First Rewards Of The Hunt

Chapter 167 — The First Rewards of the Hunt

The morning sun had barely risen above Stonehaven when Aether received the first report from his shadows.

He sat beside the window of their temporary residence, a cup of tea resting in his hand. Across the room, Aria and Lyra were discussing the techniques they had purchased the previous day, while Seris carefully examined several medicinal plants collected during their exploration.

Aether's attention, however, was focused on the private System interface only he could see.

[Origin Shadow Hunting Report]

[Eligible Targets Defeated: 7]

[System Points Earned: 18,600]

[Valuable Resources Discovered: 3]

[Additional Discovery: Unusual Origin Energy Fluctuation]

[Current System Points: 34,600]

Aether studied the report for a moment.

Seven eligible targets had been eliminated since the previous assignment. The rewards were reasonable, and the discovery of additional resources made the expedition worthwhile.

More importantly, the shadows were beginning to operate independently.

They were no longer merely weapons waiting for his command. They could scout, track prey, assess threats, and hunt within the limits of their abilities.

Of course, they still required sensible instructions. He wasn't going to send them charging into territories inhabited by creatures several major realms stronger than themselves.

Aether closed the interface.

"Something interesting?" Vaelira asked.

She had noticed his brief pause.

"The shadows have returned some results. Seven eligible targets, eighteen thousand six hundred System Points, and several resources."

Lyra immediately looked over.

"That's quite a lot for a single morning."

"Not bad," Aether replied. "Although the more interesting discovery is an unusual Origin Energy fluctuation in the eastern mountains."

Vaelira's expression changed slightly.

"An unusual fluctuation?"

"That's what the report says."

She considered it before speaking. "If the fluctuation is connected to an ancient formation or spatial inscription, it might be worth investigating."

"That's what I was thinking."

Seris placed the medicinal plants she had been examining into a small container.

"Before we go, I'd like to look at the plants the shadows collected. Some of them have medicinal properties I've never encountered."

Aether nodded.

"Take your time."

A short while later, Blackfang returned.

Its dark figure emerged from the shadow beneath the nearby trees, carrying a small bundle of plants in its jaws. It placed them before Seris before lowering its head toward Aether.

Seris immediately began examining the plants.

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"These contain a surprisingly concentrated amount of Origin Energy," she said. "Their medicinal properties are also unusual. Some could help stabilize energy circulation, while others might be useful for treating internal injuries."

"Can you identify them?"

"Not completely. I'll need more time."

"Then keep them. We can investigate their properties later."

Meanwhile, Vaelira examined the small metallic crystals discovered by the shadows.

"These are metallic Origin Crystals," she explained. "Their energy is particularly compatible with cultivators who specialize in metallic attributes. They're not exceptionally rare, but finding a deposit could be useful."

Aether glanced at the crystals.

"Can you estimate the size of the deposit?"

"Not without examining the location."

"Then we'll investigate."

The group prepared to leave shortly afterward.

Nyx followed Aether as usual, while Kiyomi trotted beside her. The little Nine-Tailed Origin Fox occasionally glanced at Nyx, seemingly trying to imitate her movements.

Nyx noticed but made no particular effort to encourage or discourage her.

Aether found their interaction amusing.

"Try not to wander too far," he told Kiyomi.

The little fox raised her head and gave a small cry, as though assuring him she understood.

Their destination was the eastern mountain range, where the shadows had discovered both the metallic crystals and the unusual Origin Energy fluctuation.

The journey took them through a forested valley. The deeper they travelled, the denser the surrounding Origin Energy became.

Aether noticed the change almost immediately.

His Infinite Origin Physique was continuously absorbing the surrounding energy, drawing it into his body before refining it. This process had become a natural part of his existence. Even when he wasn't deliberately cultivating, the physique continued accumulating refined Origin Energy.

It also helped replenish his reserves whenever they were depleted.

The process wasn't instantaneous, however. His absorption and refinement speed depended on the density and quality of the surrounding energy. If he expended energy faster than his physique could replenish it, his reserves would still fall.

Nevertheless, the constant circulation provided a significant advantage.

Aether quietly observed the energy entering his body.

The Origin Energy here is considerably denser than the surroundings near Stonehaven.

It wasn't enough to cause an immediate breakthrough, but it would make cultivation and recovery more efficient.

He continued walking.

After another stretch of travel, Vaelira suddenly stopped.

"Wait."

The others turned toward her.

She approached a rocky slope where several faint markings were partially concealed beneath moss and dirt.

"These inscriptions..."

Aether moved closer.

Vaelira brushed away the dirt, revealing several ancient spatial symbols carved into the stone.

"They resemble the principles behind Spatial Anchor Stabilization," she said. "But these inscriptions are considerably older and more complicated."

"Can you understand them?"

"Only partially. I'll need time to examine their structure."

Aether glanced at the markings.

"Then don't rush. We don't know what they're connected to."

Vaelira nodded and began studying the inscriptions.

While she worked, Seris examined the surrounding vegetation, searching for more medicinal resources. Aria and Lyra remained nearby, keeping watch over the valley.

Aether sent Blackfang ahead to scout.

A few minutes later, the shadow suddenly stopped.

Its head turned toward the deeper part of the mountain range.

Aether immediately noticed the change.

Something is there.

Blackfang transmitted a brief impression through their connection.

A powerful beast.

Aether's expression became serious.

"Everyone, prepare yourselves."

The group gathered closer as Blackfang returned.

Aether received the information through their connection and opened his private System interface.

[Target Identified: Thundercrest Mountain Drake]

[Realm: Origin Manifestation Realm — Stage 6]

[Potential: A+]

[Attributes: Thunder]

[Traits: Reinforced Scales, Powerful Physical Constitution, Thunder Origin Affinity]

Aether's gaze narrowed.

Origin Manifestation Realm.

The difference between his current Origin Vein Realm and the beast's cultivation was enormous. This wasn't an opponent he could casually defeat through superior techniques or a clever combination of physiques.

Even his companions would have to be careful.

He glanced toward the others.

"Don't engage it carelessly. Its cultivation is far beyond ours."

Aria tightened her grip on her spear.

Lyra's expression became serious, while Seris moved closer to the rear.

Vaelira finally stepped away from the inscriptions.

"Should we retreat?"

Aether looked toward the distant mountain path.

For a moment, he considered it.

Then he noticed something else.

The surrounding Origin Energy was gathering toward a particular location deeper in the valley. The fluctuation wasn't natural, and it seemed to originate from the same direction as the beast.

There was something worth investigating.

But curiosity wasn't a reason to throw away their lives.

"We'll assess the situation first. If it becomes dangerous, we'll withdraw."

Aether raised his hand.

Dark Origin Energy gathered around his feet, and Blackfang lowered its body in preparation.

Far ahead, a thunderous roar echoed through the mountains.

The ground trembled.

A massive silhouette emerged between the rocky cliffs, its dark scales reflecting faint streaks of blue lightning. Thunder crackled across its body as its enormous eyes settled upon the group.

The Thundercrest Mountain Drake had noticed them.

Aether watched it carefully.

"Let's find out whether it intends to let us pass."