Isaac received a Legendary Fusion Ticket but faced immediate tension upon introducing Sera to the group. Averon and Alice questioned Isaac's decision, citing potential risks and his recruitment methods. Isaac dismissed their concerns, revealing he knew other Lords were already plotting against them. He also privately explained to Emily that recruiting Sera was a strategic move to gather information about his mother.
The artifacts that formed the bedrock of her power for such a long time were now being fused.The Phantom Core Extractor offered the capability to extract the soul or spirit of any recently deceased being. While potent, this ability was not without its limitations. The success rate diminished by a full ten percent for every level the target surpassed her. In theory, this rendered it unreliable against foes of superior strength. In practice… it had never once failed her.Isaac theorized this might be connected to her bloodline.The second drawback presented a more significant danger. Extracted spirits were not inherently guaranteed to be compliant. In fact, they held the potential to turn against her without warning.This was precisely where the Celestial Spirit Pact Token came into play.It granted her the ability to forge an unbreakable bond with entities of a spiritual nature. Once this pact was established, they were rendered incapable of causing her harm.Naturally, the target's agreement was a prerequisite.However, under Alice's tutelage, Emily had mastered ways to manage this. She didn't solely depend on persuasion. Instead, she employed her Spirit Element to subdue spirits before initiating the pact. A sufficiently weakened spirit became far more amenable to negotiation, or even a degree of forced compliance.Furthermore, her own strength was not stagnant.Each formidable summon she acquired made the subsequent ones more manageable. With every new spirit bound, she could channel her Spirit Element through an expanding legion, utilizing them to overpower newly extracted spirits. This established a continuous, reinforcing cycle. Stronger spirits aided in controlling newer acquisitions, leading to a progressively more stable army over time.From an external perspective, the two artifacts appeared to be remarkably complementary. One was designed for extraction, the other for binding. The process was straightforward and highly effective.Yet, a distinct vulnerability remained.Both artifacts possessed a limitation: they could only be employed once per day. This restriction placed Emily in a precarious situation during every combat encounter. She had to make her choices with great care. Should she utilize her extraction ability too early and subsequently encounter a more powerful monster, she would be unable to capture it, forced to let it escape.In a location like the Great Dungeon, such an omission represented a considerable loss.It was a source of considerable frustration.But now—The two artifacts suspended before Emily began to emanate a distinct glow.The Phantom Core Extractor emitted a faint, spectral radiance, while the Celestial Spirit Pact Token pulsed with a softer, more consistent luminescence. These lights gradually intertwined, coiling around each other as if drawn together into a singular nexus.Isaac remained at her side, observing the process without interference.The energy from the Fusion Ticket enveloped both artifacts, weaving them into a singular entity.The light flared intensely for a brief moment before subsiding. What materialized was a solitary item.It floated serenely before Emily, its form entirely altered from its previous iterations. The sharp, almost mechanical essence of the extractor and the elegant, ethereal design of the token had coalesced into something perfectly balanced.It took the appearance of a small crystalline core, roughly the size of her palm. Gentle currents of pale light flowed within its depths, akin to slow-moving streams, and subtle markings adorned its surface, subtly shifting as if imbued with life.Emily perused its description, her eyes widening with astonishment."Isaac, look at this!" she exclaimed, gripping his sleeve with evident excitement.Isaac raised an eyebrow and accessed the description himself.[Soulbound Spirit Core]Grade: LegendaryEffect: Grants the user the ability to extract the spirit of recently slain beings. Success rate decreases by 5% for each rank the target exceeds the user. Once extracted, a permanent bond can be formed if the target consents.Daily Uses: 3"That's much better than I anticipated," Isaac remarked, letting out a low whistle.The original artifacts, both of Mystic Grade, had now ascended to Legendary Grade.This was a significant escalation in quality.Legendary Grade items were exceptionally rare, seldom encountered by ordinary individuals. Even within affluent kingdoms, they were regarded with considerable reverence. Merely an hour prior, the armor bestowed upon him by the Third Priest was itself a Legendary Grade artifact. A figure of such standing would not casually bestow commonplace items.This fact alone underscored the immense value associated with such artifacts.And now, Emily possessed one.More importantly—"It has three uses per day," Isaac stated, casting a glance in her direction.Emily nodded rapidly, her excitement palpable.Previously, she was compelled to exercise extreme caution. Now, she possessed the latitude to embrace calculated risks.Within the confines of the Great Dungeon, an abundance of powerful monsters resided. Mini-bosses, formidable bosses, and rare creatures lurking in the deeper strata – opportunities were ubiquitous.If Emily could move with sufficient swiftness, reaching these targets before any rivals…She had the potential to assemble a truly formidable army.Isaac smiled and gently placed a hand on her head, offering a reassuring pat."Congratulations."Emily leaned subtly into his touch, a small smile gracing her lips.He then withdrew his hand."Now, let's move."She nodded, clutching the newly acquired artifact for another moment before carefully storing it within her spatial ring.The pair exited the chamber.The instant they stepped into the corridor, Isaac detected a familiar presence still lingering.Eleanor.
