The Fate Kernels were created using simplified theories of the Void Engine] , and it looked like using the two together would unravel the kernel . In other words , he wouldn’t be able to use the empty Fate Kernel for himself . Still , Zac fully believed what he’d gained was far superior .
Cosmic Forge] was an amazing gift that would solve many of his problems while increasing his self-sufficiency . However , it would take a long time before its true value showed itself in a way that could either bring in money or improve his combat strength . Conversely , the Void Engine] would provide almost immediate benefits for his Core Formation .
He was another step closer to his goal . The Hollow Core] from the Orom World to hold the nascent nucleus of the Cosmic Core . The Calamity Core] to instill it with the first breath of Pure Life and Death . And now he had the Void Engine] to provide Void Energy and the Void of Dao . The only thing missing was a foundational treasure for Conflict and a boatload of Mana before he was all set .
Zac looked around the empty courtyard . There was nothing else . The base materials in the structure were incredibly mundane now that the star was gone and not worth bothering over . Zac even suspected the building itself wasn’t something left behind by the First People . Rather , it had been formed from the energy in the sun , using any random nearby material . It would have been another matter if it had been some sort of interesting Void Material .
Then again , could those materials even be stored in a conventional Spatial Ring?
Since Zac was done with everything , he returned to the exit and went through the gates . Not that he had much of a choice . The inheritance space had steadily deteriorated since the firefly sun disappeared . It probably wouldn’t last more than another ten minutes , and Zac didn’t want to stay behind when it popped . The dark swirl in the sky was long gone , and the warm sunset drenched the mountain valley in amber luster . The world had returned to normal , but it was still a very different scene that met him compared to when he entered the inheritance .
There was over fifty people in the valley now . Zac anticipated a few to arrive , using various teleportation treasures . But not this many . There had only been twenty-two outsiders in the realm when he entered , and some were days away from this location . Others lacked the means to cover vast distances so quickly and were forced to use their legs to approach Zac’s location .
Furthermore , Zac only recognized six of these people—the others hadn’t been here when he activated the inheritance . It was only then he realized the impartment had taken just over three days . More than enough time for the news to spread to a select few . Now , most of them were using various means to scan the surroundings or form a resonance , unwilling to give up in case there was more to the huge events that had rocked the Quarry .
Catheya wasn’t there , but he spotted a hooded man standing in a corner with shadows flickering around him . A smile spread across Zac’s face upon seeing Ogras . No doubt the demon had already made some money on this crowd . Now , it was time to bring it home .
Zac took out a transparent glass container and put the empty Fate Kernel inside . From there , he took out one of his artisanal axes and carved a set of scripts on the glass . It wasn’t an array but rather a copy of the runes of the First People that had covered the large brazier that disappeared a few days ago . Finally , he filled the container with Void Energy before attaching an isolation array .
It wasn’t a perfect solution , but the kernel would hold for at least an hour as long as he kept the container close to his body . After the bait was completed , Zac turned into his Draugr form . There was no need to burn his human identity , and what was some additional notoriety to Arcaz Umbri’Zi? With all preparations complete , Zac donned a bashful smile as he emerged from the shielding bubble with the transparent glass canister floating next to him through telekinesis .
A person appearing out of nowhere at an inheritance site obviously drew attention , and Zac instantly had fifty sets of eyes trained on him .
It’s him! The Draugr from the Calamity! - a shocked exclamation echoed out .
Zac recognized the man . It was the very same person who’d seen him emerge from the Calamity . Had he been hanging by the teleporters all this time , waiting for an opportunity to present itself?
Zac slowly swept his gaze across the crowd as though it was the first time he’d seen them . When he reached Ogras , the demon made a small sign indicating everything was okay . Zac inwardly breathed out in relief . Since Catheya was fine , he had no more misgivings about carrying out his plan .
I see a lot of people came to congratulate me on my fortuitous encounter , - Zac smiled . - Thank you , everyone , thank you! -
Who’s here to congratulate you? - a buff orc with some human heritage swore . - What kind of gut-wrenching luck do you have? First the Calamity , and now this? -
Is that a Fate Kernel? - another person asked before Zac could answer , pointing at the glass case floating to Zac’s side .
It looks just like the ones in the recording , - a golemoid confirmed .
Good observation! - Zac said . - As you probably know , there were ten of these , but I can see they’re all gone now . Luckily , I just so happened to find two inside the true inheritance . I’ve used one already , so now I have a spare . -
Name your price , - a cold-looking woman wearing an emerald crown said , clearly confident in her wealth .
Where’s the fun in that? - Zac smiled . - The Perennial Vastness is a rare opportunity to meet other talents from across the Multiverse and broaden our horizons . How about this? Challenge me if you weren’t lucky enough to take one out of the brazier . I’ll give it to anyone who can defeat me . -
Like we don’t know about your winning streak last month , - the golemoid scoffed , and a few others nodded in agreement .
Then how about this . If no one has defeated me by the time I’ve dueled you all , I’ll sell the thing to the highest bidder , - Zac countered . - I can tell you right now , the inheritance is picked clean and gone . This is the last piece up for grabs . -
Ten people sighed and left , most of them through the mountains where Zac came from . Ten more , including Ogras , were neither confident in defeating him nor winning the auction , but they stepped to the side to spectate . That left thirty candidates who were ready to offer up some Mana .
Zac didn’t think he was invincible , but he’d already scanned everyone in the crowd . There were four at the level of the lionman or the Earth cultivator he encountered in the Calamity . Another ten or so weren’t quite at that level but still impressive , while the rest were no threat at all . Since this was a Green Zone and Zac could pick martial duels , he had some confidence in taking them all out . At worst , he’d lose one or two battles and have to give away the kernel for free .
Greedy bastard , - the buff man from before laughed as he stepped forward . - I like it! Skills or martial? -
Martial , - Zac said as Love’s Bond] appeared on his back . One of the chains snapped up the floating glass case and wound itself around it until it formed a ball of fetters . - Oh , if anyone tries to steal the Fate Kernel , I’ll destroy it . I’ll also hunt you down , so you better not appear in Orange or Red Zones in the future . -
We’ll make sure your . . . rules . . . are followed , - the cold woman said .
Well , then , let’s do it! - Zac grinned .
Thirty minutes later , Zac stood by himself , panting and covered in surface wounds .
Whew , alright . Who’s next? - Zac said , trying to look exhausted and vulnerable .