MMORPG: Rise of the Primordial Godsmith

Chapter 1649: Breaking Barriers: A Peculiar Offer

’...Had a feeling there was a catch somewhere.’

Hearing Valyr’s voice echo in his mind, Ataraxia slightly frowned in response, the man’s words still lingering in his mind.

’Then again, considering the things you’ve obtained from his inheritance, I guess it does make sense.’

’Not only did you obtain three titles and seven skills because of him, but you also got your hands on two concepts, one of which is technically only possible after entering Rank 5,’ said his other self, his voice getting slightly louder at the end.

’I don’t know if the curse he wants to have you bear in exchange for your rewards is the same as the curse I unknowingly got from the Alltide, but just in case you’ve forgotten the obvious...’

’If there’s a way to decline the curse while still reaping the benefits, then do so.’

’Obviously,’ replied Ataraxia, faintly nodding at Valyr’s words as he returned his attention back to the man in front of him.

Taking in a deep breath to compose himself, the young man softly let out an exhale as he asked Aeramis, ”I suppose you’re leaving me with no choice for refusal, huh?”

”You’re free to refuse this at any time,” answered the latter, a slightly wry smile adorning his face. ”However, I’d suggest you listen to what I have to say first.”

”For this curse is both a burden and an opportunity at the same time.”

”Hmm...?” Hearing those words, Ataraxia raised his eyebrow in curiosity. ”How so?”

”Let me first give you a brief overview of the curse’s origins to give you a better idea,” said Aeramis in response, leaving the young man no choice but to faintly nod in agreement.

Nodding in return, the man began his explanation.

”Though I mentioned that the crystal I hold contains a malevolent curse, it would be more accurate to say that it instead contains a remnant of a malevolent will.”

”Specifically, the malevolent will of a dead Immemorial Deity.”

”Hiss...” Hearing the term ’Immemorial Deity’ comes out of the man’s mouth, the young man could not help but suck in a breath of cold air, his body faintly shuddering as he thought about it.

Those who had recently entered the Divine-level at Rank 11 were known by many as Half-Deities, considering that they were beings who had yet to grasp the intricacies that came with being a deity.

On the other hand, once one had gained full grasp of one’s own power, including gaining full control over one’s Celestial Realm, it won’t be long until they reached Rank 12 and Rank 13, which were named Lesser and Greater Deities, respectively.

To those that had ascended to Rank 14, many of them easily stood the test of time, improving both main and extended stats to extreme limits in order to wield a level of power that surpasses the majority of Greater Deities.

Because of their power and their longevity, these beings were eventually known as Ancestral Deities.

Yet, even Ancestral Deities paled in comparison to those that have ascended to the final rank of the Divine level.

Whether it be their lifespan, or the power they command, these beings could easily wield a level of power ten times greater than even the strongest of Ancestral Deities, with many believing that their existence would remain even after the death of the universe itself.

Being the strongest entities under the Primordial level, these beings who have reached Rank 15 were recognized by many as Immemorial Deities, considering that the majority have recognized their strength since time immemorial.

”Of course, with how much time has passed since the Immemorial Deity’s death, the strength of the will has greatly waned,” said Aeramis, assuaging the young man’s fears as he continued his explanation.

”Not only that, but the remnant will itself has been split into multiple parts across the universe, with this crystal containing one of these parts.”

As those words left the man’s mouth, Ataraxia decided to move a bit closer towards the jagged crystal, hoping to sense what it contained to get a better idea.

Whoosh!

Surprisingly, at the very instant he extended his senses towards the crystal, the young man began to hear a cacophony of voices whisper in his mind, their combined energy giving him the feeling as if he were being dragged into the depths of the underworld.

Yet, with a bit of concentration and willpower, it did not take long for the young man to extricate himself from the sensation, merely feeling a sense of unease from it by the time he had it under control.

Smiling in response to the solemn expression that appeared on Ataraxia’s face, Aeramis soon continued where his explanation left off.

”Although it would have been ideal for the one to receive this crystal to be near the limits of mortality, the fact that you’ve comprehended a Legend Grade Intent more than makes up for that deficit.”

”With all of that said, what is exactly contained within this crystal is a part of the remnant will that has the strength of a peak Rank 8 being,” said the man, hiding nothing from the young man.

”By accepting this crystal, your task is merely to withstand and endure the aura being passively emanated by the remnant will within the crystal.” At these words, Aeramis faintly smiled.

”Or, if you feel like you could endure more, you could choose to actively contest your will against the remnant will itself, further increasing the speed at which the remnant will’s might is reduced.”

”Whichever of the two actions you choose, you would stand to benefit from accepting the crystal either way.”

Saying those words, Aeramis went on a lengthy explanation regarding the reward system revolving around the crystal where points would be rewarded to the holder of the crystal after reducing the might of the remnant will by a set amount.

Hearing that the man in front of him would benefit a small amount from his actions if he were to accept the crystal, the odd and sudden feeling Ataraxia had from being given the crystal immediately disappeared.

’So that’s why he’s given me so much rewards after clearing his inheritance,’ thought the young man to himself, now feeling a hint of amusement towards the entire situation.

’He wants me to feel indebted to him so I feel like there’s no choice but to take part in his pyramid scheme.’