God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World! Chapter 558: The Ancient Alchemist [1]

"The monsters' escalating strength is due to our proximity to the tomb's deeper sections," Gabriel stated.

At his words, the ChaosKnight members present collectively swallowed. The implication of 'deeper part' was obvious to all of them; the Core Suppressing Spike was known to be situated near the tomb's central area.

ChaosCleric's fingers tightened their hold on his staff, his gaze drawn to the corridor stretching before them. "So, our fortunate streak has concluded."

Gabriel offered no correction to this sentiment. His attention remained fixed on the oncoming horde, viewing not just danger but a source of convertible EP.

A greater number of monsters emerged from the depths of the corridor.

Their forms were grotesquely contorted, some scuttling on all fours, others dragging rusted blades that scraped audibly against the stone floor. The ambient dead qi intensified, and their every movement caused the wall-mounted lamps to flicker erratically.

A single ChaosKnight member recoiled. "There are far too many."

In contrast, Gabriel advanced, his deliberate steps drawing the attention of the others. He raised his right hand slightly, a subtle layer of qi coalescing beneath his palm before being enveloped by mana.

This mana manifested as a visible, azure film on the surface.

Beneath this ethereal casing, the qi swirled unseen, concealed from external observation. To any onlooker, it would appear as though Gabriel were merely employing an unusual mana technique, precisely the impression he intended to convey.

IceQueen's brow furrowed subtly.

A strange sensation registered with her, but before she could voice her observation, Gabriel swept his hand forward.

FWOOOSH!!!

A volley of crescent-shaped projectiles lacerated the passageway. The initial ranks of undead were bisected from chest to spine, while the second line had limbs severed before they could even react, thick streams of black ichor spattering the walls.

ChaosCleric observed the aftermath, his voice laced with bewilderment. "What manner of mana attack is that?"

"I can sense it... there's definitively something unnatural about it," another ChaosKnight member murmured.

Just then, another cluster of undead clambered over the fallen, but Gabriel, with an unchanging expression, unleashed two more volleys. The latent qi within the mana coating moved with accelerated velocity this time, severing bone with remarkable precision.

BOOM!!!

The vanguard of the oncoming wave disintegrated as the attacks impacted both the floor and the walls. Debris rained down, crushing several beings, and fragments of bone, shattered skulls, and ancient weaponry littered the confined passage.

VV's helmet tilted slightly, as if attempting to comprehend the offensive maneuver. Even Gabriel recognized that his assault's unique movement had not gone unnoticed, though distinguishing understanding from irrefutable proof was another matter entirely.

IceQueen slowly lowered her staff, quietly observing the one-sided annihilation.

ChaosCleric opened his mouth as if to speak, then reconsidered, closing it once more.

The remaining monsters made a half-hearted attempt to advance, their charge already losing cohesion. Gabriel proceeded towards them with measured steps, raising a hand each time one drew too near, and within mere minutes, silence descended upon the passage.

The floor lay carpeted with mangled remains.

Several system notifications materialized before him, confirming the EP acquired from the vanquished foes. Gabriel dismissed them, a flicker of satisfaction crossing his features; every point was precious, particularly within this perilous locale.

"Let us proceed," he declared, stepping onward.

The group, after a moment's hesitation and casting complex glances at his retreating figure, followed carefully through the passage, navigating around larger puddles of dark fluid and the scattered skeletal fragments.

The air retained its dry, fetid scent, yet the absence of monstrous shrieks imbued the silence ahead with a palpable sense of purpose.

After several turns, the corridor unexpectedly expanded into a chamber, causing the group to halt abruptly.

This area differed markedly from the preceding sections of the tomb. It presented a stark contrast in cleanliness to the ruined paths behind them, though a layer of dust coated nearly every surface, and numerous shelves lined the walls from end to end.

No monsters lurked within; no corpses or discernible traps registered within Gabriel's immediate perception.

Only ancient shelves, sealed drawers, stone tables, and the desiccated aroma of long-undisturbed dust permeated the atmosphere.

ChaosCleric entered cautiously, surveying the surroundings. "This is the first unremarkable room we've encountered."

The guide's eyes widened slightly as he approached one of the shelves. "This could potentially be an alchemist's chamber."

Gabriel's interest piqued instantly upon hearing this acknowledgment.

He moved towards the foremost shelf and opened its door. A plume of dust billowed into the air, eliciting a cough from one of the ChaosKnight members, but Gabriel paid it no mind as he examined the contents within.

Nestled there were several small vials, each sealed with aged wax and bearing inscriptions in Tianlan script. Alongside them lay slender manuals, jade slips, and two diminutive metal canisters that still exuded a faint trace of qi.

The guide drew closer, deciphering the labels: "Ancient Qi Recovery Pills. Bone Mending Powder. Spirit Vein Stabilizing Liquid."

Gabriel proceeded to explore another section, uncovering more contents.

Within were various techniques, predominantly focused on qi circulation, body refinement, and establishing a martial foundation. Though some were deteriorated, a considerable number remained legible and potentially valuable.

ChaosCleric ran a hand over the back of his neck. "I doubt most of us can make use of any of this."

Gabriel pivoted his gaze towards IceQueen. "Since none of you are cultivators, might I keep these items?"

His words were stated calmly, yet the sheer audacity of the question prompted ChaosCleric to fix him with a stare.

IceQueen surveyed the shelves briefly before responding without much deliberation. "Take them."

ChaosCleric's eyes widened. "Just like that?"

"They are cultivation resources," IceQueen stated, her gaze sweeping over him with a hint of coldness. "Do you intend to commence cultivating at this very moment?"

ChaosCleric emitted a soft cough. "No."

Gabriel seized the opportunity, not waiting for any change of heart from them.

He swiftly transferred the qi pills, manuals, jade slips, and metal containers into his inventory, one after another. Certain peculiar artifacts seemed engineered for storing and gradually releasing qi; even without complete comprehension, his thoughts immediately turned to Logan.

Logan had a fondness for peculiar objects.

If these items could be adapted, they might evolve into useful tools down the line.

The remaining individuals observed his methodical collection with detached interest. To them, these were relics of a system they could not access, but for Gabriel, who now possessed a Martial Artist class, they were far from useless.

With the chamber thoroughly inspected, IceQueen addressed the injured members. "We shall recuperate here for the time being."

Several ChaosKnight members promptly took seats.

A designated healer commenced tending to the wounded, while Vv stood watch near the entrance, the formidable sword resting by his leg. ChaosCleric slumped onto a stone bench, letting out a sigh that conveyed a sudden, stark realization of his own existence.

While the others engaged in their rest, Gabriel ventured further into the chamber's depths.

Towards the rear, he discovered a stone table laden with antiquated instruments, fragmented vials, and a circular disc etched with intricate lines. He extended a hand, clearing the accumulated dust with a couple of fingers.

VROOOM!

Abruptly, the engraved patterns ignited with light, bathing his face in a warm luminescence.

A spectral apparition ascended from the table, ethereal and wavering in the air like a faded projection. Clad in the robes of an alchemist, its vacant eyes gradually shifted to fix upon Gabriel.