Path To Godhood Begins With Marrying Wife And Gaining SSS Rank Skill Chapter 476:Divine Soul Flame

After recovering his composure and meticulously integrating the forging talent, Ethan's focus gradually shifted towards the subsequent reward.

"A Greatsword Forging Manual."

He directed his attention to the system notification.

In the next instant, a subtle shimmer of light materialized within the tranquil chamber. A substantial manual suddenly appeared in his grasp.

Ethan instinctively caught it.

The cover of the manual felt both weighty and cool to the touch. Intricate runic symbols were etched across its surface, while faint, star-like patterns gleamed upon the metallic plates that bound it.

"This looks quite formidable," Ethan commented softly.

He proceeded to open the manual with deliberate care.

Its pages were densely inscribed with information pertaining to forging techniques, the intricacies of rune structures, and highly advanced principles of weapon construction.

However, it was the materials listed on the initial pages that immediately captured his attention.

Ethan's brows arched slightly as he read the names.

"Admantium… Celestial Iron… Void Silver…"

Each of these substances was regarded as exceptionally rare.

Admantium, in particular, was a legendary metal renowned for its near-indestructible nature and its remarkable conductivity for mana. Only the most potent weapons were crafted using even minute quantities of it.

Celestial Iron was another rare substance, purportedly fallen from meteorites, possessing a peculiar affinity with cosmic energies.

Void Silver found its application in sophisticated enchantments and the creation of dimensional stabilizing runes.

Ethan slowly turned another page.

But the subsequent requirement brought him to a complete halt.

"Star Dust Essence."

Ethan’s gaze remained fixed on those words for several long seconds.

The manual provided a detailed description of the substance.

Star Dust Essence was described as a condensed fragment of cosmic energy, formed from the remnants of collapsing star fragments adrift in the vastness of space. It was not a tangible material like metal or crystal.

Instead, it was an energetic substance, concentrated to stabilize and enhance the foundational structure of exceptionally high-tier weapons.

Without the inclusion of Star Dust Essence, the complete forging of a true Star Forge Greatsword was deemed impossible.

Ethan slowly reclined, the manual held loosely in his hands.

"That explains it all."

He was familiar with this particular item.

Star Dust Essence was an ultra-rare substance, seldom appearing on any open market.

In reality, almost all of it had been acquired and stockpiled by the Merchant Association, an entity that controlled the majority of rare resource trading across numerous kingdoms.

This situation implied a single, unavoidable conclusion.

Star Dust Essence could only be procured through them.

And even then, it was likely to command an exorbitant price.

Ethan carefully closed the manual.

"…Damn it."

The expletive escaped his lips before he could consciously restrain it.

He rubbed his forehead, exhaling slowly.

Then, his demeanor gradually settled.

"Well… at least the other materials are obtainable."

The remaining components, while rare, were still within reach if one possessed sufficient resources and established connections.

However, Star Dust Essence would necessitate extensive negotiations with the Merchant Association.

Ethan placed the manual to his side.

"I’ll address that matter later."

His attention then shifted to the next reward presented.

"Divine Soul Flame."

He focused on the accompanying notification.

The system panel reappeared before him.

Divine Soul Flame… it could be utilized for refinement, but its true potency resided in offensive capabilities.

[Divine Soul Flame]

Rank: Growth Type

Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly.

He scrutinized the description with great care.

The Divine Soul Flame was identified as a rare, soul-based flame enabling the user to directly incinerate an opponent's soul. This flame bypassed the physical body, targeting instead the spiritual core of the enemy, inflicting grievous soul damage and disrupting their consciousness.

A crucial warning was included: the opponent's soul intent must be comparable to the user's.

Should the enemy's soul strength significantly surpass the user's, the flame's efficacy would be greatly diminished.

Ethan slowly leaned back, having absorbed the details.

"Whoa… wow…"

He let out a low whistle of astonishment.

"Now that is some seriously potent stuff."

A flame capable of directly harming the soul was exceedingly dangerous. Most offensive capabilities targeted the physical form. Certain uncommon techniques aimed at mana channels.

But soul-based assaults operated on an entirely different plane of power.

Even formidable warriors harbored a deep-seated fear of such abilities.

Ethan rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

"Direct soul damage…"

This implied that even adversaries clad in heavy armor or high-ranking knights could be severely incapacitated if their souls became the target.

Naturally, the accompanying warning held significant weight.

If the enemy's soul was demonstrably stronger, the impact would be negligible.

Nevertheless, the inherent ability was undeniably invaluable.

Ethan nodded slowly in agreement.

"One more aspect I must commend the system for."

A majority of the abilities bestowed by the system were classified as 'growth type'.

This designation meant they lacked any fixed rank limitations.

Unlike conventional techniques that eventually became obsolete at higher levels, growth-type abilities possessed the capacity for continuous evolution alongside the user.

Ethan cast another glance at the hovering system panel.

"So as long as I keep growing… These abilities will grow with me."

A faint smile gradually formed on his face.

"That's a pretty good deal."

Finally, Ethan picked up the last item.

The Draconic Bloodline Potion.

A small crystal vial materialized before him as the system conjured it into existence. Within the vial, the liquid emitted a soft glow, a deep crimson hue intertwined with an eerie dark shimmer, resembling minuscule fragments of night swirling within.

Ethan brought the vial closer to his eyes.

The moment he read the system description, he nearly leaped in surprise.

[Draconic Potion]

Contains 15% purity of Flame Dragon and 5% bloodline of Void Dragon.

Ethan blinked, processing the information.

"A mixed Draconic potion… and it possesses the power of a Void Dragon as well."

His expression shifted to one of slight bewilderment as he gazed at the swirling liquid inside the vial.

Flame Dragons alone were incredibly potent beings, commanding destructive fire capable of liquefying steel and stone.

However, Void Dragons were on an entirely different level.

These creatures were whispered to hold a terrifying mastery over space and the very essence of the void.

The combination of both bloodlines within a single potion seemed… peculiar.

"The description feels a bit unusual," Ethan murmured quietly.

"What exactly was it mixed with?"

He lifted the potion slightly, his brow furrowed.

"System, this won't harm me, will it?"

The system's response was almost instantaneous.

[Of course not, host.]

[You may assimilate as many bloodlines as you wish.]

Ethan felt a measure of relief upon hearing this.

But the system's message continued.

[However…]

[If you assimilate the bloodline of too many species, your body might undergo morphological changes, and the mutation could lead to significant alterations.]

Ethan's eyebrows slowly rose.

"Mutation… ?"

The system elaborated further.

[You also have the option to request a mage to extract the ability from the potion.]

[Even if the bloodline potion contains the bloodline of two or three beasts, it will not result in significant changes.]

Ethan nodded slowly, contemplating this information.

That sounded manageable.

The last time, he had acquired a Troll Bloodline Potion.

He had passed that one on to Randall.

Ethan suddenly froze.

"…Wait a minute."

He slowly lowered the potion, a frown returning to his face.

"Where on earth is Randall?"

Ethan ran a hand through his hair, scratching the side of his head.

"I haven't seen him for months."

His expression gradually turned suspicious.

"What the heck?"

"Did that idiot run off?"

Then, another thought flickered through his mind.

"…Or perhaps I gave him an order and completely forgot about it?"

Ethan leaned back slightly, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.

For several seconds, he attempted to recall the last time he had conversed with Randall.

However, nothing immediately surfaced in his memory.

"Damn."

"I really need to figure out where that guy has vanished to."