My attributes are increasing infinitely Chapter 440: Going to the land of the ancients

"My lord, the Apocalypse Race resides in the sharp crags of the Western Mountain Range. We might cover that span in a mere instant, yet a problem arises: you stand as an outsider in this realm. Your presence hasn't been acknowledged by the Neutral Plane's ruling principles," Erebus clarified, his tone resounding like whispers of moving darkness.

He halted, his gaze flickering with cautious fervor. "The moment you leave this woodland's edge and enter the open light of society, your essence will ignite a mystical alert. All the mighty experts, ancient entities, and holy guardians will sense the arrival of an intruder. Are you certain you want to head toward those heights while drawing such intense attention?"

Ethan reclined against a twisted trunk, his face showing no emotion. "So, I'm essentially a beacon drawing foes? No way. I'm far from prepared to confront a group of 'powerhouses' right now. I require additional moments to stabilize. Besides, let's change the topic. What's the status with Zara? Any updates on her well-being?"

"She remains among the living, my lord. That's all I can confirm. Their domain is barred by a spatial barrier that blocks even my shadow travel. I haven't spotted any weakness in their barriers so far," Erebus confessed, showing an unusual trace of irritation.

Ethan grew quiet, his digits sketching shapes through the atmosphere. With a simple flick of his wrist, he gathered the dampness from the steamy jungle atmosphere, forming a gleaming, gentle orb of liquid that floated slightly off the earth. He eased into it, the water's tension supporting him like the softest velvet pillow.

"Yumiko," Ethan summoned his inner system, "you stated earlier that I'm akin to the God Race. But considering the vast difference between us, it's laughable. My power doesn't even approach a sliver of theirs. What's causing this huge gap?"

[Master, the math is straightforward but overwhelming,] Yumiko’s words echoed within his thoughts. [Offspring of the God Race don't come into being like ordinary folks. They start life with Absolute Continuum Grade 1 power. In elite bloodlines, infants emerge at Grade 2 or Grade 3 straight away, based on the ethereal richness of their native domain.]

[Moreover, their growth speeds up due to two elements: the pure Divine Energy from the Upper Realm and the straightforward genetic legacy from their forebears. They don't 'cultivate' like others do. They merely draw from their parents' inherent godhood and absorb family heirlooms until they're ready to develop their personal Source. You, on the other hand, are forging your endless potential from scratch.]

Ethan let out a heavy breath, the burden of his path pressing down more firmly. "Innate deities. Sounds luxurious. So, what's our plan? I need a tactic that avoids me being crushed by some Grade 3 child."

[Master, the route ahead is evident: now's the moment to establish your Empire. You have to rally the human race to your cause. With a base of devotees in place, you can start weaving your Law of Infinity into their core beings.]

[Since it's the Law of Infinity, they won't have to abandon their existing ways. They can continue as before, yet their lives turn into branches of your essence. As they advance, you gain a matching boost. After uniting the humans, you consume the remaining primal races. Next, you rise to the Divine Realm and engulf their societies entirely. That's how you evolve.]

Ethan inclined his head gradually, even as a scowl crossed his features. "Do I need to gather every last one under my flag? All of them without exception?"

[You will serve as their Living God, Master. Allow them to revere you. Devotion forms the link that blends their core with your Law. You can't compel this bond; it demands a soul-deep harmony. Or, you could forsake them and craft a fresh race purely from your own substance, which would prove much more streamlined.]

Ethan gazed upward at the forest's overhead branches. Memories of humankind's hardships, their vulnerability, and their resilience filled his mind. "No. I entered this world as human, and I refuse to cast that aside. I'll journey across various human realms, foster their belief, and claim them as my own. Think of it as a productive getaway."

He rose from his liquid seat, turning toward Erebus. "Discover a method to slip into the Apocalypse Race. If necessary, pretend to yield. Pose as a wandering spirit seeking a lord. Guard Zara from the darkness. Those fools can't bind you as a thrall regardless; your spirit is mine."

"As you command, my lord. I'll act as your spy among the peaks," Erebus inclined in respect and dissolved into the woodland's undergrowth.

