Those time travelers that year

113. Harvest

Aghanim's Scepter, radiating blue light; Refresher Orb, radiating emerald green light.

"No wonder they say murder and arson bring wealth..." Charles exclaimed, looking at the two pieces of equipment in his hands. "Instant riches! Truly instant riches! What [Ring of the Eagle]? A mere transitional piece of equipment. Compared to these two divine pieces, it's utterly weak!" The people of this world probably never imagined that someone could forcibly extract the soul equipment from a deceased [hero]. If the other people and forces in this world found out, Charles estimated he wouldn't have a good time.

Feeling the magical power of the two pieces of equipment in his hands, Charles, without a care in the world, disposed of Gadin's dead body and began to integrate the two pieces of equipment into his own body.

In the game Dota, Aghanim's Scepter grants +10 to all three stats, +200 health, +100 mana, and enhances hero abilities. For example, Warlock's Chaos Sacrifice normally summons only one Infernal, but with Aghanim's Scepter, it summons two, and if refreshed, four Infernals are summoned at once. Similarly, Lion's ultimate ability, Finger of Death, can have its power increased with Aghanim's Scepter.

After Aghanim's Scepter merged into his body, Shire clearly felt his own improvement: his physical strength increased, his movements became more agile, and his thinking became clearer.

"I have to say, it feels so good to have my own strength increased!!" Taking a deep breath, Xia Er then integrated the Refresher Orb into his body. "I didn't expect that I would get two divine items from the Refresher Orb so soon after arriving in this world. Plus, I already have a transitional [Ring of Aquila].

“If every hero in this world were this wealthy, then…” Charles revealed a dangerous expression, “If we just hunt them down one after another, we could not only have six sets of divine equipment, but also have several more!!” However, Charles also knew that this was just wishful thinking. It would be strange if heroes were really that easy to kill. Don’t be fooled by how easily he killed a warlock hero; it was because the opponent knew nothing about him, and he had been scheming against him the whole time.

If the opponent were at their peak, and without any of his prepared counter-strategies, facing a powerful attack refreshed by the Aghanim's Scepter, Charles wouldn't have the confidence to defeat him unscathed.

The dominance of heroes in this world is not without reason. Every hero is born with a defensive stance, which can forcibly reduce the attacks or spells of non-heroes by half, and even hero attacks will be partially negated. This stance grows stronger as the hero themselves become stronger. Furthermore, it can be enhanced through external factors such as spells and equipment.

Therefore, facing the ever-present defensive presence of "heroes," the theme of this world is the confrontation between "heroes" themselves. No matter how many ordinary soldiers there are, they are all cannon fodder against "heroes." Especially against high-ranking "heroes," they don't even qualify as cannon fodder.

"So this defensive field is basically like armor in a game!" Feeling the enhanced invisible field around him, Ciel said, "Is it really a good thing to make it like EVA? Does this field just turn into an AT field if you're strong enough?!"

Having inherited the profession of [Demon Wizard], Sharl also possesses this defensive stance. As for its defensive power, Sharl estimated that even in modern society, bullets would be completely ineffective against it. In other words, the vast majority of modern weapons are currently useless against him. If anything could possibly work, it would probably be either some high-energy laser or some other seemingly scientific but ultimately unscientific black-tech weapon, or a nuclear bomb.

However, for Charles, the greatest gain was yet to come.

"No wonder that cunning guy said this world could help me quickly master the Third Magic. So that's how it is!" When leaving Type-Moon, Ciel took the information on the Third Magic. However, it was a trap. Mastering the Third Magic was simple; all you needed was enough magical energy. However, the required magical energy was astronomical. Summoning Servants in the Holy Grail War took decades to accumulate enough magical energy. If someone really wanted to master the Third Magic alone, how much magical energy would they need!

If there were a real need, then at least a visit to the Sunwell would be necessary. However, Shire had no intention of following in the footsteps of Kil'jaeden, the Toilet Lord. But finding such a place, brimming with immense magical power, in other worlds or even other worlds in general, was difficult. Either the world's level was excessively high, or it was utterly unscientific and even unmagical. If one were to harness all the evil of this world, that would be one thing, but that had already become fuel…

However, when receiving the [Hero] profession inheritance, Sharl did find a sufficient source of magic power: the [Hero] inheritance ritual of this world. The inheritance of a [Demon Wizard] bestowed immense magical power. Although the cavern used for the [Hero] profession inheritance was on the verge of collapse due to Sharl's relentless draining of its magic power in the final moments, it would take at least several decades, perhaps even hundreds of years, to recover and become a suitable site for the inheritance ritual.

