Zac lightly tapped the hammer against the orb according to a set pattern . There was no response . Zac tried a few more times , but the orb was about to slip out of his grasp . He recalled the tool with a sigh before stowing the Revolution Orb] in a spare High-quality Spatial Ring . Those things were so heavy they could damage the subspace of the Spatial Tools they were in . His main ring was probably sturdy enough , but why take the risk?
He had reached the altitude where the Revolution Orbs] started to appear . The conventional method to finish his quest would be climbing sideways in search of more orbs . When you could no longer endure the layers of light and dark , you’d descend with your haul . But Zac’s gaze turned upward . The Omnitool didn’t want Revolution Orbs] , but nothing said the orbs were the only things that could appear on the mountain .
The best things were no doubt at the peak .
42
AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
All sound and light were muted in the depths of the pond . It was almost like time stood still , frozen by the intense cold from the depths . Catheya continuously dragged energy into her body from the frigid waters as she circulated Frigid Doctrine of Zi] . Ichor coursed through her veins , harmonizing and assimilating the pond’s energies while the essence of the energies was dragged into the seed in her lower abdomen .
She had finally managed to reach the 100-meter ledge . Catheya still couldn’t see the bottom of the Belsim pond , though she guessed she’d reached the halfway point . She would be ready to start her Core Formation when she could reach that spot and stay there without being overwhelmed by the death and cold .
Of course , that final stretch was no joke . Catheya shuddered as another glacial tendril from below caressed her leg , leaving her calf frozen solid . She wouldn’t give in . She could tell there was something special about the depths . Perhaps an array or a natural formation? Either case , the depths felt like a bonfire of Dao when she circulated her manual . Not even the shallows of the Abyssal Lake emitted such intense power , though the Tears of Belsim didn’t nurture her bloodline .
You have an entry request . -
He’s here?’ Catheya asked as she slowly opened her eyes .
An Ogras Azh’Rezak requests an audience , - Winter answered .
A surge of annoyance flared in Catheya’s chest , but she still started ascending the pond . Zac was already three days late to their date , and now his shadow came knocking instead? She knew they were all busy , but it still hurt .
She’d heard of how women back home ignored their partners as punishment for their transgressions . But how was that a punishment to Zac? He’d get engrossed by one of his projects in no time and soon forget he was being ignored . Infuriating . Besides , his drive and dedication were attributes she loved , so the situation was doubly frustrating .
A wave of frigid air greeted Catheya as she emerged from the pond , but the ice-swept winds were almost sweltering after spending the past five days in the depths . She channeled her Miasma to dry her clothes and hair as she accepted the request through her guide .
What is it? - Catheya grunted as the demon stepped through the gate .
What’s with the long face? - the demon grinned , then shuddered . - This place is the worst . -
Well , it wasn’t made for you , - Catheya said . - Where is he? -
I found some clues to an item he needed for that hammer of his the other day , - Ogras explained .
That accursed hammer . This wasn’t the first date it had ruined over the past year .
You or your goblin? - Catheya asked .
What’s the difference? We’re both benefitting , aren’t we? - Ogras snorted . - Or do you want to change our agreement? -
Nevermind , I’m just a bit annoyed , - Catheya sighed . - So , you found some clues . -
The numbers indicated a Green Zone , so we feared it’d start a global quest if we waited . We’ve been narrowing it down for the past week , - Ogras explained as he took out a bottle that seemed to contain liquid fire . He took a deep swig , and Catheya could see how the demon’s life force almost seemed to have ignited . - That’s better . -
So? -
He needs your help . Can we go before my little spear turns into an icicle? -
He clearly preferred your help , - Catheya said , unable to fully keep the resentment of her voice . - Why bother coming to me and ruin your good time? -
Is that what you want me to convey? - Ogras countered with a raised brow .
. . . No , - Catheya said . - Where to? -
Well . . . It’s the Heavenly Cauldrons . -
Catheya blanched , looking at the demon suspiciously . - Are you trying to get me killed? -
If a Green Zone can kill you , you’re probably not ready for Hegemony . -
You know what I mean , - Catheya glowered . - That place is my nemesis . -
That’s why he needs your help . Opposites and all that , - Ogras said .
Fine , - Catheya sighed as she mentally prepared herself for an absolutely dreadful day .
What a devoted wife . - The demon grinned as the teleportation array activated . - Entering the gates of hell for her beloved . Makes my heart swell . -
Catheya would normally have started shooting icicles after the demon at this point , but she was busy placing talismans on her body to deal with the heat that radiated out of the gate . The two stepped through , and Catheya had to forcibly resist jumping back in . Waves of Fire and Life assaulted her and tried to burrow into her body . They stood atop scorched steppes covered with angrily shining moss .
Within that moss , small beetles scuttled about , making Catheya’s skin crawl .
Yeah , not great , - Ogras commented as he followed Catheya’s gaze . - They’re only by the teleporter , though . I think they like the spatial energy . -
Where to? - Catheya said , her skin already heating up .
The talismans lit up one after another and started releasing the stockpiled Miasma , and a ring on her finger formed a protective icy mist . Unfortunately , her preparations could only do so much when faced with a fully attuned environment . She was only one person , and it was impossible to push away the pervasive Dao around her completely . It was like trying to hide a stench with perfume . It just resulted in a different type of stinky scent .
This way , young miss , - the insufferable demon said with a bow . How did he manage to make a bow sarcastic?
They didn’t exchange many words as they set out across the steppes , passing a series of golden rivers and pools of magma . Thankfully , Zac was inside a large volcano she could see far in the distance . It wouldn’t take more than an hour or two to get there .
Any news from your goblin friend? - Catheya asked .
He says a surge is forming , - Ogras said . - Right now , the energy levels across most realms are decreasing slightly , but that’s because it’s accumulating . -
When? - Catheya asked .
Two years , maybe . It’ll depend on the realms . Some might only need a final push to produce a material . -
Will you two be able to figure it out in time? - Catheya asked curiously .
This was their shot . Zac was just too much of a machine , and they couldn’t keep up unless he visited realms suited for their strength . Neither did either feel comfortable relying too heavily on him for Mana . So she and Ogras decided to team up , using Perennial Transformations] as a foundation . They had already triggered and finished two local quests , though they’d only gained 1 , 000 Mana each this way .
However , it was relatively risk-free and only took them a couple of days . The problem was it being quite difficult to meet the requirements of that Numerologist Zac knew . His scheme was essentially to abuse hidden rules of the Perennial Vastness and create artificial fate through proximity and timing . Arrive early or too late , and you wouldn’t trigger a personal quest . Either no quest would trigger or a global one if the treasure was valuable enough .