Star Forge Titan

"For example, becoming a transcendent." Gustav continued his words, with a dazzling light flashing in his eyes.

"That's right. More and more extraordinary people also mean more productivity. Even the lowest-level extraordinary people can make great changes to the environment. This will eventually become a virtuous cycle."

"The most crucial thing is that new transcendents born in an environment like the academy, where a large amount of transcendent knowledge is exchanged and promoted, are naturally more receptive to new things than those from traditional schools of transcendents."

"It also means that they are more likely to find new paths, new solutions, and even get promoted quickly at a speed that was unimaginable in the past." Recalling his life on campus, Ivan couldn't help but smile. After all, those were not all bad memories.

"Just like you?" Gustav stared at the young man in front of him.

His words stunned Ivan.

"Even though he's only at the first level, he already has accumulated high-quality magic power in his body, surpassing that of a second-level recipient. Coupled with his physical fitness approaching that of a third-level peak practitioner, and his soul's ascension similar to that of a fourth-level crowned person, even his body is faintly showing signs of breaking free from the constraints of the material world."

Gustav looked in amazement at the azure crystal that had appeared between Ivan's eyebrows at some point in time.

"Do you know what individuals like you were called a thousand years ago?" His Majesty the Demon King rarely smiled.

Alvin shook his head silently. He was not very clear about his current situation. It was not completely consistent with the power system in the game with clear boundaries between each level.

"Perfect Seed." Gustav slowly uttered a word Ivan had never heard before. "A unique individual rarely seen even among first-order golden races like the Ancient Dragons."

"No matter which level of advancement, the ritual is actually the result of breaking down a single, complete ancient ritual. Over the course of countless ages, these fragmented rituals gradually evolved into a wide variety of professions. However, the ultimate goal of these rituals remains unchanged: to grant mortals the power of transcendence, thereby becoming divine beings completely free from the constraints of the material world."

"Level one, transcending instinct. Level two, transcending the body. Level three, transcending the soul. Level four, transcending the mundane, building the core. Level five, forging a divine body, uniting body and soul to achieve perfection." Gustav slowly clasped his five fingers together and finally clenched them into a fist.

"Fifth level..." Alvin couldn't help but look pensive as he repeated this familiar yet unfamiliar word.

He had indeed reached this level in the past, but the feeling was different from what Gustav described.

I don’t know if it’s the difference between the game and reality, or the difference between the new extraordinary professions and the ancient professions.

"This world really has to be handed over to you young people." After saying that, the Demon King Gustav forced himself to stand up.

Ivan subconsciously wanted to step forward to support him, but Gustav raised his hand and gently stopped him.

"Don't worry, I can still hold on for a while." The old devil smiled at him.

"Looking at you reminds me of my youth."

“Before I met Frey and Otto’s mother, I was also a free-spirited fellow. But after meeting the love of my life, I just felt like a lucky little man.” Gustav smiled and looked at the sky through the window, as if gazing at someone in a distant land.

"Together, we've experienced many adventures that ordinary people can't even imagine. We even faced the ultimate evil in the hell and abyss beyond the material world. In return, all we have is this body of honor and scars."

Although he said so, Alvin did not hear even a trace of regret in his words.

"Ivan, can I call you that? This world is vaster and more dangerous than humans imagine. Even a fifth-level Perfector still faces various dangers."

"You are a very outstanding young man, and you must have your own ideas."

"However, the value of power can only be demonstrated when it is used, and in my opinion, protecting the things you care about is the most valuable way to use it, no matter how great the price you pay for it." Gustav said earnestly.

At this moment, Alvin felt that the person standing in front of him was not a former fifth-level strongman, nor a demon king who ruled over a region, but an elderly father who was extremely loving to his children.

"Afrediya, I'm leaving it to you."

Chapter 37: City of Tears Under the Moon

When Gustav said this, Alvin felt that the pressure from the strong man in front of him completely disappeared.

Only then did he realize that he hadn't observed the Demon King's appearance at all. Perhaps it was because of his overwhelming presence that he had subconsciously overlooked Gustav's true appearance.

In fact, the 42nd Demon King, His Majesty Gustav Adol Andre Gusmith, was not particularly strong. He even looked a little short because of his bent back, as if he had been withered by the fire of illness for too long.

Gustav had deep wrinkles around his eyes, but his features still hinted at his youthful handsomeness. His fiery red hair had faded somewhat with age, now streaked with silver.

