Gravity Mage with Level-Up System Chapter 1841: Part 2: Dark Red Puppet

SunHaven City

My gaze fell upon the dark red puppet. Uncertainty gripped me about whether it remained the original Zero puppet. I directed the system to scan the dark red puppet.

[Ding! Upgrade is complete.]

[Ding! The puppet is now a level-10 puppet.]

[Ding! It has retained previous abilities, including the abilities of the dark red orb.]

The system's voice resonated in my head. That news made my heart race. I hadn't anticipated this kind of change. What a thrilling surprise!

"Master," Zero greeted me.

Excitement surged through me in the following instant. The puppet hadn't changed; its past memories stayed intact.

"Zero, what abilities did you acquire from merging with the dark red orb?" I inquired.

"Master, the red orb remains embedded in my head. It grants the power of dark red smoke. I can deploy it to flee from any location and assault enemies' minds," the Zero puppet answered.

"However, it requires more mana stones for usage," it continued.

That revelation caused my eyebrows to shoot up in astonishment.

"I have plenty of mana stones. I'm glad to deploy you in the field once more," I replied.

This meant I could carry the Zero puppet along. No longer would I depend on Otto and his team for intel collection.

It seemed the perfect moment to trial the Zero puppet's enhanced power. From my storage bracelet, I retrieved the pouch of mana stones.

Inside now were top-grade mana stones, sufficient to power the puppet for several days at minimum.

Zero took the pouch. It inserted a handful of top-grade mana stones into its core. A shift occurred as it absorbed the energy it craved.

With the top-grade mana stones loaded, the dark red energy flared with a menacing glow.

An excellent notion struck me.

"Zero, I've got a task for you." With those words, I ordered the Zero puppet to gather intel on the Crest Family. I also instructed it to report to room 210 at the Sun Crest Hotel.

"I will do it, Master," the Zero puppet responded.

Next, I headed to the control room for a check. Wizards stood guard at the underground chamber's entrance, though it faced a different side.

Escape seemed possible. I materialized outdoors. The system masked my aura, rendering me undetectable.

After surveying the area, I departed. I slipped into a secluded alley nearby. It stood empty. System confirmation given, I summoned the Zero puppet.

"Zero, commence the mission. Stay alert for Magic Lords and Forbidden Wizards. Avoid capture at all costs. Return if the task proves too risky. This is merely a test of your upgraded strength," I instructed.

"Master, I will complete the mission." With that, the Zero puppet dissolved into dark red smoke and disappeared from view.

Seriousness flickered in my gaze. Joy filled me over the Zero puppet's upgrade, despite it not stemming from the Star Puppet Inheritance. This fresh enhancement proved formidable.

"System, does Zero still recognize me as its master?" I questioned.

[Ding! Host is the successor of the Star Puppet Inheritance.]

[Ding! The Dark Red Orb has completely merged with the Zero Puppet. It recognizes the host as its master.]

The system's response soothed my concerns. Such was the might of a living magic artifact. Drawing a deep breath, I steadied my mind. A quick scan of the surroundings followed before I left.

Soon, I arrived at the main street. Midnight had come and gone. Spotting a cab driver, I hopped in and directed him to the Sun Crest Hotel. My business here concluded.

The banned skull and red book had drawn me here. Evidently, the dark red orb belonged to the prior owner's trove too. Other spots likely faced looting already.

Fortune smiled on me, uncovering an untouched site like that vacant lot. The timing aligned perfectly with the Crest Family's choice to reveal the buried underground chamber.

Ten minutes passed before the driver halted at the Sun Crest Hotel. I exited and settled the fare.

Turning back, I noted the absence of black cars. Young Master Gary's fate remained unknown. I wished him well.

Entering the hotel lobby, I spotted the male and female staff right away.

Anxiety etched their faces. They noticed me instantly, freezing in shock. Moments later, their eyes darted away.

At that sight, a light laugh escaped me. I gave them a nod en route to my hotel room.

Upon arriving, I slid the key in and unlocked the door. A thorough inspection confirmed no intruders since the event.

Lights flicked on as I settled in, awaiting the Zero puppet's return. Intel secured, I'd depart the city. This trip had yielded rich rewards.

Meanwhile, dark red smoke darted between restaurants. It swept through crowded spots teeming with people.

Its speed rendered it invisible to all. Yet the Zero puppet captured every word spoken in those venues.

Noise sifted away, it archived only valuable data. That intel pinpointed the Crest Family's location.

Adhering to commands, the Zero puppet steered clear of Magic Lords' and Forbidden Wizards' domains.

Rather than barging into the Crest Family estate, it opted to eavesdrop from afar.

The Zero puppet marveled at itself. Information collection sped up dramatically. Dark red smoke enabled instant concealment or flight at will.

Aware of its recent lack of aid to its Master, with this upgrade, the Zero puppet resolved to excel. It aimed to secure vital Crest Family details.

Swiftly, the red smoke neared the Crest Family estate, though dark-suited wizards patrolled the gates in numbers.