However, that also allowed Ciel to complete 10% of the Third Magic. In other words, ten Heroic Legacy inheritances would be enough to help him fully complete the Third Magic. While he might not gain infinite magic power like in Type-Moon, he would at least achieve immortality.

Immortality… that is the ultimate pursuit of countless heroes…

Unfortunately, such good things don't happen all the time.

"Sigh!!" Thinking of this, Sharl couldn't help but sigh. This time, he was lucky to have encountered the best possible situation, and only succeeded by outsmarting that [Warlock] hero. With other [Heroes], things probably wouldn't have gone so smoothly. However, there are substitutes; at least the Fountain of Life in this world can completely replace it, but that wouldn't bring Sharl any greater advantage.

Alaya had previously stated that something existed in this world that could fill one's own Reality Marble. After obtaining the template for the [Hero], Sharl confirmed what that thing was. It was nothing more than the power of the [Hero] himself; at least for now, Sharl clearly knew that his Reality Marble had been strengthened.

If he could actually devour all the hundreds of "Hero" classes in this world, then his 'world' would truly be formed!!!

Let's find an opportunity!

"Patience is essential. If you find an opportunity, seize the inheritance of the [Hero]. If that doesn't work, then hunt down those [Heroes] directly! Seize their power and their laws..."

"There is also the Fountain of Life. Although it will definitely be heavily guarded, there may still be a chance."

"At worst, we'll end up being enemies with the whole world..."

"I wouldn't mind opening a real-life 'Dark Gate' in this world!"

"Let's launch a burning expedition!!!!"

I've started a new project called "The Hunting Journey," but updates aren't guaranteed... If you're interested, you can check it out. Each chapter is over 10,000 words, though there's only one chapter so far.

114. Advancing the Plot (Part 1)

Enveloped in a long black robe, Charles looked up at the city ahead. At the city gate, fully armed soldiers stood near the gate, checking travelers one by one as they tried to enter. Every now and then, they would drag out one or two suspicious-looking individuals, beat them half to death, and throw them into a corner.

The city wall, tens of meters high, stood like a bulwark of despair, blocking the way with towering mountains on either side. Above the wall rose massive ballistae and cannons, but what truly troubled Xia Er were the towering structures shimmering with blue-purple light. He sensed that these magically glowing towers contained immense energy. Two or three wouldn't be a problem, but fifteen or sixteen would be troublesome.

"Phew, that's quick reflexes!" Pulling down his hood, Charles muttered to himself, "I didn't expect that in less than a week, I'd be completely overwhelmed in the entire Nightshade territory." Although he had prepared himself for being wanted in this world after infiltrating the Secret Annihilation Academy, seizing the [Hero] inheritance, and ultimately killing a [Warlock] hero, Charles was prepared to be a wanted man. After all, even though the Nightshade members were constantly vying for power and engaging in open and covert struggles, when facing an external enemy, they had to at least put on a show of unity.

However, it goes without saying that many of them have ulterior motives.

His killing of the Dean of the Secret Annihilation Academy and the theft of the [Demon Wizard] legacy have caused a great stir. Anyone with half a brain knows that this is the second city he's encountered before. And like the previous city, it's already on high alert.

In the magical world, a wanted poster isn't just any artist who posts flyers on walls. Instead, they use magic to create a three-dimensional image—a fully immersive, three-dimensional humanoid image. With that image, even someone like Charles would have a hard time sneaking into the city. If he could enter using magic, it wouldn't be so difficult.

Unfortunately, the cities on high alert were mostly monitored using magic. Furthermore, flying in or using Apparition would alert the entire city's defense system.

"What a nuisance!!!!" Charles grumbled, continuing to mingle with the crowd trying to enter the city, still searching for an opportunity. He hadn't been able to get into the last city, and now he hadn't had a proper rest for several days. Although it didn't affect him much, it made him feel uncomfortable all over. Charles now desperately wanted to take a hot bath and get a good night's sleep.

"If only I could hypnotize these gatekeepers!" In this situation, using hypnosis or the [Soul-Stealing Curse] to control the city guards and then using their identities to help enter the city is a good option. However, hypnosis is easily broken by those with strong willpower. While it's effortless against ordinary people with no ability, it's much less effective against those with unwavering resolve. Besides, this world isn't a weak one; even a gatekeeper, regardless of whether he was shot in the knee in his youth, is at least a rank-one professional.

According to the entry standards of this world, the so-called apprentice class, it's equivalent to the third tier in the main world where Xia Er lives. In the main world, the extraordinary has faded, and technology has flourished. The third tier is already considered a formidable force, even the leader of many mystical forces. Even for the Holy Seer, who suppress the conflicts in the entire inner world, the third tier may not be the main force, but they are still an important component.

