100\% DROP RATE : Why is My Inventory Always so Full? Chapter 570 - Connected
Previously on 100\% DROP RATE : Why is My Inventory Always so Full?...
New fragments were integrated into the Origin Core Shrine by Lucien.
The Origin Core, though not yet complete, was no longer just a jumbled collection of broken pieces.
It was beginning to exhibit a memory of its former self.
An immense transformation had already occurred after the hundredth fragment was added.
Lucien sensed it expanding outwards into the near void.
It reached across the vast planetary system where the Big World resided.
Lucien slowly opened his eyes.
"So that's how it operates."
The Origin Core fragments didn't extend like typical signals.
It wasn't like a lamp merely becoming a bit brighter.
Instead, it was akin to a fractured entity regaining more of its original form.
Each added fragment didn't just increase its reach; it reasserted lost coordinates, restored missing authority, and rebuilt more of the original structure that had once unified everything under its dominion.
This was the reason for the dramatic expansion in range after reaching one hundred fragments.
The Origin Core wasn't extending its reach solely through increased power.
It was reclaiming the territories where its authority rightfully belonged.
This revelation caused Lucien's expression to turn grave.
Then, the second manifestation began.
An intense pressure.
The Origin Core Shrine emitted a soft groan.
The recorders positioned nearby stiffened perceptibly.
One of them faltered, staggering backward.
Another dropped the tablet they were holding.
Elias, observing from a distance, narrowed his eyes and swiftly erected a protective barrier around the more vulnerable attendants.
Vivian moved forward, her voice tinged with concern.
"Luc."
Lucien also experienced the pressure.
However, it failed to overwhelm him.
Rather, it flowed around him, much like water parting way for a steadfast stone.
The Tree of Creation, situated above his Divine Energy Core, stirred within his consciousness.
Its branches rustled, and a profound, benevolent authority permeated him. The pressure emanating from the Origin Core met this influence and was met in return by the tree.
The Origin Core pulsed in response.
The Tree of Creation answered the pulse.
Beneath them both, the Divine Energy Core hummed in harmony.
For a single, suspended breath, Lucien felt the three distinct powers align within and around him.
Origin.
Creation.
Divinity.
He didn't grasp the complete nature of their connection.
Yet, he understood enough to know they weren't disparate elements brought together by mere coincidence.
Three separate systems.
One singular, peculiar foundation.
Lucien's very foundation.
The pressure within the shrine intensified.
One recorder dropped to a knee, struggling to remain upright.
This sight jolted Lucien from his introspection.
He took a step forward.
The Origin Core pulsed once more, like a colossal beast awakening within a confined space.
Lucien placed a hand against the fragment.
He carefully extended his authority, akin to gently stroking the fur of a gargantuan creature that had inadvertently instilled fear in everyone nearby.
The Tree of Creation offered its assistance.
Its roots delved into the pressure, providing Lucien with a means to comprehend it. The pressure wasn't born of hostility, but rather of an overflow. The Origin Core's authority had surged too rapidly upon reaching a new threshold, causing its presence to leak into the shrine.
Lucien began to guide it back.
He moderated its release, created conduits for it, and adjusted the shrine's arrays to allow the authority to circulate rather than radiate outwards.
The effect was instantaneous.
The oppressive weight dissipated.
The recorders could breathe freely once more.
Vivian looked at Lucien, her gaze filled with concern.
"Are you alright?"
Lucien withdrew his hand from the shrine.
"Yes."
He cast his gaze back towards the Origin Core.
"It wasn't attacking; it was merely stretching."
Elias stared, incredulous, at the incomplete core.
"That was stretching?"
Lucien offered a faint smile.
"Apparently so."
The recorder who had dropped his tablet retrieved it with trembling fingers, muttering, "I hope it doesn't decide to yawn."
Lucien overheard the comment.
He chose to ignore it.
Nevertheless, his mind remained focused on the deeper sensations.
Everything within him felt increasingly interconnected.
For the moment, the shrine was stable, the recorders could resume their duties, and the world had not ceased to exist.
That was sufficient for the morning.
• • •
Later that day, a message arrived from the void.
It originated from the four elemental women. They had swiftly discerned that the signal had successfully traversed the void.
Those four had ventured there with the intention of achieving breakthroughs to the Eternal Realm.
Lucien read the incoming message.
[We have succeeded.]
Lucien's expression shifted.
Another message followed swiftly.