"People tend to talk too much when they get older." Gustav's expression softened, and now he looked like a good-tempered old neighbor.

"Is this your first time at Avonmore?" he asked as he walked towards the door.

Ivan took a half step back and followed Gustav, raising his hand to support him, as if he were treating an ordinary old man.

"Well, this is the first time I've seen Evan Moore like this." Although he didn't want to lie, Evan cleverly covered up the honest answer with the truth.

"Then let Frey show you around tomorrow. Compared to the temporary passion generated by a shared adventure, the relationship cultivated after a deeper understanding of each other can go further." Gustav suggested with the tone of an experienced person.

???

Ivan was a little surprised. He looked like a stern old father just now, but now he started to actively instigate.

Your Majesty, your attitude has changed so quickly, hasn't it?!

"If I remember correctly, there will be a Blood Bowl tomorrow. Young people should like that." Gustav said with a smile, rubbing his chin.

"What is that?" Ivan asked in confusion.

It was just a name, and he couldn't guess the specific meaning for a moment.

Because the entire country quickly fell into corruption after the first version of the game began, much information about Elrond's culture and other aspects was destroyed.

Only former Elrond players would occasionally express regret on the forum, lamenting that if they had worked harder, they would have accumulated enough event change values ​​to change the direction of the plot.

"Oh, it's a ball game that's very suitable for young people. However, the way we play it is a little different from Linde's, but it's basically the same."

"Simply put, two groups of young men in full plate armor compete for a six-kilogram lead-filled leather ball. The one who grabs the ball and rushes into the opposing team's defense with it scores a point. Aside from not being able to use weapons or magic to directly attack the opponent, it somewhat mimics a charge on the battlefield."

Speaking of the Blood Bowl, Gustav seemed quite enthusiastic and it was obvious that he was quite interested in it.

Isn't this football?

After hearing his description, Alvin came to his senses.

I originally thought that the game company was lazy, so many things in Palladia were similar to real life. I didn’t expect that the real Palladia also has similar ball sports.

But think about it from another perspective. After all, these are games and sports that humans with two hands, two legs and one head came up with when they were bored, so it is not surprising that the methods are similar.

Besides, Linde does have games similar to rugby, and even football and golf, but you, oh or should I say us, the rules in Elrond are a little...wrong?

It weighs a total of six kilograms, with solid lead balls used as counterweights inside and multiple layers of sturdy cowhide wrapped around it. Why does it sound more like a weapon like a meteor hammer?

You know, a two-handed greatsword weighs at most this much.

"Have fun. As for those rats hiding in the dark, leave them to us boring middle-aged and elderly people who only know how to work." Gustav patted Ivan's shoulder, put his hands behind his back and slowly walked away.

I'm sorry, Your Majesty.

Although, I also want to go shopping, watch games, and stay out all night with Afrediya, I can cross out the last one, but I can't just leave those people from the Undead faction alone.

Alvin sighed helplessly, then patted his cheek to cheer himself up, and decided to practice for a few more hours before resting.

But soon, he smelled a sweet aroma. It was the aroma of bread baked with fine wheat flour and butter. It was so strong, it must be warm bread, no more than five minutes out of the oven!

Following the scent, Alvin looked towards a nearby marble pillar. Someone hadn't hidden themselves properly, and as a result, the hem of their white skirt and other protruding parts were exposed outside the simple and elegant stone pillar.

"Eating too much at night will make you fat." Alvin touched the back of his head and said in a strange tone.

"No way! It's just a croissant!" Afrediya jumped out with a puffed face, half of a bread emitting a strong aroma in her mouth.

Under the bright moonlight, the red-haired girl in a white dress was as beautiful as the forest elves described in long poems.

However, woodland elves don't usually appear with a basket full of freshly baked bread...

"If it weren't for someone, why did my father act so seriously just now? I wouldn't have run out without eating." After swallowing the bread, the 'forest elf' holding the bread glared at someone unhappily.

"Wait, I remember you didn't eat much less than me just now, right? Isn't that enough?"

"It's because of my physical condition! It's because of my physical condition! I'm the type that doesn't easily get full, right?!" Afrediya defended herself with a red face, and at the same time, she did not forget to take out another loaf of bread from the basket.

"Okay, no problem. I just feel I have to work hard to make money in the future." Alvin deliberately put on a stern face and nodded seriously.

“It looks like food expenses are going to be a serious challenge.”

“…” Afrediya’s hand holding the bread stopped.