Leaning against the wall, arms crossed, the Sword Empress had clearly been waiting for some time.
Isaac wasn't taken aback; he'd sensed her presence much earlier. He offered a slight nod before turning his attention back to Emily. "You should head on ahead. I'll join you shortly." Emily exchanged a quick look between them before nodding her assent. "Alright." Without further questions, she simply propelled herself away, moving towards the Dungeon entrance where the others awaited. Soon, only Isaac and Eleanor remained, the atmosphere between them shifting palpably. Eleanor straightened, her gaze locking onto his. "Why did you recruit Sera publicly? Do you realize the multitude of problems you've just created?" she demanded, her tone sharp. Isaac remained silent for a moment. He then activated the Mirror Dimension, drawing her inside with him. The surroundings transformed instantly, severing their connection to the outside world. Eleanor offered no resistance. Once within the isolated space, Isaac laid out the entire explanation: about Sera, her connection to his Mother, and the reasoning behind his swift action rather than continued patience. Eleanor listened intently, her eyes betraying a slight flicker before she nodded upon his conclusion. "I understand. That clarifies your haste in securing her," she stated. She paused, contemplating. "However, there's still the matter of the livestream. While it demonstrates your willingness to recruit anyone with talent, it might also deeply insult the other Lords. Some could take it as a personal affront," she added. "That was inevitable regardless. This merely accelerates the timeline," Isaac countered. Eleanor studied him for a beat. Then, instead of continuing the debate, she stepped closer and patted his head. "...What are you doing?" "I'm acknowledging that it's alright. You made that choice because you were emotionally compromised by the potential involvement of your Mother, weren't you?" she asked, her voice calm. Isaac fell silent. He recalled how even Catherine, despite decades of rigorous training to maintain composure, had lost control when she sensed Sera's potential link to Mother. Her emotional turmoil had led to sloppy actions, which was precisely how Isaac had found her so easily. And himself? He had believed his actions were purely rational. Yet, looking back, perhaps he had indeed rushed things unnecessarily. Still, as Eleanor's hand rested on his head, Isaac managed a small, wry smile. "I'm not a child. You don't need to console me." Eleanor offered a faint smile and withdrew her hand. "In my eyes, you will always be a child. I am your Master, after all," she replied. Isaac shook his head slightly but did not retort. Before either could speak further— A howl of anguish ripped through the building within the Mirror Dimension. "Isaac! You brute! How could you trap a defenseless maiden in a Mirror Dimension and leave her all alone! Let me out!" Celia's voice, dripping with exaggerated indignation, carried clearly. Isaac and Eleanor exchanged a look, then both let out a chuckle.
![Dual Cultivator Reborn [System In The Cultivation World] webnovel cover](https://img.novelroll.com/posters/8373/JNUrYjo2UbuLIqp7272yco8CPtLYgHQ5OIywpASY.jpg?width=250)
