Raising My Trash Ability into a Broken SSS+ Rank Skill Chapter 567 Professionals
Previously on Raising My Trash Ability into a Broken SSS+ Rank Skill...
Vritra kept a close watch on his surroundings while awaiting a response, his gaze eventually settling on Drino, whose physical form was in a state of constant decay.
"Attaining the status of a demi god is nearly an impossible feat before the games commence. The sole method to level up is through the specific games orchestrated by the gods," Divine explained.
Nodding in understanding, Vritra listened as the explanation continued:
"Once the trial concludes, the hero is granted an opportunity to ascend to demi god status. The opposing planet faces destruction, and they seize its core along with the vast majority of its energy."
'I get it. So the actual participants in these games are the demi gods and their respective teams, and leveling up is achieved by crushing the opposition?' Vritra pondered, uncertain about the nature of the upcoming contests.
He wondered if these games were restricted to just two planets or if multiple worlds would be involved simultaneously.
Countless questions swirled in his mind, but for now, he had no choice but to wait for the truth to be revealed.
"Indeed, those games are the only path to leveling up, though the level of difficulty is truly staggering," Divine noted.
'Does that mean this lizard is useless for leveling up?' Vritra scowled. It felt like a wasted opportunity, though perhaps he could still utilize the creature to evolve his own physique.
"Yes, as frustrating as it seems, a demi god cannot level up outside of those games. Reaching a true level 3 demi god rank is impossible; even I lack the power to help you level. However..." Divine let the word hang in the air for dramatic effect.
Vritra felt a surge of relief at that "however." Enhancing his current power was at the top of his priority list.
"But I can assist you in reaching a pseudo-level 3. The bulk of Drino’s power is rooted in his physique. Begin by absorbing his physique, and I will provide further guidance," Divine instructed.
'Understood.' Acting immediately, Vritra gripped the tail firmly and shut his eyes. Simple physical contact was all that was required to initiate the absorption of the physique.
[Commencing absorption of demi god Drino's physique!]
As the process took hold, the dazed demi god felt a sudden shift. He realized that a specific energy was beginning to drain from his body.
He tried to wrench himself away in a panic, but his efforts were futile. Vritra’s grip was unyielding.
A creeping sensation of frailty began to wash over Drino. While he couldn't pinpoint exactly what Vritra was doing, he knew he had to put an end to it.
Drino attempted to fight back, trying to access his inventory to find a countermeasure, but his senses were forcibly blocked.
"Not so fast, lizard. Did you really think you could harm my sister without facing the consequences? The man you dragged along is going to be your end. He will strip you of your power and even claim your soul." A voice suddenly echoed within Drino’s mind, causing his entire frame to tremble.
'D-Divine?!! How are you here? I thought you were dead!' Drino’s body went limp with terror. Had he known Divine still lived, he never would have dared to lay a hand on his sisters.
'P-Please forgive me! I will obey your every command. Whatever you desire, I-I will—' Drino began to plead desperately, fully aware that even the gods hesitated to challenge Divine head-on.
And by this point, Divine's power must have reached even more terrifying heights.
"Hmm, I might be inclined to forgive, but he won't. My brother-in-law is incredibly protective of his family. Just endure the agony; it will be over shortly," Divine remarked, showing a mock pity for the wretched demi god.
Vritra, oblivious to the mental exchange, remained entirely focused on the task at hand.
Drino looked toward Vritra with fading eyes. Why had he invited this catastrophe? Being exiled from his planet had been a light sentence compared to this; he had been foolish enough to bring his own executioner along.
Meanwhile, Vritra was preoccupied with the absorption of Drino’s physique. They were hurtling through the air at such velocity that most movements were impossible.
The process of absorbing this specific physique was taking much longer than expected, but the resulting changes were monumental.
He had previously absorbed the physiques of Dago and Sir Giant, but their combined essence didn't even equal a fraction of Drino’s power.
'Finally, I can feel my strength surging. I can only imagine how much my physical power and defenses will peak after this...' Vritra thought, keeping the process steady.
He also pondered how much longer their flight would last. Had he truly struck Drino with that much force? Even with the final boost from Teresa, this seemed excessive.
Minutes had passed, yet their momentum showed no signs of slowing.
'Divine, what is happening? Where are we headed? You're behind this, aren't you?' Vritra wished he could confront Divine directly and pay him back for all these convoluted games.
"Relax. Didn't I promise you a gift? You’ll be receiving it soon, though the path there is quite long," Divine replied with a nonchalant tone.
Vritra clicked his tongue and returned his full attention to the absorption.
...
Half an hour passed, yet their travel speed remained constant.
They continued to be propelled forward as if the impact of the Nuclear Fist had never lost its momentum. Drino remained unable to initiate any healing.
Vritra knew that his own power alone shouldn't have been enough to keep Drino in this state; Divine had clearly intervened.
By now, the absorption was over 30% complete. Vritra pushed all other thoughts aside.
Drino had long since abandoned his futile attempts at resistance. With Divine working against him, there was nothing he could do.
'Is this how it ends? God! Please, help me!! I even located Divine’s other sister...' Drino cried out internally, as he was physically incapable of speaking.
"It's no use. No matter what you plot, I have already sealed off every exit," Divine spoke. He harbored a deep anger toward Drino for daring to touch his sister.
But he saw a perfect use for these people: they would serve as the fuel for Vritra’s growth, ensuring his sisters' safety in the long run.
Finally, after several hours had passed...
[You have successfully absorbed demi god Drino’s physique!]
[Your physique has been significantly enhanced.]
[Your physique has been significantly enhanced.]
[Your physique has been significantly enhanced.]
...
The notification flashed repeatedly before Vritra the moment the process concluded.
The transformation in his body was undeniable. His defensive capabilities had skyrocketed, and his raw strength had surged alongside them.
'Impressive. Now, Divine, what is the next step?' Vritra asked, assessing his new power.
"Now we move on to one of your favorite activities. We are going to steal..." Divine said. Merely taking the physique wasn't the end of the plan.
'Oh? Are we looting his inventory?' Vritra smiled thinly, his expression causing Drino to shudder instinctively.
'W-What now? They’ve already taken my physique, isn’t that enough?' Drino trembled, deeply regretting his decision to accept the god’s mission.
He had mistakenly believed this task would be a simple one.
"Well, we'll take the inventory, but there is something far more valuable to claim," Divine replied.
'And what would that be?' Vritra tilted his head as he pulled Drino's tail out from his own chest.
The puncture wound closed up instantly. He had never felt this powerful before; his body was overflowing with raw energy.
While stealing a physique didn't grant the victim's specific abilities, it provided much more than just a boost to strength and defense.
Vritra would have to explore those nuances later.
"We are going to harvest his Mana Core and his heart," Divine answered, his voice dripping with a sinister edge.
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