100\% DROP RATE : Why is My Inventory Always so Full? Chapter 571 - North

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Previously on 100\% DROP RATE : Why is My Inventory Always so Full?...
Lucian integrated new fragments into the Origin Core Shrine, causing a surge of authority that initially overwhelmed nearby recorders until Lucien stabilized it. Meanwhile, he received news that Marie, Kaia, Sylra, and Marina had successfully become Eternals. Later, Lucien spoke with Eirene, who was hesitating to advance to the Eternal Realm, and reassured her not to rush. The next day, Lucien began planning the expansion into the North Continent, aiming for a united five continents before the next calamity.
The following day, Lucien journeyed to the North Continent, arriving in a place known as the Valley of Wyrms. This was a valley steeped in ancient bloodlines and catastrophe, and at its very core resided Vaelcar, the Cataclysm Wyrm. He required no throne; the valley itself seemed to bow to his presence, the other wyrms flowing around him like water around a steadfast mountain. Strangely, people were also present. Lucien sensed them before he saw them – the Liberators. These were the very individuals Vaelcar had rescued when Severance's disaster plunged them into the Big World. Some were engaged in training near the towering cliffs, others conversed with young wyrms beside a frozen lake, and a few were gathered around crackling fires, sharing sustenance with creatures that, by all appearances, could have easily swallowed their entire camp had they been less civilized. Lucien surveyed his surroundings, a faint smile gracing his lips. "This is unexpected," he murmured. A deep voice responded from his front. "Little brother." Lucien turned as Vaelcar emerged from the mist, having taken on his human form. "How are you, Brother Oath-Buried?" Vaelcar's eyes softened slightly. "Good." Vaelcar then continued, "I have heard of the heights you have reached from the Grand Master of the Obsidian Collegium." Lucien’s eyebrows lifted subtly. "The Grand Master?" Vaelcar nodded. "He is perceptive in matters of divinity." Lucien recalled that the Obsidian Collegium indeed possessed an individual adept at discerning divine traces, capable of recognizing clues that would elude most others. Given that the Grand Master had access to reports concerning Lootwell, the Grand Confluence, and Lucien’s burgeoning system, it wasn't surprising that he had deduced more than the average person. "That may expedite future discussions," Lucien remarked. "It will certainly make them more interesting," Vaelcar countered. Vaelcar then guided him deeper into the valley. The Liberators quickly took notice of Lucien's arrival. Some recognized him and stood straighter, while others observed him with keen curiosity. As they walked, Vaelcar offered an explanation. "They came to visit." Lucien glanced toward the Liberators. "Visit?" "They have already located the Liberator branches using their black cards. They know where they can go." "Then why remain here?" Vaelcar gestured towards a group of Liberators who were presently feeding a young wyrm what appeared to be roasted beast meat. "They find the valley appealing." Lucien stared, taken aback. Vaelcar added, "And the wyrms are fond of them." One of the young wyrms lowered its enormous head towards a Liberator woman, who proceeded to scratch beneath its jaw with the practiced air of someone who had mastered the safest method of interacting with a creature capable of leveling buildings. The wyrm's tail thumped once against the ground, causing the valley to tremble slightly. Lucien’s mouth twitched. "I can observe that." Vaelcar’s expression remained serious. "They are good people." Lucien nodded. "I am aware." He spent some time conversing with them. Several Liberators approached him, their hearts filled with gratitude, curiosity, and the subtle awkwardness of individuals who had survived a calamitous fall into a world far grander than their own. They had already become aware of Lootwell through the Liberator Branch reports. ... Following the conclusion of the greetings, Lucien and Vaelcar proceeded alone towards a high stone platform that offered a commanding view of the valley. Beyond the valley lay the North, vast, ancient, marred by conflict, and patiently awaiting. Lucien didn't allow time to pass idly. "I have come to discuss Lootwell's expansion," he stated. Vaelcar's expression remained unperturbed. "I anticipated this." Lucien smiled. "Then I shall be direct." Communication between the West and the Middle Continent had already initiated the formation of relationships, fostered competition, developed trade, and cultivated a shared training culture. Now, the North needed to integrate into this expanding framework, enabling the five continents to act in unison when the next calamity struck. Vaelcar listened intently, offering no interruption. Lucien elaborated on communication devices, regional branches, regulated teleportation routes, alliance tiers, negotiations for Origin Core fragments, public systems, the mapping capabilities of the Shadow Information Network, and the ultimate objective of unifying the continents before their enemies could openly re-engage. Once Lucien concluded, Vaelcar remained silent for a considerable period. A deep glint flickered within his eyes. "The world has long awaited this," Vaelcar finally declared. Lucien looked at him. "You concur?" "Indeed." Vaelcar turned his gaze towards the distant northern mountain ranges. "The North is proud, scarred, and inherently suspicious. Many here venerate strength, but they have not forgotten betrayal. Some will welcome you. Others will challenge you. Still others will feign indifference while scrutinizing your every move." "That sounds familiar," Lucien remarked. "It should be. Old powers remain old powers." Lucien offered a faint smile. "I require land for the northern main branch. It needs to be sufficiently close to significant powers to hold influence, yet not so proximate as to provoke widespread alarm." Vaelcar gave a slight nod.