However, in the world of Dota, the third tier is truly just cannon fodder. Spellcasters might have a slightly higher status, but warriors are really just cannon fodder. After all, in this Dota world, the third tier is practically worthless, the fourth tier is everywhere, the fifth tier is considered a talent, and only [Heroes] can truly dominate.

Hypnosis might be effective against those below the third rank, but what about against a group of soldiers who are all from the third rank...?

The Soul-Stealing Curse could be very effective in this situation; however, using the Soul-Stealing Curse is far more conspicuous than hypnosis. If one isn't careful, it will almost certainly be discovered.

For Charles, instead of spending time fighting a horde of pursuing enemies, slaying wave after wave of them, endlessly grinding through mobs, and facing encirclement by a large group of powerful figures, he had to rely on his iron will and determination to break through his limits in desperate situations and carve out his own path...

Okay, even just thinking about it, Ciel felt that kind of hot-blooded character didn't fit his style at all. He wasn't the kind of protagonist who was always showing off, dressed like a thug, and had a blue-skinned muscleman behind him, shouting slogans like "Ora Ora" and "Arle Arle".

If you're going to be a demon king, you should be one who eats and drinks well, stays in the castle, and waits for the protagonist to come knocking! As long as you don't end up being stupid and spouting nonsense, everything will be fine.

.........

'Troublesome. Do I really have to sleep in the wilderness forever?' Looking at the heavily guarded city gate, with various detection and defense spells sweeping around, Charles's face darkened. Once again, he regretted not bringing his princess sister with him to this world. At least she was a genuine super spellcaster from the Age of Gods, unlike him, a half-baked spellcaster who relied solely on cheating to extract souls and other unorthodox methods.

Even considering the difference in their systems, Charles estimated that it wouldn't take his princess sister long to unravel or even control the defensive magic that governs this world. He, on the other hand, was completely clueless about this convoluted system.

If a comparison had to be made, his girlfriend was equivalent to a PhD graduate from a prestigious university, while he was just a mediocre student from a third-rate university…

There's no comparison at all!

'Forget it!' Charles, hiding in the crowd trying to enter the city, pouted. 'I think I'll stay out here for a while longer. Hmm, maybe even taking on some bandits wouldn't be such a bad idea...'

As he thought this, Charles turned around, pushed through the crowd, and tried to leave the line to enter the city. However, before he could take a few steps, he suddenly stopped.

"Sir, please wait a moment. We are able to assist you..."

A very faint voice came from over.

Charles was taken aback, then turned his gaze toward the source of the sound.

115. Advancing the Plot (Part 2)

"Who are you?" The voice came from a small, thin figure, dressed like Charles in a black cloak, his face hidden beneath the hood. However, Charles was still puzzled upon seeing this person. After all, in his perception, this person was just an ordinary person, not even as important as the city's guards. At first, he thought he had been found, but unexpectedly, it was a commoner who had approached him.

"You wish to enter the city, is that it?!" the man asked in a warm, low voice. "And perhaps there's another reason why you don't want to make deals with those watchdogs..."

"Oh!" Charles looked at the person who had approached him meaningfully and said, "Are you sure you can help me get into the city? So, who are you? And how can you let me in?"

"I'm just a 'good person' who wants to free free people from the oppression of a dictatorial city!" The person who struck up the conversation leaned slightly forward and bent over. "In this world, there are often some people full of free spirit who are forced to abide by some bastard laws made by nobles because of all sorts of rules."

"And my companions and I are dedicated to serving those who pursue freedom..."

"Of course, it would be even better if there were some adorable golden ones!"

"..." Looking at the person who had approached him, Charles's mind raced with all sorts of thoughts. Was it really as the person said, or was this guy just a scheming individual deliberately leading him into a pre-prepared trap?

However, during his escape, Xia Er proceeded cautiously to avoid being ambushed by the anticipated five-person group in the wild. He frequently used Apparition to travel faster, changing his direction multiple times. Fortunately, his strength was considerable, and he had a very useful 'dog'; along the way, almost all the monsters were wiped out.

So if someone can accurately pinpoint his location, then there's no need to deliberately lure him into a trap.

“Alright then! I hope your service is worth the price!” Charles replied, but a strange glint flashed in his dark gold eyes hidden under his hood.

"Of course, Your Excellency!!!"

The man who had approached them led the way, guiding Charles through the dense crowds of people entering the city. Soon, the two left the crowd and disappeared into the woods beside the road.

The woods were not easy to walk through, as branches would often get caught on clothes, especially when wearing a cloak. But surprisingly, after walking for a while, a narrow path appeared in the woods, indicating that this was not the first time someone had walked this path.

