My attributes are increasing infinitely Chapter 503: Evolving the law strand

Ethan slowly released his breath, his gaze unwavering despite the underlying tension. "Is that so? Greed is indeed a vice that none can truly shed," he commented, his tone maintaining a calm, almost contemplative quality.

This outcome was something he had foreseen. While not necessarily today, it was an eventuality he had anticipated. Nevertheless, the swiftness with which things had unfolded surpassed his expectations. Yet, Ethan allowed none of these internal reflections to betray his outward composure. His expression remained an unreadable mask.

"Thank you, Founder," Ethan continued with politeness. "However, I would prefer to reach level ten before embarking on something so perilous. Would that be agreeable?"

For a fleeting instant, the Founder's expression stiffened, a shadow of displeasure crossing his features. The delay was clearly unwelcome, yet he hesitated to press the matter. The ritual he intended was intrinsically linked to the soul, rendering it a delicate affair. He had already attempted to seize Ethan’s soul once, and the result had left him disturbed. He had sensed nothing. There was no presence to grasp, no essence to anchor upon. This void, however, did not deter him; it only fueled his intense fixation.

"Yes, that will suffice," the Founder responded after a brief silence. His voice returned to its customary calm, though an undercurrent of tension persisted. "Tell me, what have you been doing in proximity to those monsters? Have you attempted to engage them?"

Ethan immediately grasped the implication behind the inquiry. The restraints binding the monsters were not as steadfast as they appeared. If he remained in their vicinity for an extended period, the bindings would weaken, leading to their release. At that juncture, they would attack without reservation. This was the scenario the Founder had meticulously orchestrated.

What the Founder failed to comprehend was that Ethan had already probed these boundaries numerous times. With each advancement to a new level, he had deliberately drawn closer to the monsters. As the restraints loosened, he had confronted them fearlessly. Wielding the Sword of Infinity, even unbridled monsters had succumbed with ease. At the time, Ethan had not questioned their behavior. Now, however, the pattern was undeniably clear. Their aggression, their timing, even their apparent hesitation—all had been part of a calculated scheme.

"I possess a particular aptitude," Ethan stated evenly. "It enables me to grow stronger progressively by remaining near formidable beings. However, this process is time-intensive."

The Founder's eyes narrowed, a subtle gleam of avarice appearing within them. "Is that so?" he murmured, his curiosity piqued further. "Then do you require the defeat of these monsters to advance, or can you progress simply by being in their presence?"

"Ultimately, I will need to vanquish them," Ethan replied. "It is an unavoidable step if I aim to level up. However, as you are aware, monsters possess considerably greater strength than humans. By maintaining proximity, the disparity between us diminishes over time, becoming more manageable."

"I comprehend." The Founder nodded slowly, his mind evidently racing with strategic considerations. "In that case, I shall furnish you with an adequate number of monsters to facilitate your rapid ascent to level ten."

Without awaiting a reply, he turned and departed.

Ethan observed his departure, a subtle smile gracing his lips once the Founder was out of sight.

"You will be rather taken aback upon your return," he stated softly.

He then directed his attention inward. "Yumiko, my Law of Infinity strand can be fortified by the gray mist, is that correct? If so, could I not continue its evolution indefinitely? Why would I need to depend on leveling up at all?"

A serene voice responded within his consciousness.

[You can indeed strengthen your Infinity strand through the utilization of the gray mist. However, its progression will eventually reach a plateau at approximately levels one hundred and thirty to one hundred and forty. This limitation stems from the fact that the strand itself cannot surpass the physical body's capacity to sustain it. To wield a law strand of a higher magnitude, a correspondingly potent body is required.]

Ethan listened intently in silence as Yumiko elaborated.

[This is where Elysium diverges from the outer realms. Elysium represents one of two infinite realms; the other is known as Hyperion. While Elysium emphasizes physical and experiential development, Hyperion is dedicated to the evolution of law strands. Nevertheless, both realms are inherently incomplete. Their maximum capacity is level five hundred. Only through the amalgamation of the two can a truly infinite world be realized. The outer realms are merely fragmented remnants, imperfect manifestations born from the system's endeavor to replicate what is lacking. However, none have achieved this successfully.]

