My attributes are increasing infinitely Chapter 500: Third Talent: Absolute Veil
Previously on My attributes are increasing infinitely...
The Dark Alliance's central fortress was soon reached, and an unusual tension permeated the entire structure. Since the loss of their true leader years prior, the organization had been governed by a council of generals, each a formidable figure ranging from level 135 to 140, feared across the continent. However, in this moment, not a single one displayed composure. They were all assembled in the main hall, their faces etched with a shared expression of deep unease.
Upon Veldanava's entrance, the room's temperature plummeted. While no overt pressure was exerted, an unsettling sense of the incomprehensible entering their domain washed over everyone present. Their instincts blared alarms, and even the mightiest among them felt as if their existence hung precariously by a slender thread.
Veldanava's gaze swept slowly across the assembled generals, his eyes piercing each one without them daring to meet his stare. The silence stretched, a heavy weight pressing down on their chests.
"Who presides as your leader?" he inquired.
His voice was calm, yet the question resonated with an inherent authority, less like a request for information and more like an assessment of subordinates.
Veldanava's intention was to seize command of the alliance. He required swift access to information, as scouring the entire continent individually would prove excessively time-consuming. By controlling the Dark Alliance, he would gain immediate leverage over a vast network of spies, informants, and intelligence operatives already spanning most regions.
One of the generals advanced. Identified as Vorax, his posture was somewhat hunched despite his near-level 140 cultivation. He seemed unaware of the perspiration gathering on his brow.
"Sir, we are the generals of this alliance. No single leader governs," Vorax stated with careful diction.
Veldanava offered a single nod.
"Understood. From this point forward, you shall have a leader. I have crucial assignments for you," he declared.
The simplicity of his statement rendered everyone motionless. No one dared to voice dissent; the palpable aura of death emanating from him was not mere fear, but a certainty. An aura of annihilation seemed to cling to him, making his mere presence akin to standing beside a collapsing star.
"Yes, sir. We pledge ourselves to your service," they chorused, bowing in unison.
"I seek an individual who has recently achieved a significant cultivation breakthrough and manifested a potent talent. Compile a roster of every person on this continent fitting this description," he commanded.
The generals exchanged glances, their faces paling considerably.
"Sir, we can scrutinize the populace, but the powerful clans and alliances possess patrons beyond our capacity to confront," one general admitted hesitantly.
"You will investigate the populace. Those clans will be my concern. Now, inform me of another matter: have you encountered any unusual occurrences lately? The talent this individual awakened is of supreme level, implying exceptionally high potential. Does anyone on your compiled list correspond to such a profile?" Veldanava inquired.
The generals lapsed into deep contemplation, replaying recent unusual occurrences in their minds. Numerous individuals came to mind, yet none perfectly matched the criteria. One general recalled a specific candidate but quickly dismissed the notion.
He considered Ethan. However, Ethan remained at merely level one, making a multi-level jump within a single day, something even monsters couldn't achieve, seem utterly preposterous.
Despite this, the thought of Ethan had previously caused them unease, leading to discussions of his potential elimination as a future anomaly, even with his currently negligible cultivation level.
After a palpable moment of hesitation, a general finally spoke.
"Sir, we are aware of an anomalous individual, though he is only at level one or two," he murmured.
"Intriguing? Elaborate," Veldanava prompted, a flicker of curiosity crossing his features.
"Despite being only level one, he utilized minor teleportation without resorting to any artifact," the general reported.
Veldanava's eyes narrowed slightly. This was indeed peculiar, yet still insufficient.
"Where is he presently?" Veldanava pressed.
They quickly explained their knowledge that Ethan was currently under the protection of a clan founder. This detail piqued Veldanava's interest further, though it did not yet fully align with his search parameters.
"He is certainly unusual, but not my primary quarry. I shall meet him at a later juncture. Now, proceed with your assigned duties," Veldanava commanded.
With immediate deference, the generals departed the hall, not a moment wasted.
...
Within the confines of the Space Cube, Ethan had just attained level 30. The surrounding Qi gradually stabilized, and a new notification materialized before him.
[You have acquired a new talent.]
[Absolute Veil: Your true power is undetectable, unanalyzable, and imperceptible to any being, system, or law within Elysium. You will present precisely as you desire to any form of scrutiny. This effect is absolute.]
Ethan reread the description twice, his eyes gleaming with newfound excitement.
This unique talent granted him the ability to completely mask his presence. Regardless of an opponent's power, they would only perceive what he intended them to. Even complex systems and fundamental laws were incapable of detecting him—it was an ultimate form of concealment.
"Excellent. I must remain cautious even around the founder," Ethan acknowledged with satisfaction.
He fully grasped the significance of this ability. Countless formidable entities observed the continent, and any hint of his abnormal progression would instantly paint a target on his back. With the 'Absolute Veil,' his growth could continue unhindered and secure.
...
Within the trial world, Max made his return to the ancestral family estate, his expression grave. He proceeded directly to the main hall where his father awaited.
"I've encountered someone who might be able to assist me," Max announced.
"What nonsense is this? A mere nobody, incapable even of becoming a gene warrior, offers you hope?" his father bellowed.
He witnessed his son's slow deterioration and had resigned himself to this harsh reality. However, this sudden glimmer of hope felt perilous; a false dawn would only inflict greater pain.
Max immediately dropped to his knees.
"Father, we have exhausted all avenues. Why not grant him a chance?" he pleaded.
His father clenched his fists, his instinct to refuse battling the stark realization that they were out of options.
At that precise moment, the chamber door swung open, admitting an elder whose very presence commanded silence.
"The heavens have blessed our family abundantly, yet they have also subjected us to an insurmountable trial. Go, fetch those ingredients for him. Should he falter, we forfeit some wealth; should he succeed, our entire legacy becomes his," the old man stated with serene finality.
"Grandfather."
"Father."
Both men bowed in deference.
"Thank you, Grandfather," Max expressed with deep gratitude before departing.
His father's gaze remained clouded with uncertainty.
"But Father..."
"Proceed. Dispatch someone to ascertain the situation," the elder responded.
He wasn't embracing blind faith; rather, he understood that miracles often emerge from the most unexpected quarters.
...
The following day, Max arrived, bearing the necessary ingredients, which he presented to Ethan with utmost care.
"I am placing my trust in you, Ethan," he conveyed.
Ethan met his gaze and gave a calm nod.
"Have no worries," he assured.
He then entered the designated room. His intention was to bolster the strength of the five individuals who had aided him in uncovering leads about his extended family. This act served as both a repayment for their assistance and a strategic preparation for the future.