After walking for a while, Charles suddenly called out to the person walking ahead. "Wait a minute, I have a question I'd like to ask!"

"Um, is there anything else, sir..." The man's words trailed off, because at that moment, Charles reached out and grabbed his neck. Then, he pulled him up.

"Don't worry, I'm just doing some necessary precautions!" Charles reassured the person struggling in his arms.

The Soul-Stealing Curse

……

Continuing to follow the person who had approached him, Charles walked with much more peace of mind this time. However, the person ahead, after being controlled by the [Soul-Stealing Curse] and having his memories erased by Charles, seemed somewhat confused. However, he quickly recovered; the spell's aftereffects wore off, and his confusion was only temporary. Because of the spell, he didn't suspect anything, simply assuming he was distracted.

'So he's just a scalper who provides loopholes for people to get into the city!' Charles thought to himself as he continued following the man. Under the powerful effects of the [Soul-Stealing Curse], this poor wretch even revealed his childhood secret of peeping at the widow next door while she bathed, and naturally answered all of Charles's questions. This made Charles wary.

In every world, there are always people who like to exploit legal loopholes to amass wealth. This world is no exception! Similarly, those in power dislike those who specialize in tax evasion, and their methods are far more lenient than those of the IRS in the US—basically, they send them to the gallows on sight. However, just as there are many clever people in the world, there are also special channels for those involved in smuggling to enter the city without going through the city gates.

This is what is commonly known as the black market.

The guide was specifically tasked with standing guard outside the city, identifying those who wanted to enter but hesitated due to the city gate guards' searches. These weren't just smugglers; many were wanted criminals or involved in other crimes. He would then lead these people through a tunnel into the city's underground black market, from where they could enter the city itself.

As for the process, you still need to pay a little bit of travel expenses.

Soon, Xia Er was led to a huge banyan tree, where several other people, also concealing their identities, were already waiting.

'Looks like I'm not the only one trying to get into the city; there's something fishy going on!' Xia Er thought to himself, glancing at the others also preparing to enter the city through the secret passage. Whatever their identities or motives, it was ultimately none of his business.

Even standing five or six meters away, they still concealed their identities and auras. Judging from their physiques, they were a man and a woman, seemingly ordinary people. However, these two seemingly ordinary people were the kind of individuals capable of wiping out a large group of city guards, despite their frail appearance.

"Alright! You are all free people who don't want to be bothered by those watchdogs..." At this moment, a person stepped forward and said to those who wanted to enter the city, "Then, as long as you pay a small amount of money, I can open a safe road and take you into the city."

"How much do you want?" someone asked from the side.

“This number!” The man who spoke held up five fingers and then flipped them four times.

"It's too expensive!" someone questioned.

"This is the price for safe entry into the city, everyone!" said the scalper who brought Charles here. "You know, for just this little bit of money, you can safely enter the city. And you won't be bothered by those watchdogs, since none of you really want to reveal your identities, right?"

"Here you go!" A brown leather bag flew over. The woman among the two people that Charles was slightly paying attention to threw a bag of coins from under her cloak and tossed it at the feet of the scalper who had spoken first.

"Oh, oh, thank you, esteemed lady!" The man who seemed to be the leader said cheerfully, picking up the leather bag from the ground. He weighed it in his hand for a moment, then looked at the others.

After a moment's hesitation, several people reluctantly handed over their money. Charles obediently tossed out the gold coins he'd casually picked up earlier, since they weren't of much use to him anyway.

"Now that everyone is ready, let's go into town!" After collecting payment from everyone, the leader nodded happily, then turned and walked to the banyan tree, knocking hard on the trunk. Suddenly, the center of the trunk shook, revealing a hollow. "Everyone, stay close!" With that, the leader jumped into the hollow.

Soon, the others followed suit, leaping through the tree hole one after another. However, before going in, Charles was somewhat surprised to find that the two who had given him the money first had secretly left a mark under the banyan tree. It seemed something unexpected might happen!

In the main world, these two would definitely be at the fifth tier; unless the Holy Temple intervenes, they could practically do whatever they want. Even in this world, they would be considered top-tier experts. The fact that they're secretly doing things like this clearly indicates something is amiss.

But now is not the time to pursue these issues, although Charles has a feeling that simply getting involved in those two's affairs will bring him considerable benefits. Since that's the case, then…

As Charles stepped into the tree hollow, his fingers twitched. From his shadow, tiny black particles emerged and transformed into a small insect. The insect stealthily crawled onto the cloaks of the last two people to enter. Then, like a lifeless object, it remained motionless.