My attributes are increasing infinitely Chapter 496: Asking for favours

Ethan’s primary form was seated peacefully within the confines of a sealed chamber, the ambient air utterly motionless. Hovering just above his palm was the Cube, emitting a subtle radiance. Its exterior showcased intricate, layered geometric designs, with each rotation inducing a faint distortion in the immediate surroundings. A gentle smile graced his lips as he recognized a path to dramatically accelerate his power augmentation. However, he understood that substantial raw materials were indispensable. Even the most potent instrument would yield minimal results without adequate resources.

Raising his head slightly, Ethan addressed the air with measured calmness. "Sir, I request an audience with you." The instant his words concluded, the space before him shimmered subtly. No visible light or audible sound accompanied the shift; instead, the air seemed to fold inward, as if reality itself had been peeled back. A towering figure materialized silently within the room—the Founder, standing with hands clasped behind his back, his demeanor serene and impassive. "What is it?" he inquired in a level tone.

Ethan wasted no time, his request already formulated. "Sir, would it be possible for you to capture one monster from each level, ranging from level three to level one hundred? Ideally, they would all be restrained."

The Founder’s gaze sharpened infinitesimally. While he displayed no overt surprise, a momentary pause suggested he was weighing the request. In terms of sheer power, fulfilling such a demand presented no difficulty; however, it would necessitate considerable time and focused exertion. "I can accomplish this," he responded deliberately. "Nevertheless, apprehending monsters beyond level ninety is no trivial task. They do not inhabit common locales. Many serve as guardians to supreme existences, or they dwell within desolate territories governed by higher powers. Procuring them without provoking those formidable forces will require meticulous preparation and thus, more time."

He made no inquiry into Ethan’s motives for requiring these creatures. The Founder had already resolved to meticulously observe every endeavor undertaken by this young man. There was an undeniable mystique surrounding Ethan; his actions, while seemingly audacious on the surface, often revealed intricate layers of forethought. The Founder harbored a keen curiosity regarding the ultimate trajectory of these unfolding events.

"Then, how many levels can you procure for me instantaneously?" Ethan inquired, driven by the desire to leverage the Founder's present willingness to assist. He was acutely aware that such magnanimity was finite. Once he attained adequate strength, he would undoubtedly reciprocate all debts. Until that juncture, however, he intended to maximize the benefits derived from this encounter.

The Founder deliberated briefly before answering. "Within a single day, I can deliver monsters from levels three through eighty to you. Procuring those between level eighty-one and eighty-nine will require approximately ten days. As for levels ninety and above, additional time will be necessary, contingent upon their specific locations."

Ethan offered a slow nod. "Please proceed with that," he implored sincerely. "I shall remain eternally grateful for this favor." The Founder studied him for a brief interval, then gave a slight nod. "Very well. I shall return in ten hours." Without another word, the Founder dematerialized, leaving no trace of his presence. The room reverted to its prior silence, as if his appearance had been a mere figment of imagination.

Leaning back in his chair, Ethan released a slow breath. All was progressing precisely as envisioned. Upon the arrival of the captured monsters, he would commence a rigorous process of refinement. Even upon reaching level eighty, his combat prowess would far exceed conventional benchmarks. Subsequently, he would be capable of personally confronting more formidable adversaries.

He closed his eyes for a fleeting moment, and then his consciousness shifted—

... To the clamor of the battlefield, Ethan’s clone stood stoically amidst the debris of vanquished foes. His attire, the unassuming uniform of a mere errand boy, formed a stark contrast to the unwavering composure etched upon his features. Around him, soldiers were gradually regrouping following the sudden annihilation of an entire monster wave. Max, Elina, Mira, and the others converged upon him. "Hey Ethan, when did you arrive here?" Max inquired.

"I arrived some time ago," Ethan responded with practiced calm. Mira surveyed the devastated landscape before turning her attention to him. "Your perception is incredibly keen. How do you make sense of what just transpired?" Ethan’s gaze swept across the barren horizon, where the air still held faint traces of dissipating residual energy.

"There is nothing complex to decipher," he stated. "A supreme being has intervened." Kael scoffed dismissively. "What? You believe someone capable of nearly halting time would involve themselves in a trivial battlefield like this? No wonder you’re still an errand boy; you clearly lack understanding of how truly powerful beings operate. Entities of that caliber are occupied on grander stages. They wouldn't deign to waste their efforts here." Ethan regarded him with mild curiosity. "Then, what is your interpretation?" Kael crossed his arms, a confident smirk playing on his lips.

"I suspect a new kind of weapon has undergone testing right here. That degree of instantaneous destruction aligns with experimental technology."

Ethan offered a nod of agreement.

"Certainly. Whatever you say. Now that all the monsters are eliminated, what are your plans?"

A wry smile touched Max's lips.

"The monsters are relentless. They emerge from the dark dimension. Even if one wave is defeated, countless more will manifest within a day. This is the nature of this battlefield."

"I understand," Ethan responded. "Then let us depart for now. I wish to properly explore the base camp; I lacked the time earlier. We could also host a small celebration."

Max glanced at the assembled group. They exchanged looks and subsequently nodded. None of them viewed Ethan as a mere subordinate. He was the son of Haris Johnson's close friend, and his analytical prowess had consistently impressed them. His composed judgment during moments of crisis made them value his presence.

"Very well, let's go," Max declared.

They turned to leave. Unexpectedly, Ethan halted and gazed behind them.

The very air seemed to warp.

A dark fissure tore through space, as if reality itself had been ripped asunder. A rift silently formed, expanding outwards like a grievous wound. Instantly, all combatants ceased their movements. Weapons were brought to bear. Defensive arrays were swiftly activated.

"What is happening?" Max uttered. "They weren't scheduled to appear until tomorrow. Why would a rift open at this juncture?"

The fracture expanded with terrifying force. Two colossal black hands emerged from its depths. Gripping the edges of the rift, they began to tear it wider. The sound was akin to ripping fabric, yet amplified to an unimaginable degree.

Boom.

The instant the hands breached into reality, an oppressive pressure washed over the entire battlefield. The ground fractured. The air became heavy and dense. Soldiers were forced to their knees, utterly unable to withstand the force. Even veteran warriors found it difficult to draw breath under the immense weight of its presence.

Only Ethan remained upright.

He tilted his head slightly, his fascination evident.

The entity beyond the rift pressed forward. Its arms alone were colossal, comparable to towers, encased in jagged, armor-like black scales. A dark mist billowed from the opening, engulfing the sky. The pressure intensified as the creature continued to force its body through the tear.

Ethan observed with keen attention. He immediately discerned the being's power level.

Progenitor class.

The tier directly beneath his current existence.

This alone rendered the situation highly unusual. Such beings were never encountered on low-tier battlefields. Their movements were typically associated with strategic engagements in higher dimensional zones.

"What is a monstrosity such as this doing here?" Ethan mused aloud.

The rift widened further. The creature's head began to emerge, revealing eyes of burning crimson that swept across the battlefield. Every soldier felt as though their very souls were being extinguished under its gaze. Unadulterated fear spread like wildfire.

Max struggled to remain standing, his legs trembling uncontrollably.

"This... this cannot be," he stammered.