My shoulders trembled slightly, and I felt sick. Who did we foodies offend? I was so angry that I couldn't move my hands. The following chanting was omitted.

"Ah, I just like eating, especially when I'm nervous." The eldest princess stuffed the whole croissant in one bite in despair.

This bread, made with wheat flour, yeast and salted butter, is especially delicious when it's fresh out of the oven and is simply irresistible.

"Just kidding, but what are you nervous about?" Alvin asked deliberately, feeling that the other person's blushing face was particularly cute.

Hearing his question, Afrediya became even more shy.

"No, nothing." The red-haired girl looked away, looking elsewhere.

"Anyway, don't ask so many questions. Try the freshly baked bread first." Afrediya reached out and handed over the basket full of bread, her expression a little nervous and expectant.

This made Alvin happy. After all, when a foodie is willing to give you his food, he is probably expressing his approval of you.

He picked up a croissant at random, and the normal-sized bread looked exceptionally small in his hand.

Put it in your mouth and chew it for a while, the light salty taste and the aroma of butter and wheat will rush into your mouth and nasal cavity.

"Hmm, delicious!" After giving his own intuitive experience, Alvin saw a brilliant smile on Afrediya's face that seemed to be glowing.

Seeing the girl's expression, he naturally guessed something.

"Could it be that you did it yourself?"

"That's right!" Afrediya held her head high and chest puffed out, as if she was here to praise me.

"It's a bit unexpected. I didn't expect that Her Royal Highness the Princess would have such interests and hobbies." Alvin said with a surprised expression.

"Apart from studying, this is the only area I have some talent in." Afrediya leaned against the window, looked up at the moon and sighed with some melancholy.

"Isn't this great? Doing what you like." Alvin walked to her side and also looked at the bright moon outside.

Unconsciously, the distance between the two seemed to be shortened.

Unlike the helpless closeness in the hunter's cabin, the distance between them now seemed to have shortened a lot in their hearts.

"But I have more important things to do, Elrond..." Afrediya hesitated.

"There is no conflict." Ivan smiled and took out a piece of inert metal and held it in his mouth like candy.

Acid and saliva quickly decomposed the metal blocks, and strong teeth crushed them like biscuits, while the pre-placed stomach created by the spell was responsible for absorbing these metals with anti-magic properties, and the bone strengthening organs applied them to the surface of the new bones to complete further strengthening.

After the spell is completed, the newly implanted organs will continue to strengthen his body. When this process is completely completed, he can continue to receive the next stage of strengthening rituals.

"As long as an efficient and self-consistent administrative system is established, the ruler himself does not need to handle all matters. He only needs to make the right decisions. Even being a mascot who simply stamps the government is not an exaggeration."

"..." Afrediya turned her head and looked at Ivan in surprise.

Although the other party's answer was a little surprising at first, it was so correct when she thought about it carefully that she even ignored what the guy had just thrown into his mouth.

"Really? It feels like I can get answers to all my questions from you. It's like Mimir himself is whispering in your ear all the time." As she said this, the red-haired girl couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Who knows?" Alvin shrugged and said nonchalantly.

The boy and the girl smiled at each other.

After returning to Avonmore, their tense nerves could finally relax.

In this quiet night with no one around, a wonderful atmosphere spread among them.

Under the moonlight, the two figures slowly approached and soon overlapped.

"Hey, did you drink fruit vinegar? It's so sour."

"It's not my fault, but it's just a little sore. Fortunately, you have a high resistance, otherwise..."

"otherwise?"

"nothing……"

"Really? Don't just say half a sentence."

The noisy sounds spread through the corridor.

"Ah, it's great to be young." Ashram Belia walked into the Demon King's bedroom holding a cup of bubbling black potion.

"You are not that old, my brother." Gustav lay back on the bed, coughed lightly, and looked at his subordinate, who was also his brother, with a smile.

"I remember your deputy seemed to be interested in you. What was her name? Maria?"

"Just drink your drink. Even medicine can't stop you from talking." Ashram rolled his eyes at him unhappily.

Compared to superiors and subordinates, lord and vassal, the relationship between the two in private is more like that of close friends.

"Alas, this stuff tastes bitter and is useless. In the final analysis, it still depends on the power of the Crown of Time..." Gustav took the golden cup filled with potion with a bitter face.

This is also an alchemical product that can enhance the effect of the potion contained in it and ensure that the potion's effectiveness is maintained.