The weariness from recent weeks at last overtook Ethan. The Neutral Plane brimmed with natural vitality, and the atmosphere itself wrapped around him like a soothing soak. He gestured lightly, and from the waves of his personal force, four ghostly attendants appeared, manifestations of his might crafted for relaxation.

"Massage me," he ordered, shutting his eyes. "I’m taking a break."

Yet right as relaxation started to pull him under, an idea ignited. "Yumiko, before I rest... Rose and the rest. Someone's altering their recollections. Who's behind it?"

[The Architect of the Fate Race,] Yumiko answered without delay. [He's developed a prying fascination with your path. He's tugging at the connections of those near you to observe your responses.]

"Does he realize my true identity?"

[No. He views you as an intriguing oddity, a 'wild card' disrupting his vast scheme. That intrigue alone keeps him from attempting to wipe you out.]

Ethan's chin clenched. "One day, I'll show that fiend what he's earned. He believes it's all a game? I'll shatter his entire setup."

With that last resentful notion, Ethan yielded to slumber.

Four days afterward, he stirred to gentle patters and melodic calls. His lids lifted to reveal tiny, pale, bunny-resembling beings bounding across his limbs. Vibrant insects with panes like colorful mosaics danced near his face, and the breeze carried the melody of gem-like avians.

He sensed vitality surging through him. Each part of his form thrummed with restored vigor. "How much time passed while I slept?"

[Precisely four days, Master.]

"Excellent. Back to the effort now." He extended a hand to stroke the ears of one fuzzy critter. It hummed, pulsing with a faint spiritual aura.

The notion of softness led his thoughts to Puffin, the snowy puff he'd entrusted to Rose. That being was peculiar, even for him. "Yumiko, what precisely is Puffin? You said he doesn't hail from the 'Cage'."

[Master, this inferior realm spans endlessly. The 'Cage', your familiar world, amounts to a minor, managed trial. Beyond its bounds lie 'Rogue Species.' These are peoples unbound by any deity and defying the set rules of the Divine Realms. The Divine Races frequently draw inspiration from these independents for their own designs, as the rogues possess innate toughness. Puffin stems from an advanced rogue heritage dwelling in the profound emptiness.]

"Yet another piece for the hoard," Ethan reflected. "I'll fold the rogue species into the Law of Infinity as well. The multiverse is immense; why not claim it all?"

He rose and scanned his surroundings. "Who originated the God Race, Yumiko? Given their might, they must trace to some origin."

[Such insight lies outside my present reach, Master. They might represent a primal occurrence from creation's initial exhale. Or an Supreme Originator could surpass even the High Gods. At this stage, it's an enigma beyond your current might to unravel.]

Ethan chose not to pursue it. He got to his feet, and through intent, his awareness linked back to his primary form. He stationed an advanced duplicate in the Neutral Plane with firm directives: breach the regional framework and aid Erebus should issues arise.

Ethan's vision sharpened in his core vessel. He returned to his tower. Beyond, the terrain had transformed. Envoys from more than a thousand "Original Races" assembled at his tower's foot. The atmosphere hung heavy with varied mana aromas and the whispers of formidable presences.

"Deposit the tribute along with one droplet of your lineage's essence," Ethan's words rang across the area, icy and thunderous. "Return after forty-eight hours for your enhanced methods. I won't entertain guests today."

None of the chiefs ventured a protest. They deposited mounds of origin coins and containers of radiant blood prior to withdrawing. Ethan ignored the accumulation; he summoned yet another duplicate to handle the laborious task of examining the essences and streamlining the method-enhancement.

Greater priorities awaited him. He headed to Rose’s chambers.

"Rose," he announced upon entering. She perched near the pane, Puffin nestled in her hold. "Prepare your things. Care to join me on a trip to the Land of the Ancients?"

Rose glanced up, taken aback. "The Land of the Ancients? I can’t....."

She prepared to refuse outright when Elizabeth emerged from the corridor's dimness.

"You ought to join her, Rose," Elizabeth stated resolutely. "You've exhausted yourself completely since arriving. A respite is essential, and even more so, you must witness the realms beyond these confines."