

 

Qiu Ran whispered:

 

"I know it's selfish... but if the person we revived could be Nomi, that would be great. She was such a good person, why did she have to die... why did it have to be Nomi, such a good girl?"

 

Saying this made her feel even worse.

 

Maybe it was because Nomi reminded her of her younger siblings, fragile from malnutrition, and unable to afford to dress up, thus not looking pretty at all.

 

But her questions had no answers.

 

They had saved someone, which should make them happy and relieved, but the person saved wasn't the one they wanted.

 

For a moment, Qiu Ran found Neria's presence very annoying.

 

'You might as well die and be buried with Nomi!'

 

Her eyes flashed red and black, then she shook her head.

 

'How could I have such thoughts... Neria is Nomi's body, and she's also a victim of Abyss Humanitarian...'

 

Li Aozi noticed her expression.

 

'Qiu Ran is also starting to show rejection... Non-【Mutant】 people always have issues with Omega energy.'

 

Li Aozi wanted to say something comforting to ease her inner conflict and pressure.

 

But Nomi was dead, and had been for a while.

 

This fact was settled, and he couldn't bring himself to say "don't dwell on it."

 

Even Li Aozi himself couldn't help but dwell on it.

 

Unconsciously, he had grown accustomed to the girl who cursed and swore but quietly cared for others and yearned for a bright future.

 

Jane Neria crossed her arms, quietly watching the two familiar strangers.

 

She had a movie star's face, calm and composed, with no way to tell what she was really thinking.

 

Unlike Nomi, whose emotions were always visible.

 

The atmosphere grew silent.

 

"Jane Neria, since you recognize us, it means Nomi's memories are still there, right?"

 

Li Aozi broke the silence.

 

"Yes."

 

Jane said plainly.

 

"We need to continue slaughtering Abyss Humanitarian, rescue Xue Nuo, free all the infected, and then send Qiu Ran back to the Frost-Plated Republic—what are you going to do?"

 

Li Aozi laid it out.

 

They had cooperated because Nomi trusted him and had shared goals.

 

If she didn't want to continue, they'd part ways, and he'd consider it as never having met her, but he still needed some compensation—he had invested a lot in Nomi.

 

The dead were gone, and the next steps needed to be practical.

 

He had a good relationship with Nomi, but that didn't mean he had one with Jane Neria, nor with the Rose Army.

 

The Rose Army aimed to take over the Frost-Plated Republic, focusing on legitimacy and wouldn't resort to slaughtering civilians. Li Aozi and Qiu Ran were set on killing everyone in Abyss Humanitarian—would a legitimate Rose Army member agree?

 

Or would she leave and spread tales of Li Aozi impersonating the Rose Army and slaughtering medics, damaging his reputation?

 

If that happened, his mental investment in Nomi would not only be wasted but cost him.

 

Reality was harsh—at least taking Nomi's Omega energy back would give him some peace of mind.

 

"My plan? Are you worried I'll expose Abyss Humanitarian?"

 

Jane looked at Li Aozi in surprise:

 

"Comrade, have you misunderstood something?"

 

"I've never opposed wiping out these anti-human elements in Abyss Humanitarian."

 

"My plan is: temporarily retreat, use Abyss Humanitarian's long-wave radio to contact the Rose Army's northern theater, completely settle Abyss Humanitarian's crimes, and make them public."