Ethan's eyes widened slightly. The implications were monumental. For the first time, the path forward appeared with distinct clarity.

"A cap of level five hundred," he mused thoughtfully. "Yet the most powerful heroes only reach around level two hundred, do they not?"

[Those who have truly transcended that boundary no longer bother with lesser concerns], Yumiko responded. [Their sole focus is Hyperion, aiming to fuse the twin infinite realms and shatter existing limitations. They have no interest in playing the roles of either heroes or villains.]

Ethan absorbed this, his head nodding slowly. The hierarchy of power, he realized, was vastly more expansive than he had initially conceived.

"Then, I shall first advance my law strand to its natural culmination," he declared. "Upon reaching that apex, I will determine my subsequent direction."

With his decision made, he entered the confines of the space cube.

Inside, an absolute silence reigned, utterly detached from the external world. Ethan settled himself cross-legged, his posture unwavering, and lifted the index finger of his right hand.

"Gray mist," he uttered in a low tone.

Instantly, a thick, swirling vapor materialized at his fingertip. It emanated a faint pulse, radiating an aura that felt simultaneously immense and profoundly destructive.

"Master—"

The voice cut through the quiet, tinged with an almost frantic edge.

Ethan immediately dispersed the mist, his brow furrowing in concern. "What has occurred?"

"Master, that gray mist possesses the capability to instantly vaporize me," the voice replied, a tremor evident in its tone. "Should I make contact with it, I would be utterly annihilated. Not even time reversal could restore me."

Ethan's expression softened marginally. "I understand. I shall exercise caution. My apologies for causing you alarm."

"There is something further," she continued, her voice laced with hesitation. "Should you attain even a fraction more strength, I will be unable to accelerate time for you any longer. You will surpass my capabilities entirely."

Ethan allowed a subtle smile to grace his lips. "Do not trouble yourself over that. I shall devise a method for your own evolution. Besides, I already possess my own temporal field."

With a simple snap of his fingers, a faint ripple of distortion emanated outwards. His personal time field expanded, engulfing the entirety of the space cube and supplanting its pre-existing temporal flow.

His unique talent, Eternal God Chronos, granted him the ability to amplify the passage of time to an incredible degree. At present, he could accelerate time by a factor of one million. In reality, external assistance was no longer a necessity, yet he elected to remain within the cube for its inherent stability.

Once the environment had stabilized, Ethan conjured the gray mist once more.

This time, however, he guided it with utmost care, permitting it to permeate his very being.

The instant it breached his defenses, a violent upheaval erupted from within.

A profound resonance surged through his essence as his Infinity strand reacted. It eagerly absorbed the mist, expanding at a truly astounding velocity.

Ethan regulated his breathing, steadying his mind as he adapted to the swift metamorphosis unfolding within him.

"The supreme primordial gods," he mused after a moment's contemplation. "To what extent do their law strands extend?"

[When your law strand reaches a length of 10¹⁰⁰ kilometers, it will undergo its ultimate transformation. At that point, you will ascend to the status of a primordial supreme god, equivalent to a level one hundred and thirty powerhouse.]

Ethan paused, engaging in silent calculation.

"That represents an immense scale," he murmured. "Even at my current trajectory, reaching such a state would necessitate roughly fifty million years. With the aid of accelerated time and Nini's support for the present, this duration could be compressed to approximately five years."

He allowed a slight frown to surface, contemplating the ramifications.

The path was not insurmountable, but it demanded unwavering patience and absolute precision. Every single step carried inherent risk, and each subsequent advancement required absolute control.

[Advance as far as your mastery allows. Should the circumstances become unmanageable, you may need to depart from this location. There is… something of interest unfolding beyond these confines. Therefore, you will not face immediate peril. The founder, this time, will take their leisure in returning.]