Novel Full Chapter 814: Departure [1]
Chapter 814: Departure [1]
After they left the secret realm that housed the breathing metal, the two of them continued exploring the remaining sections of the ruin.
Though their findings could not compare to the value of the breathing metal, it was still a good harvest for both of them.
Ancient containers, degraded artifacts, fragmented weapons, and sealed materials were uncovered as they moved through the deeper chambers.
Most of the objects held no notable use for Michael.
Either their functions did not align with his path, or their value lay in fields outside his specialization.
So he had Rynne take care of them on his behalf in exchange for other resources.
This time, Michael asked for materials that nourished and strengthened the soul.
Rynne did not find this strange.
At Rank Three, the soul became an increasingly important focus for any supernatural.
Foundation, Law compatibility, and future ascension were all tied closely to soul strength and stability.
So upon hearing his request, she simply assumed Michael, like herself, was already preparing for his ascension into the next stage.
Michael, of course, knew nothing about her thoughts.
But he was satisfied by her lack of questions.
It saved him from having to refuse explanations or fabricate half truths.
As for why Michael did not exchange all his loot for soul recovery treasures despite his current condition, there were several reasons.
One of them was that his soul was already recovering on its own.
Being a True Human and a Mortal God were not empty titles.
Michael’s natural recovery rate far exceeded ordinary beings, something even the Sanctuary Supervisor had personally confirmed.
With his soul stabilized, recovery had already begun.
However, even with this advantage, Michael could tell he would not return to his previous peak anytime soon.
Natural recovery alone would take an extremely long time.
By his own estimation, it would take years.
Though, given his lifespan, a few years would pass in what others might consider the blink of an eye, Michael himself had not lived long enough to view time so lightly.
To him, a few years was still a significant span.
Even so, he understood what was currently most beneficial between spatial treasures and soul related treasures.
Compared to spatial resources, soul treasures were far easier to acquire.
Even if Michael had sufficient funds, which he currently did not, access alone would remain a barrier when it came to high grade spatial materials.
But with his connection to Rynne, Michael could think of several items or services he could exchange with her to use her channels to obtain the soul treasures he needed to fully heal his soul.
He could not do the same for spatial treasures.
Without relying on Rynne, Michael also had the Land of Origin as a fallback.
Acquiring spatial treasures there would still be a stretch, but he did not believe that, with his current standing, the Land of Origin would be unable to provide materials capable of healing his soul.
Short term, soul treasures were more important.
But long term, advancing Wisdom to a higher level held far greater value.
Unless he was willing to wait an uncertain amount of time, prioritization was unavoidable.
And Michael had already made his decision.
In any case, the reason he wanted to heal his soul was so he could gain more from his rank advancement task and not because it actually hindered him from advancing.
"So," Michael said calmly. "How do we leave this ruin?"
Rynne did not slow her steps.
"The same way we came in," she replied.
Michael glanced sideways at her.
"By answering questions again?"
Rynne blinked once before letting out a small laugh, the sound light against the otherwise silent ruin.
"No," she said, a faint smile touching her lips. "Not this time."
She slowed slightly and gestured ahead.
They soon arrived back at the spot where they had first entered the ruin.
Rynne stepped forward and stopped at the center.
Michael remained a short distance behind, watching quietly.
Rynne knelt and placed her palm against the solid stone floor.
Lines of light began to form beneath her hand as she started drawing a familiar magic circle directly onto the ground, her movements precise and practiced.
Michael did not interrupt.
He simply observed in silence.
The circle expanded gradually, intricate layers forming upon one another, symbols interlocking in complex arrangements.
Time passed quietly.
Then, after a brief interval, the magic circle flared.
Light surged upward from the completed formation, space folding inward as if reality itself were being pulled taut.
A low hum filled the chamber.
At the center of the circle, the air distorted.
The distortion deepened, twisting upon itself before tearing open into a vertical rift of shimmering light.
A portal emerged.
Its interior swirled with layered colors, spatial currents flowing like liquid glass contained within an invisible frame.
Rynne rose to her feet.
"All set," she said simply.
Michael studied the portal for a moment longer before stepping forward to stand beside her.
He did not enter immediately.
Instead, his gaze shifted away from the swirling spatial currents and back toward the ruin behind them.
After a brief pause, he spoke.
"So what happens to this place now?"
Rynne glanced at him.
"The ruin?" she asked.
Michael nodded slightly.
"It’s been inactive for two thousand years before we arrived. With us leaving now, does it just remain dormant for another two thousand?"
Rynne followed his gaze back toward the silent depths of the ruin.
For a moment, she did not answer.
"It’s hard to say," she said at last.
"The world works in mysterious ways."
She folded her arms lightly as she continued.
"Who knows? Tomorrow someone else might stumble upon an entry point and find their way inside."
Michael listened quietly. He doubted another person would find this place though. There was a reason even in Wisdom State he could not sense anything outside and how this place had been hidden for two thousand years.
This floor in Hell was also high. Michael did not believe all the Rank Four supernaturals that had possibly passed this place in the past two thousand years were incompetent.