100\% DROP RATE : Why is My Inventory Always so Full? Chapter 541 - Feast
Previously on 100\% DROP RATE : Why is My Inventory Always so Full?...
Underneath a sky too ethereally beautiful for common reality, the Grand Feast of the Celestial Dominion commenced.
Lucien had previously witnessed the Dominion's splendor.
However, now, with celebrations erupting in every direction, its true magnificence profoundly impressed itself upon him.
The Celestial Dominion proved to be immense.
Far exceeding Lootwell not only in geographical expanse but also in the ancient aura that permeated its very essence, a fact evident in countless details.
Rivers of luminescence traversed the air as if the heavens themselves had mastered the art of flowing. The divine energies saturating the atmosphere felt more potent than anything Lucien had ever encountered.
Then, the feast itself began.
The sustenance offered was not merely delectable.
Each dish served a purpose extending beyond mere gustatory pleasure. Beasts nurtured under refined divine currents were transformed into meats that bolstered the physical body without imparting the typical heaviness.
Select cuts, prepared through a slow, radiant braising technique, were found to permanently enhance the resilience of bones and blood vessels, provided one’s cultivation foundation was sufficiently stable to absorb the benefits.
The soups, impossibly clear and fragrant, were enriched with spiritual herbs and floating grains of concentrated vitality capable of mending long-term exhaustion rather than simply satisfying hunger.
This was remarkably similar to the meat and food drops Lucien had previously acquired from vanquishing monsters.
The fruits, however, were even more astonishing.
Some enhanced intellectual acuity slightly when consumed at the proper cadence under the ambient feast-arrays.
Others fostered inner clarity.
Yet others strengthened one's lawful receptivity.
The wines, too, offered no ordinary intoxication unless one actively pursued such foolishness. These spirit wines possessed the ability to clear blockages, assuage persistent internal strains, and calm emotional turmoil.
One by one, attendees began to transcend their cultivation bottlenecks.
As if this were not sufficient, additional boons were intricately woven into the fabric of the feast itself.
High above, Lucien observed several Celestials maneuvering between aerial positions with flawless synchronicity. Initially, he surmised they were merely overseeing ceremonial arrangements.
Upon closer inspection, however, he realized their true purpose.
They were constructing an array in the sky.
A grand one at that.
Once the final sequence was completed, particles of pale gold descended from above like hallowed snow.
These luminous motes drifted over every individual present, dissolving upon contact.
Wherever they fell, fatigue dissipated. Minor wounds softened. Strain receded. Mental burdens eased.
The entire gathering felt lighter, more stable, and better equipped to revel in the night, unburdened by the troubles they had carried into it.
Lucien blinked once.
It was utterly preposterous.
The hospitality of the old Celestials truly knew no bounds.
And beneath this shimmering cascade of consecrated light, the Dominion reveled.
Cheers erupted from all sides, celebrating the safe return of Virel and Aniel.
Lucien and Vivian now clearly perceived the profound depth of respect and affection these people held for their parents.
...
Lucien and Vivian spent a considerable portion of the evening in the company of Luke, Cienna, Virel, and Aniel.
The six of them together felt peculiar at first, in the most delightful manner.
Lucien and Vivian now had two sets of parents, and rather than the potential for impossible awkwardness such a situation might normally entail, the moment radiated warmth, almost absurdly so.
The family reminisced about the past, recounting trivialities, moments of silliness, and anecdotes that, while insignificant to outsiders, felt more precious than any treasure to them.
Virel and Aniel remained unchanged by time.
Luke and Cienna formed an almost offensively rapid rapport with them.
At one point, Lucien observed them and realized that if left entirely to their own devices, the four elders would likely forge a private confabulation of parental gossip potent enough to destabilize entire armies.
...
Meanwhile, beyond the intimate family circle, the feast had truly ignited.
Marie, predictably, had found a cadre of spirited Celestials and fellow festival-goers, transforming a dignified ceremonial dance into something more vibrant and joyous without breaching the bounds of decorum. She persistently attempted to draw others into her exuberance.
Kaia managed to resist for a mere three minutes.
Then, she too was caught up in laughter.