"I will coordinate with the Obsidian Collegium."

This was precisely what Lucien had anticipated.

The involvement of the Collegium would undoubtedly carry significant weight. Should Vaelcar and the Obsidian Collegium lend their support to the proposed first branch location, any potentially hostile factions would certainly reconsider before dismissing it as a mere trifling intrusion.

Discussions then turned to suitable locations for the new venture.

Lucien articulated his specific requirements for the site.

Vaelcar listened intently before remarking, "You do not merely build branches; you plant civilizations."

Lucien gave this profound statement some thought.

He then nodded in agreement.

"That assessment might indeed be more accurate."

• • •

Before departing from the Valley of Wyrms, Lucien meticulously established an instant-teleportation array.

He situated this array within a stone hall, specially prepared for him by Vaelcar, located near the valley's core. Though the hall was modest in its design, the quality of its construction materials was exceptional.

Lucien carefully fine-tuned the formation's intricate details.

With a low, resonant hum, the array sprang to life.

A secure and stable pathway was thus established, linking the Valley of Wyrms directly to Lootwell's primary territory, albeit under specific, controlled conditions.

Lucien then presented Vaelcar with a set of Lootwell tokens.

"These are for you and your people. They are restricted authority tokens, granting you access to the main territory and all associated areas without the need for formal reception each time you wish to enter."

Vaelcar accepted the tokens with a demeanor that suggested an unusual degree of solemnity.

As Lucien prepared to leave, Vaelcar posed a question, "Would you perhaps wish to meet with the scholars before your departure?"

Lucien paused, considering the offer.

For a brief moment, he weighed the possibility.

Ultimately, he shook his head.

"I will meet with them once I have successfully broken through to the Eternal Realm."

A subtle shift occurred in Vaelcar's eyes.

Then, after a moment's deliberation, he offered Lucien a smile, a rare expression for him.

"As anticipated, given your remarkable progress."

Lucien responded with a chuckle.

"It seems you foresaw this possibility as well."

"I anticipated your continued ascent."

Vaelcar stepped aside, gesturing for Lucien to proceed.

"Then I shall detain you no longer. Go forth. Return having achieved even greater heights."

Lucien cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.

"In that case, I shall trouble you with matters of the North afterward."

"That you already have," Vaelcar replied.

"A fair point."

The array's light flared upwards.

Lucien was instantaneously transported back to Lootwell.

• • •

Earlier on this day, prior to his visit with Vaelcar, Lucien had already reached a definitive conclusion.

The timing for his next endeavor felt opportune.

The Western territories could manage their affairs independently of his constant oversight.

Grand Confluence had established stable representatives in place.

The expansion into the North had already been initiated through Vaelcar's efforts.

His people had grown and developed to a point where not every single decision required his personal approval.

Lootwell had transcended its origins as solely Lucien's personal undertaking; it had evolved into a collective endeavor.

This significant development freed Lucien to pursue something inherently perilous.

His breakthrough to the Eternal Realm.

Upon his announcement of this intention, an immediate silence fell over the room.

It was Eirene who then broke the quiet.

"I will accompany you."

All eyes turned towards her.

Lucien blinked in surprise.

"You?"

"I, too, stand at the precipice of such a breakthrough."

He studied her expression intently.

