Chapter 444: Vladimir’s Own Goals

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Vladimir walked back to his room and closed the door. He sat down cross-legged and began reading a book that he’d bought somewhere, a basic cultivation method manual for Body Refinement.

The room was relatively simple, with a bed, a small table, and a few belongings scattered around. He had placed the book on the table before sitting down, and now he was carefully examining its contents.

It wasn’t particularly advanced, but it was enough for someone who wanted to begin cultivating properly.

He had never been particularly interested in following conventional cultivation methods. He preferred relying on his own strength and abilities, especially because he had always believed that he could accomplish more through his own efforts.

But things had changed.

He had experienced something that he couldn’t properly explain, and now he wanted answers.

More importantly, he wanted strength.

"I won’t keep just being behind you anymore. I will surpass you."

His eyes blazed with determination as he read the method, absorbing its contents and knowledge.

He carefully followed the instructions, regulating his breathing and circulating his energy throughout his body. At first, the process felt somewhat unfamiliar, but he gradually began to understand the principles behind the cultivation technique.

It wasn’t particularly difficult.

In fact, he felt as though his body was naturally adapting to the process.

As he did, his Ki surged from his body, followed by a purer form of Mana and... Spirit Energy?

He stopped for a moment.

"...Huh?"

Vladimir opened his eyes and examined his hands.

He could feel something flowing through his body, something that wasn’t quite Ki or Mana. It was different, and although he couldn’t identify it immediately, he recognized that it was an energy he had never consciously used before.

Spirit Energy.

He had no idea he had that within him, but it felt oddly satisfying.

He resumed his cultivation, allowing the energy to circulate throughout his body. The more he practiced, the easier it became to control it, and the strange sensation gradually spread through his muscles and internal organs.

In fact, his whole body seemed somewhat purified for some reason, and a lot of the annoying thoughts he always had... disappeared entirely.

It was strange.

Vladimir had always been someone who struggled with his own emotions. He was easily irritated, often frustrated, and constantly comparing himself to others. He hated feeling inferior, especially when someone like Riven was involved.

But now, some of those thoughts seemed less intrusive.

He could still feel anger and frustration, but they weren’t overwhelming him in the same way.

He still could remember, though, how Riven’s attack cut him into thousands of pieces, making him explode into burning fire.

Then from that fire, he reformed and fell unconscious.

The memory made him clench his fists.

He remembered the pain, the sensation of his body being destroyed, and the strange experience of being reduced to nothing but burning fragments before somehow returning to his original form.

He hadn’t understood what happened at the time.

Even now, he didn’t.

"Just what happened to me? What did he do to me?" Vladimir wondered. "He took something from me, and now I feel better than ever... Tsk! Why is he always helping me?!"

He looked at his hands again.

There was something different about them. His energy felt cleaner, and his body seemed to respond more naturally to his movements. Even his thoughts were becoming easier to organize.

He didn’t know whether this was the result of Riven’s attack, the cultivation method, or something else entirely.

But he couldn’t deny that something had changed.

Vladimir roared angrily, growing more and more furious toward Riven.

Why was he kind?!

It made him angry!

Why couldn’t that bastard simply leave him alone? Why did he have to keep helping him, giving him things, and making him feel like he owed him something?

Vladimir hated that feeling.

He didn’t want to be indebted to Riven.

He didn’t want to be someone who needed his help.

And most importantly, he didn’t want to be reminded of how much stronger Riven had become.

"Fuck this bastard...!" he groaned, continuing his cultivation.

He lowered his head and returned to the book, forcing himself to concentrate on the instructions.

If Riven could grow stronger, then so could he.

He would prove it.

...

Meanwhile, Elisa and Riven explored the Spirit Dungeon Realm, walking across the grasslands and into the vast land before their eyes.

Elisa walked and ran and stumbled, but stood back up again to walk once more.

The journey itself was rather enjoyable for her. There were so many places to explore, and now that she could move around with the mechanical armor, she was able to experience them in a way she hadn’t been able to before.

She stopped occasionally to look at the scenery, sometimes pointing at strange plants or distant structures.

Riven patiently accompanied her, explaining some of the things they passed along the way.

"This place has changed a lot, hasn’t it?" Elisa wondered.

"Yeah. I’ve been expanding it whenever I get the opportunity."

"It’s incredible how much space there is."

"There’s still a lot more to do."

Elisa chuckled.

"Of course there is. Knowing you, you’ll probably keep expanding this place until it becomes an entire world."

Riven scratched his cheek.

"Ahaha... Maybe?"

She shook her head, smiling.

Eventually, they reached a passage leading underground.

It was a relatively large entrance, with several pathways connecting to different areas of the dungeon. Some of the walls were reinforced with metal, while others were made of stone and other materials.

Elisa looked around curiously.

"Where are we going?"

"To the Mutant Village. That’s where Solder and the others live."

"Oh! I’m looking forward to meeting them!"

"I’m sure they’ll be happy to meet you too."

Accompanied by Daniela, Carlos, and Label this time, the group made it safely underground.

This time, Riven carried Elisa in his arms, though.

"Y-You don’t need to carry me!" Elisa said while blushing, steam rising from her ears.

"Why not?" Riven asked. "Isn’t it what a gentleman would do? So let me do it, as a gentleman."

"Ahhh..." Elisa sighed, shaking her head and shrugging. "Whatever..." she smiled lightly.

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