15 Main Quest: Track Down Lucius.
Whoosh!
The jeep sped past Hyra City, with only an hour remaining before reaching the City Center.
Dante gazed out at the passing scenery, a sudden thought occurring to him. He needed to ask the system something important.
"System, you've only provided me with the basics about my stats. They don't seem all that impressive, yet I was able to defeat a two-headed ogre." Dante inquired.
A system interface appeared in front of him along with the emotionless system.
"User, each time you allocate points to your stats, there are qualitative changes that occur within your body. Your physique adapts in response to where you allocate these points. Would you like a more detailed explanation?" the system offered.
Dante now understood that his status screen differed from what he was accustomed to in games.
"Please, continue." Dante responded to the system.
"If a user allocates all their points to 'Strength,' their body undergoes a transformation, enhancing not only strength but also other physical attributes. This process is what you're experiencing as Evolution. However, because the system is omnipotent, users can only perceive the effects." the system elucidated. Dante now comprehended how his stats functioned.
"So, if I choose to invest more points in Agility, my body would adapt to handle greater speed and flexibility. This means that even without adding points to Strength, my body would still be stronger than before." Dante deduced.
"Your understanding is correct, User." the system affirmed, aligning with Dante's reasoning.
With each level gained, Dante realized that his body underwent an evolution to accommodate the newly allocated stats.
"This sounds like Mana Reconstruction." Dante mused, resolving one of the mysteries that had piqued his curiosity. The revelation brought him a sense of satisfaction.
An hour later, they arrived at their destination. Towering structures, dozens of meters in height, adorned the area, with Holders and regular people bustling about in their own directions. Various establishments lined the streets.
"Here we are, Mr. Eka." Manny briskly moved to the passenger side and opened the door. Dante stepped out, taking in the surroundings. Though not his first visit, he still found himself captivated.
"Thank you." Dante turned to Manny, offering his gratitude genuinely.
"N-No problem!" Manny responded with enthusiasm, not wanting to impose further on Dante's time. He bid Dante farewell and handed him his modest business card.
"Goodbye, Mr. Eka!" Manny departed, content in having forged a connection with Dante.
Glancing at the rear of the jeep, Dante tucked the card into his pocket. As he held it in his hands, he mentally called upon his inventory, causing the card to vanish seamlessly into his pocket.
With this task complete, Dante proceeded in a specific direction. He didn't draw much attention, as flashier and more conspicuous Holders were scattered all around.
Dante walked for nearly ten minutes until he reached his destination. Before him stood a building, its massive glass door adorned with a prominent sign that read "Holders House." It was evident that the majority of patrons here were Holders.
Approaching, Dante was granted entry by a vigilant guard. He nodded in acknowledgment and made a beeline for the counter, inquiring about where he could sell monster cores and the coveted "Skill Enhancement Marble."
An attendant stepped forward to assist him.
The building was spacious, easily accommodating the size of at least two basketball courts.
Dante observed a multitude of stores within, offering an array of products: swords, armor, specialized clothing, and more. What united them all was a palpable sense of opulence.
The attendant guided him to a designated area for exchanging monster cores. With a courteous bow, the attendant left Dante to his own devices.
As he pushed open the door, another attendant promptly approached him.
"Hello! What can we assist you with today? We have health potions, mana potions, poison resistance pills, and our specialty item, the skill enhancement marble. Additionally, we offer services such as monster core exchanges and loans, provided you meet the required credit score..." The attendant provided a thorough rundown of their offerings with a professional demeanor. Despite Dante's unassuming attire, the attendant refrained from making any assumptions, a refreshing departure from the usual judgments found in novels and dramas.
"I'm here to sell monster cores and the Skill Enhancement Marble." Dante interjected, halting the attendant's ongoing explanation.
The attendant's eyes sparkled with interest upon hearing about the Skill Enhancement Marble. Without hesitation, he ushered Dante to a dedicated counter specifically designed for this service.
***
Dante emerged from the store and took a glance at his ATM card stored in his inventory. The thought of the money stored within brought a subtle grin beneath his mask. He'd never possessed this much before, and the sensation was still somewhat overwhelming.
However, he swiftly composed himself, recognizing that with the system's assistance, this sum would likely be a mere fraction of what he would amass in the future.
Deciding to depart, Dante made his way towards the exit. As he did, he happened to overhear a conversation among passing Holders.
"The son of the Vesper Guild master is here." whispered one of the Holders, his tail swaying behind him.
"You mean Lucius?" responded one of his companions, a staff slung behind his back.
"Yes, an attendant accidentally bumped into him, and now he's facing a reprimand. They even made the attendant kneel."
"They're so ruthless!"
"Shhh! Keep your voice down."
"Oops."
Dante abruptly halted, his gaze icy, and his aura took on a different intensity. He followed after the pair and brought them to a stop.
"Can you tell me where he is?" Dante inquired with gravity in his tone.
The Holders turned around, their eyes filled with wariness.
"Why would we tell you?!" one of them retorted.
However, the one with the tail on his back nudged his companion. Dante's eyes, concealed behind his mask, emanated an unsettling coldness, sending shivers down their spines. The Holder with the tail possessed heightened sensitivity, courtesy of his Skill, and he'd only experienced this sensation when encountering 2 or 3-star Holders exuding their dominance.
"H-He's on the second floor." he stammered, immediately pulling his companion along as they hurriedly departed.
Dante surveyed the second floor and then made his way to the elevator.
His mind raced, considering various strategies for dealing with this situation.
Recollections of past experiences, from his ritual, the days spent exploring dungeons, and the moment he was kicked by Lucius—they are the fuse that change Dante, he instinctively touched his mask.
Boom!
The elevator shuddered violently, the echo of explosion reverberating through his ears.
Ding!
The elevator doors slid open, and a wave of coldness washed over Dante as he beheld the scene before him. Panic and chaos reigned, the air are filled with screams and desperate cries. Across from him, a roaring inferno consumed the entire store, its flames devouring the innocence within.
Whoosh!
Abruptly, the flames surged and a figure rushed out. Cloaked in attendant uniform while the most conspicuous detail was the body draped over his shoulder.
Thanks to the enhancements from his level ups, Dante's vision sharpened, allowing him to swiftly identify the figure on the attendant's shoulder.
"Lucius!"
Dante promptly gave chase.
Despite carrying a body, the 'attendant' moved with surprising speed. He entered a corridor, with a glass window looming ahead. Raising his hand, a spark of fire ignited and, with a resounding bang, an explosion of flames erupted, shattering the glass.
Bang!
Undeterred, the 'attendant' pressed on at full tilt.
Dante heard yet another explosion and hastened to the corridor. There, he witnessed the 'attendant' leaping from the window, a subsequent explosion from his back propelling him forward.
Dante tried to pursue them, but they soared away at astonishing speed. With no other option, Dante came to a halt before the shattered window.
"That's my prey!" Dante declared through gritted teeth.
"Ding! Issuing Quest…"
A translucent screen materialized before him.
"Main Quest: Track Down Lucius."
"Reward: Support Skill, 50,000 Exp"
"Quest Description: Find Lucius and eliminate his captors."
"Punishment: Death"
"Time Limit: 6 days"
Dante studied the information, recalling what the system had mentioned earlier.
"So, there's a chance I might not make it out alive, and if I fail, death is the consequence. Hmhp! I don't care. I didn't become a Holder for a life of safety," Dante muttered to himself, but the system remained silent.
Dante calculated the funds he had. Determined to increase his experience points and level up, he decided to conquer more dungeons before he do the quest.