Sylra appeared mortified throughout the entire affair.
This did not deter Marie from enthusiastically pulling her into the fray.
Marina, on the other hand, had discovered a profound love.
Her affection was directed towards the food.
After sampling a single bite, she froze, then immediately began seeking out the servers.
Eirene and Seraphine had also found each other again.
Lucien spotted them in a more tranquil section of the feast, situated beneath a luminous lantern-tree, engaged in hushed conversation and punctuated by occasional chuckles over matters so private that neither felt the need for explanation.
Witnessing the peculiar, gentle harmony between them brought a sense of ease to him each time his gaze fell upon them.
Kael had already seamlessly integrated himself among the Celestials and the diverse inhabitants of the Dominion, a testament to his innate merchant's acumen.
Cielius, having encountered an ancient Celestial scholar, was now deeply immersed in a discussion regarding antiquated magical theories. Their shared enjoyment of these peculiar old ideas led to multiple toasts, and they continued to drink spirit wine as if they were old friends who had just discovered a kindred spirit. Sebas and Elunara found themselves in charge of the children. Though Sebas maintained a stern appearance, the children possessed an innate ability to perceive deeper truths far quicker than adults. They sensed an inherent kindness in him. This bravery, initiated by one young Celestial child approaching him, soon inspired the rest to follow. From a distance, Lucien observed Sebas. He had slightly crouched down to converse with the children at their eye level, demonstrating a careful, patient demeanor that was far gentler than his outward appearance suggested. This scene instantly evoked old memories within Lucien’s heart. Elunara stood beside him, exuding her usual serene charm, and the children naturally gravitated towards her as well. Her beauty possessed a quality that might typically intimidate adults, but to children, it radiated warmth and a sense of security. Lucien’s people were all engaged in joyful activities around them. The Celestials even offered to lead informal tours for some of them between the meal breaks. It was precisely the kind of harmonious scene that Lucien often doubted the world would permit. ... At one point during the grand feast, Virel made a remark that instantly captured Lucien’s complete attention. "My son, I had intended to introduce you to someone, but he is unfortunately absent," Virel stated. Lucien turned his gaze towards him. "Who might that be?" Virel’s expression shifted subtly. "The individual who possesses the Reincarnation Disc." This revelation struck Lucien with the force of a resounding gong. Aniel, who was standing nearby, continued the narrative where Virel had paused. "He is a rather elusive figure," she remarked. "He never remains in one place long enough to be considered settled. In fact, even calling him a wanderer doesn't quite capture his essence." Lucien narrowed his eyes. "Then how would you describe him?" Virel exhaled softly through his nose and replied, "He travels with a domain that drifts. He chooses when to reveal himself." Aniel's lips curved into a faint smile. "He visits every few years, much like a predictable weather pattern, albeit one with strong opinions." Virel shook his head slightly. "He is quite detached and difficult to pin down. I shall inform you immediately the moment he arrives." Lucien’s gaze drifted into the middle distance for a moment before he responded. Later, when the celebratory atmosphere had reached a level where a brief absence would go unnoticed, he stepped aside and activated the communication artifact Seran had previously given him. He dispatched a concise inquiry. [Do you have knowledge of the man who holds the Reincarnation Disc?] Seran’s response was swift. [Yes.] Followed by another message. [You should endeavor to meet him. It would prove beneficial for you.] Lucien's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise. [He goes by the name Deadman.] Lucien’s gaze fixed on the transmitted words, a palpable sense of sharpened curiosity coursing through him. Then, Seran added a final message. [He possesses a peculiar cheat ability. And you two will likely find common ground. In fact, you might be the only one capable of handling him.] Lucien’s brow furrowed. Seran offered no further explanation. Soon after, Lucien deactivated the artifact and rejoined the feast, his mind now buzzing with even greater curiosity. If Seran believed an encounter with this Deadman would be advantageous, there was little point in denying it. He would simply wait. The individual sounded like the type who made an appearance precisely when conventional timelines became too predictable to be engaging. ... Later, as the celebration