Chapter 1568: 1566: Activation

Chapter 1568: Chapter 1566: Activation

In the stairwell of the Ladybug General Store, Green was holding Han Dong by the shoulder, chatting and laughing as they walked down step by step.

“Nicholas, when you met the City Lord earlier, your expression was a bit strange~ It seems like you’ve already met ‘privately.’ Was it during the hour you disappeared at the Ladybug Store before we arrived at Infinite City?

Speaking of which~ I can tell that this body, while highly compatible with my consciousness, shouldn’t be my original form.

You should already know the essence of this game, Nicholas, right?”

“Indeed~ The bodies in the game are not our original ones but ‘consciousness receptors’ made by the game company, perfectly matching our consciousness and having restraining effects.

The moment the game starts, our consciousness is confined within them, making it difficult to break free.

Only when we completely clear the game can we return to our original bodies.”

Green pinched the skin of his body back and forth, also using his fingers to keep drilling holes on it, “Oh! It’s true… I’ve never encountered such restrictions on the ‘Abyss Inside the Body’ before, pretty impressive.

By the way, I hope our original bodies are doing fine.”

“Don’t worry about that. In the hour I temporarily returned to my body earlier, I already reached a cooperation with the game company. Our original bodies are completely fine; they even provide protective measures.”

Green scratched his cheek casually as he spoke:

“I’m not too worried about my body being damaged, just afraid that they might mess with it and cause something terrible to happen.

My current myth status is still a bit unstable, plus I attended an [Abyss Party]; if a certain ‘switch’ in me is triggered, it could interrupt this interesting game.

But, since it’s fine, all is well.

So, where are we heading next? Sally needs to wait for 24 hours. How about we use the Coordinate Stone and go play outside?”

Han Dong quickly waved his hand, “Green, let’s not act recklessly.

The injuries from dealing with the Beast Titan haven’t fully healed, including Sally; our bodies are nearing their limits, so rest and healing are necessary.

Additionally, let’s stroll through the trading area and see what other services the Ladybug General Store offers.

And we might as well check out the ‘Great Hall’ to see if we can pick up a task with a [Bloodline] as a reward. You’re the only one without one, Green.

Given the level restrictions, the improvement from a [Bloodline] is quite significant.

If everyone has a bloodline and equipment boosts, the chance of securing final victory will be a bit higher.”

“Alright~ I’ll listen to you.”

They returned to the first-floor service desk to continue checking out the new consumption channels at the Ladybug General Store.

Apart from selling and manufacturing, only one special consumption item was added.

Assassins who can get to Kalmus have all passed the Adaptation Period, unlocking all ability restrictions.

Therefore, the “Ability Unlock” project was replaced with a “Training Arena.”

By spending Ladybug Points, one can access a fully functional, highly realistic training arena, even simulating giants within ten meters for combat training.

It’s often used to hone skills or get familiar with newly acquired equipment or bloodlines.

However, in Han Dong’s view, it’s unnecessary.

Just then, the Count’s voice came from within his body:

‘Nicholas, don’t you have extra points?

Since there’s nothing much to do now, can you book a “High-Level Training Arena” and then lend your body to me for a while?

Two hours… no, an hour will do.’

‘What do you want to do?’

‘Do you still need to ask why the Count wants to train proactively? Isn’t it because I want to try out the High-Level Training Arena, known for its deep imitation of the environment?

Fine~ I’ll begrudgingly tell you this.

During the treatment of the Giant Beast’s Heart, I accidentally sensed the ‘Holy Sword.’

This feeling persists, and I want to take this opportunity to try activating the Holy Sword traits.’

‘Sounds good~ But I have one condition.’

‘What condition?’

Han Dong didn’t respond to the Count,

but instead turned to Green, who was looking around aimlessly and a bit bored.

“Green, care to have a go?

The training arena here seems quite impressive, filled with healing mist. A little scuffle might even aid recovery.

Given the game’s restrictions, the “level gap” between us has been eliminated.”

His tongue, full of holes, licked along the corner of Green’s mouth in a full circle, “Hahaha! It’s rare indeed, Nicholas, that you would actively invite me for a duel! Hurry up, I can’t wait anymore.”

This was Han Dong’s condition, requesting the duel opponent not be a creation of the training arena but Green himself.

‘The Count will not join! You play by yourself…’

‘Count, you should know better than I the traits of the ‘Holy Blood.’ Its existence is meant to eliminate evil things… simply facing a few simulated objects won’t truly activate the Holy Blood.

Only an extremely wicked and inherently chaotic individual like Green could serve as the best ‘lure.’

Besides, since the Ladybug Game has leveled all of us to the same platform, we might genuinely clash head-to-head.

In the future, if you visit [Horror Dawn], you could talk about your past accomplishments; after all, you’ve faced the First Element with comparable results.’

Han Dong’s whispers slowly drilled into the Count’s soul, subtly altering his thoughts.

‘Alright, I’ll give it a try!’

Han Dong immediately paid 90 points for three hours of “High-Level Training Arena” usage rights.

Of course, Han Dong’s other reason for wanting Green as the opponent… was the opportunity to personally feel Green’s true strength within the game, aiding in the formulation of future plans.

「High-Level Training Arena」

Scene simulation – An ancient gladiatorial arena filled with blood, where numerous souls have perished. Occasionally, a tide of blood rises to drown the practitioners, and blood-red hands sometimes emerge from the ground to obstruct the fight.

Such a scene gave the Count a major geographical advantage, boosting his confidence greatly.

‘Nicholas’s body isn’t bad at all. With the Count’s newly gained blood insights and scene advantages… maybe, just maybe, I can defeat the First Element here!’

The duel thus began.

…

Three hours passed.

[Trading Area – Train Platform]

A young man with messy hair, carrying a mass of bloody flesh beaten into a shape between human and dog, waited for a train to arrive.

The flesh had been battered to the point where no intact piece remained, frightening others into giving way.

Drip… drip…

Blood dripped down, seemingly mixed with tears.

However, Green didn’t look too well either,

with seven penetrating sword wounds on his body, still smoking and suppressing the Abyss’s self-healing traits.

“You’re quite a tough dog…”

The Count, who was beaten into tears, also felt a unique sense of satisfaction upon hearing Green’s praise.

Nonetheless.

The duel had fully activated the ‘Holy Sword Traits,’ further enhancing combat power within the game.

And Han Dong uncovered an incredibly terrifying aspect of Green… even feeling a step closer to the Final Treasure.