NOVEL NEXT Chapter 48: Lord Of Massacre!
[Congratulations, Origin Devourer, on obtaining the C-grade Origin Ability: Solidification.]
[Do you wish to upgrade the B-grade Metal Control?]
'What?' Aleron's eyes narrowed slightly, caught off guard by the system's words.
He could upgrade an Origin Ability? That was astonishing.
His mind drifted to the description of his Origin Devourer ability.
[Origin Devourer: Can devour all Origin Abilities, create replicas, and enhance those replicas.]
He had never paid much attention to the part about enhancing replicas. But now, didn't this mean he could potentially strengthen every Origin Ability he possessed?
That thought alone sent a ripple of excitement through him.
'Enhance,' Aleron commanded silently in his heart.
The system responded instantly, a peculiar light flashing across the interface.
[B-grade Metal Control enhanced.]
[Enhancement: 1/5.]
[Host, please obtain four more C-grade Origin Abilities to upgrade the B-grade Metal Control to A-grade Metal Control.]
Aleron fell into thought. This revelation carried far-reaching implications.
It seemed the grading system for Origin Abilities worked similarly to how summoning slots were divided into tiers.
If five C-grade abilities were combined, they could elevate a B-grade ability to A-grade strength.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. It was a fascinating discovery.
Now all he needed to do was hunt down four more Origin Ability users. Then his own powers would evolve to an entirely new level.
After considering the matter, Aleron pulled up his system panel to check his Origin Energy consumption during the recent battle. He wanted to gauge the cost of using his abilities in combat.
The results came quickly. In his first attack, roughly twenty units of Origin Energy had been depleted. That meant it cost only two units to control a single rod.
Aleron considered this expenditure minimal and hardly wasteful.
Pushing the thought aside, he finally surveyed his surroundings. The tension in the air had faded, and he felt the weight of the battle lift from his shoulders.
Then he noticed it—floating in front of him, a blue luminescent screen shimmered faintly in the air.
[Congratulations on completing the tenth level. Do you wish to proceed?]
[Y/N?]
Aleron considered the option. He was already weary from constant fighting. It would be wiser to rest before continuing the challenge of the Tower.
There was also the fact that his recent victory was a fortunate one.
The transformation he had undergone had allowed him to slaughter all the corrupted celestials. Without it, his chances would have been much lower.
And there was Veldora to consider. He could not risk endangering her in reckless combat.
She needed time to grow, to become as strong as Ashkar before they returned to conquer the Tower of Heaven.
With these thoughts in mind, Aleron selected "No."
The panel flickered before displaying a new message.
[Congratulations on completing the first level of the Tower of Heaven in under one minute. You have received the blessing of the Tower. All physical stats increased permanently by 10.]
Aleron's eyes widened. He watched as his system screen updated, showing all his stats increased by ten points.
[Origin Adept Level 2: 1,900 / 20,000 Origin Experience]
[Strength: 316]
[Agility: 287]
[Defense: 306]
[Origin Energy: 234 / 750]
[Bloodline: Origin Devourer.]
The rush of newfound strength spread through his limbs, and he could feel the difference immediately.
He had not expected this at all.
A ten percent permanent increase in all physical stats was no small reward.
If this was possible for completing the first level so quickly, what would happen if he cleared the twentieth level under the same time limit? Would he gain another massive increase?
The thought filled him with anticipation, and for a moment, he felt the urge to keep climbing the Tower right now.
But the decision had already been made, and the chance was gone.
The panel shimmered again, revealing yet another message.
[Congratulations. You have received one percent of the Arcane Star Bloodline.]
As the voice faded, a radiant silvery-white light descended upon Aleron, wrapping him in its brilliance. He could feel miraculous changes beginning to take root in his body.
But deep within him, something stirred.
The Origin Devourer awoke from its slumber. Its vast, gaping maw opened silently.
The Arcane Star Bloodline was instantly swallowed whole.
Although the devouring was complete, Aleron still gained the effects of the bloodline.
Yet in that moment, he realized how absolute the Origin Devourer's dominance was—it consumed not just abilities, but the very essence of anything that entered him.
A chill ran down his spine, but seeing no further changes, he gradually calmed.
'Deactivate fusion ability,' Aleron commanded silently.
In an instant, he and Ashkar separated. His form returned to its normal human size.
Yet visibly, Aleron had changed.
His pitch-black hair now bore streaks of gleaming silver, and his eyes seemed deeper than ever, like unfathomable abysses that could draw in all who looked upon them.
A faint, chilling aura now radiated from him without conscious effort.
'Dad, you've… changed!' Ashkar exclaimed, his youthful voice tinged with surprise.
Aleron gave a faint smile. He could feel it too—he had become something more, something different. But there was no need to dwell on it now.
'We've fought enough for today. It is time to enjoy ourselves. Come, I want you to meet your little sister.'
'What? I have a little sister?' Ashkar's voice brimmed with astonishment.
Veldora, who had been hovering nearby, flapped her wings and approached swiftly, nudging her large head against Aleron.
Ashkar had grown again, now reaching the size of Aleron's arm. He was strong enough to carry his master on his back, and when unleashing his flames, could easily reduce several buildings to ashes.
It was an intriguing thought, but for now, introductions came first.
Aleron approached Veldora, who still stood beside the remnants of her eggshell. Ashkar padded forward at his side.
The moment Ashkar's eyes met hers, a spark of recognition flashed within them. His gaze softened, and then tears welled unexpectedly, rolling down his cheeks.
Both Aleron and Veldora were taken aback.
It was as if Ashkar had recalled something from long ago—something painful and confusing.
Aleron allowed the moment to pass in silence, simply watching.
Ashkar stepped closer and rubbed his warm head against Veldora's cool one. She responded in kind, their connection flowing in silent understanding.
They communicated without words, their bond forming in an instant.
When they finally pulled apart, Ashkar spoke into her mind.
'This is our father. The father of all dragons.'
Aleron, connected to their link, heard the words clearly.
'Fa… father?' Veldora stammered, turning her gaze toward him.
Aleron chuckled softly.
'That's right,' he replied mentally, lifting the smaller dragon onto his shoulder. 'You have nothing to fear. Your father is strong. Together, we will dominate the world.'
'But… father,' Veldora's voice was hesitant. 'Can violence really solve everything?'