crescendoed to its most vibrant peak, Virel and Aniel presented Lucien with an unexpected gift. A pouch. Virel handed it over with an air of almost unsettling composure. Lucien’s gaze flickered between the pouch, Virel, and then Aniel before he opened it. He nearly gasped in astonishment. Resting inside the pouch were a dozen fragments of Origin Cores. Lucien stared, stunned. He counted them again. Then he stared even more intently. Slowly, he looked up. "The Celestial Dominion was hoarding this many?" Aniel let out a soft chuckle at his reaction. "They were accumulated over time," she explained. "Indeed," Virel added. "In the past, there were occasions when we were compelled to intervene against specific sects or factions that mistakenly equated ancient grievances with legitimate policies. Some of them possessed these fragments. Others attempted to utilize them in ways that would have resulted in disastrous consequences for everyone in the vicinity." Aniel clasped her hands gracefully and continued, "And whenever newly discovered smaller worlds emerged, it became our practice to arrive before more malicious individuals could." Lucien blinked, realization dawning. This explanation clarified many things. Virel nodded once. "We also have Liberators among us. Some of them willingly surrendered fragments to us as a gesture of gratitude for housing their people and assisting in their integration within the Dominion." Lucien’s gaze returned to the pouch. Twelve more. With such a quantity, once consolidated with the main Origin Core back in Lootwell, the existing network could potentially extend more seamlessly across neighboring continents. Even the Middle Continent itself might begin to receive the signal within accessible regions. Lucien’s mind was already racing ahead. He looked up, his excitement palpable and unconcealed. ... Then it occurred. Precisely as the feast reached its zenith and the celestial array dispersed another gentle cascade of luminous particles across the jubilant gathering, Lucien sensed something brush against the fabric of reality. He froze. The sensation was so subtle that no one else perceived it.For him, it was not.
It was immediate.
But familiar. Far too familiar.
It was...
Nihility.
Lucien’s eyes flew wide open.
Alanthuriel.
A profound alteration had occurred on a scale far surpassing the grand feast.
Then, comprehension dawned.
Alanthuriel had purged the world of Oblivion’s lingering touch.
This did not affect those who already recalled him; nothing changed for them.
But for the ones who had forgotten—
their memories resurfaced.
Throughout the feast, Lucien perceived subtle stirrings, like a cascade of concealed embers.
Following this, two Celestials approached.
A man and a woman, both of whom Lucien recognized.
They had been part of the fabled Stillness Expedition.
Their gazes met his, alight with that specific disbelief reserved for the instant when fragmented memories coalesce, dramatically reshaping one’s entire perception of recent history.
Then, with one accord, they grasped his hands warmly.
"Brother," they greeted him, their voices carrying a reverent tone. "Greetings."
A smile touched Lucien’s lips as he returned their greeting.
The woman studied him intently, her expression a mixture of palpable uncertainty and burgeoning conviction. "Brother... are you by any chance the wolf brother from Sareth?" she inquired.
A soft chuckle escaped Lucien.
He then gave a slow nod.
"Yes."
That single word was sufficient.
The world, or at least a significant portion of it, remembered him once more.
Lucien conversed with the pair as if they were long-lost friends reconnecting after an offensively lengthy interruption. Naturally, he requested they refrain from making a grand spectacle of his rediscovery for the time being.
However, as he permitted his gaze to drift, he detected something else noteworthy.
Virel and Aniel displayed no surprise.
They already knew him as the "Wolf Beastman."
Perhaps not every single detail, but certainly enough.
Sufficient to grasp the essence of him that the rest of the world had only just begun to reclaim.
Lucien released a slow breath.
He was unaware of Alanthuriel's current whereabouts.
He also did not yet know if being remembered by the world again would ultimately prove beneficial or merely escalate his already convoluted existence to an even more absurd degree.
But he was certain of one thing:
He was no longer as feeble as he once was.
And his strength would only continue to ascend from this point forward.
And so, Lucien stood beneath the shimmering, descending lights of the Celestial feast, enveloped by kin, companions, dignitaries, beloveds, echoes of the past, returning memories, and the ever-expanding horizon of the future. He allowed the peculiar weight of this truth to permeate his being.
Whatever lay ahead—
He would face it.