[Four additional Eternals for Lootwell.]
Lucien stared at the words.
Then, a smile spread across his face.
Marie, Kaia, Sylra, and Marina had indeed entered the Eternal Realm.
Lucien leaned back in his seat, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
"Good."
Shortly after, Marina transmitted another message.
[You should properly praise us when we return.]
Kaia appended to the message:
[Preferably with gifts.]
Marie then sent:
[Disregard the second message.]
Sylra added a clarification:
[Don't disregard it entirely.]
Lucien observed the sequence of messages.
Then, he let out a laugh.
He typed a reply:
[Congratulations. Focus on stabilizing your realms first. Gifts will be prepared.]
Marina responded almost immediately.
[I knew my prince loved us.]
Lucien paused.
Then he looked down at the communication device.
A distinct shift had occurred in how the four of them interacted with him following their experience in the special location, a noticeable increase in intimacy.Curiously, Lucien found this newfound closeness entirely comfortable, which was perhaps the most unsettling aspect of it all.Their concern felt strangely familiar, even without any concrete memories to explain it. Marie’s knack for anticipating practical needs before he even voiced them, Kaia’s subtle presence mirroring his mood and proximity to warmth, Sylra’s quiet observation of intricate details, and Marina’s unabashed care as if she had always possessed the right to tend to him so freely.It should have felt abrupt and out of the blue.Instead, it was as if an ancient connection had finally re-established itself.Lucien shook his head, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Dangerous women."His thoughts then drifted to the fruits of creation.He pondered their potential impact on the four women once they matured.They were already intrinsically linked to the elemental origin, their very beings infused with fundamental laws.If these fruits could further enhance their innate laws...The outcome remained unknown.This uncertainty only fueled his growing impatience for the fruits to ripen.However, gifts came first.•••Eirene’s progress presented a different picture, a quiet source of concern for Lucien.She had already reached the apex of the Ninth Stage in the Celestial Realm.Considering her inherent talent, mastery, intellect, and solid foundation, she should have been one of the very first to ascend to the Eternal Realm.Yet, she remained on the cusp.That night, Lucien found himself at the summit above the Stillness Palace.Eirene stood with her back to him, not turning as he approached. "Are you experiencing hesitation?" Lucien inquired.Eirene remained silent for a prolonged moment before giving a solemn nod. "Yes."Lucien didn't press for details immediately. He joined her, gazing out over the orderly expanse of Lootwell below.Finally, Eirene spoke, her voice soft. "The Eternal Realm represents more than just increased power. Not for me, at least.""That is seldom the sole reason," Lucien responded, turning slightly towards her.He understood that Eirene wasn't stalled due to an inability to advance.Her pause stemmed from an unarticulated reason.Lucien offered her a gentle smile. "Then, take the time you need."Her gaze met his. "You aren't going to insist that the world requires my haste?""The world has countless needs," Lucien stated calmly. "That doesn't obligate me to break the people I cherish in order to fulfill them."Eirene’s expression softened visibly.Lucien continued, his reassurance evident. "You will reach the Eternal Realm; I harbor no doubts about that.""You possess such strong conviction.""I have my reasons for confidence."This drew a faint smile from her.Lucien returned the smile. "When you do step forward, it will be accomplished properly. Likely with breathtaking grace, perhaps in a manner that leaves everyone else feeling utterly outshone."A soft laugh escaped Eirene, dissipating some of the worry that had clouded her eyes.They continued their conversation for some time afterward.By the moment Lucien departed, Eirene's expression had found a measure of peace.•••The following day, Lucien initiated preparations for the next phase of expansion.The target was the North Continent, a destination he had pledged to Vaelcar he would visit.The West had achieved stability.The Central region was now unified under the Grand Confluence.The established communication network spanning the two continents had begun fostering not just the exchange of messages, but the development of genuine relationships.Now, the North needed to be integrated.If his aim was to unite all five continents before the next great calamity descended, he could not afford to wait for every element to reach absolute perfection.Perfection was an indulgence that the apocalypse rarely, if ever, permitted.He convened a gathering of the key individuals.The meeting spanned the entirety of the day.Lucien's strategic objective was to continue the Origin Core campaign concurrently with the northern expansion.He intended to achieve both simultaneously.The deliberations carried on.As the sun dipped below the horizon, the initial strategic framework was finalized.The expansion into the North Continent would commence with initial contact facilitated through Vaelcar.