The hesitation that had once marked her demeanor was now absent.

It was different from her previous uncertainty.

While a certain weight remained in her eyes, it had coalesced into a firm resolve.

"You wish to attempt the breakthrough together?" Lucien inquired.

"Yes."

Lucien saw no compelling reason to refuse her request.

He nodded his assent.

"Very well, we shall embark on this journey together."

Eirene's expression softened visibly.

"Thank you."

Lucien offered a smile.

"You make it sound as though I am bestowing a great favor upon you."

"In a manner of speaking, you are."

He did not fully grasp the depth of her words at that moment.

Not entirely.

• • •

Eirene awaited him at the periphery of the Stillness Palace.

By the time Lucien concluded his affairs in the North and returned, the sky above Lootwell had deepened into the embrace of evening.

Eirene stood near the palace railing.

Her countenance was remarkably serene.

Yet, a noticeable relief was present in her gentle smile.

In truth, a significant factor contributing to Eirene's prior hesitation stemmed not from a lack of understanding, but from a deeply ingrained memory.

Or perhaps, trauma masquerading as cautious prudence.

During her previous existence, upon venturing into the void to achieve her breakthrough to the Eternal Realm, she had indeed succeeded.

However, upon her return, the man who had cherished her, the individual she had loved dearly, was inexplicably deceased.

She had never been able to fully absolve herself of the guilt associated with her absence during that critical period.

Logic dictated that she could not have possibly foreseen such an outcome.

Reason asserted that abandoning a crucial breakthrough simply due to the potential for unforeseen events elsewhere was impractical.

Logic maintained that harboring blame was distinct from uncovering the unvarnished truth.

Yet, the heart often disregarded the dictates of reason, even when reason presented its arguments with impeccable clarity.

A fragment of her spirit had remained tethered to that moment of return.

To that profound silence.

To that devastating instant when triumph crumbled into bitter ashes because the one person she yearned to share it with was no longer present.

Consequently, when Lucien articulated his intent to undertake his breakthrough within the void, Eirene's path forward became unequivocally clear.

She would accompany him into the void.

Should any unforeseen circumstances arise, she would be right there beside him.

If danger threatened, she would stand firm at his side.

If the void itself proved hostile, she vowed not to be absent again.

And if the ultimate price demanded a sacrifice...

A gentle, unwavering smile graced Eirene's lips.

Then, she resolved, she would ensure Lucien's survival above all else.

This potent thought did not fill her with dread.

Perhaps, this profound lack of fear was precisely why her expression appeared so remarkably calm.

Lucien located her without difficulty.

He positioned himself beside her, gazing out over the expanse of Lootwell for a brief moment.

Then, he turned his attention towards her.

"Are you prepared?" he inquired.

Eirene met his gaze.

Her smile was soft and serene.

"I am ready, if you are."

Lucien regarded her for a single, drawn-out breath.

An unreadable depth resided within her gaze, yet he chose to place his trust in her.

A smile then graced his lips. "I am."

He produced his communication device, dispatching messages to Vivian and the others. [We shall depart ahead.] [The void breakthrough commences now.]

Immediate replies followed. Vivian’s message read: [Exercise caution.] Seraphine’s stated: [Return unmarred in a fashion I cannot elegantly mend.] Lilith’s encouraging words were: [Arrive back with increased strength.] Marina’s plea was: [Ensure Sister Eirene’s safe return as well.] Marie’s concise instruction: [Both of you.] Kaia’s directive: [Do not compel us to pursue you.] Sylra’s poetic assurance: [The winds shall heed.] Clara’s benediction: [May your journey be observed and guarded.] Elias’s report: [All systems are nominal. Entrust the territory to our care.]

Lucien perused the received messages.

His smile returned.

He then set aside the device.

Eirene drew nearer, the surrounding atmosphere palpably shifting.

The Covenant of Pathless Sovereignty responded to Lucien’s intent.

Lucien cast a final glance at Lootwell nestled below.

Then, his gaze met Eirene’s. "Let us depart."

She inclined her head in agreement.

Hand in hand, they stepped beyond the established path.

The Stillness Palace disappeared from their view behind them.

Before them, the void unfurled.

And amidst the profound quietude separating realms, two Celestials embarked on their eternal journey.