Although the decrease in velocity is not terribly significant, amounting to roughly seventy percent of the original speed, and even though Tyler himself would also experience a slowdown, the implications of this skill are extraordinarily profound.
— (This is actually a bullet time that slows even the user… Nonetheless, with appropriate utilization, it could prove highly beneficial.)
Tyler is someone who habitually contemplates before acting, but the issue that arises from this is that there isn’t ample time for him to think in the midst of a battle.
Now, with the “Calculation Boost” and “Overclock” abilities, he can complete his thought processes faster than usual.
As his skill level increases in the future, his thinking will no longer consume time.
However, after activating “Overclock”, a thirty-point per second magic energy consumption poses a significant burden for Tyler, and thus, the use of this skill must be undertaken with extreme caution.
·
For the remaining afternoon hours, Tyler initially planned to continue the “Sleep -> Honing skills” cycle, but found himself unable to sleep.
This led Tyler to realize that to hone his skills more frequently, magic restoration potions are essential.
Yet, with regard to magic restoration potions, Emilia had told Tyler that any potion formula related to magic restoration is absolute top secret.
The formulation and production of magic restoration potions are uniformly controlled by the National Magic Organization in various places.
Since this path is temporarily blocked, Tyler can only seek alternative methods, and he quickly conceives an unconventional solution.
(… I should go out and look for “hypnosis potions” or related books for sale.)
·
As soon as Tyler left the inn, he noticed that quite a few people had gathered at the entrance of The Quest Guild.
He walked over to take a look, discovering that a large notice had been posted at the entrance of The Quest Guild.
The notice stated that a team of bounty hunters from Emerald City, who had formed their own team to explore the “Ancient Labyrinth”, had been completely wiped out, all hundred-plus members.
The Quest Guild posted the notice to warn everyone that the “Ancient Labyrinth” is extremely dangerous and regular individuals should not enter.
Teams organized by the country have been exploring the labyrinth on a regular basis, so there’s no need to add unnecessary trouble for the professionals.
(An Ancient Labyrinth? Is it similar to a dungeon instance? This is the first time I’ve heard of it.)
Tyler was quite interested in this new concept, so he stood at the side listening to people’s discussions for a while.
“The bounty hunters of Emerald City are truly brave, daring to venture into the Ancient Labyrinth.”
“Money is the root of all evil! They must have found something valuable in the Ancient Labyrinth.”
“How valuable could it be? Could there be equipment with built-in skills?”
“You’re truly ignorant. I’ve heard that at the deepest part of the Ancient Labyrinth, there are divine weapons that can engrave souls…”
“Really? Divine weapons? Aren’t they the stuff of legends?”
“I just heard it from someone else, don’t spread it.”
“I don’t believe you. Even if I did tell others, they wouldn’t believe it.”
“…”
The contents of their discussions were mostly street rumors, but Tyler did hear valuable information from them.
(Soul-engraved divine weapons?)
Tyler clearly remembered that one of the rewards he would get after completing his mission in this prison star world is “soul-engraved equipment”.
Click paragraph comment for quotes from Chapter 4: Deceptive Mishap
Judging from the people’s reactions, “soul-engraved divine weapons” might be the top-tier equipment concept in the Prison Star world. 𝒪𝐕𝗅xt.𝓬𝔬𝐦
(I should ask Emilia when I get a chance.)
Just as Tyler was thinking about this, he suddenly saw Emilia standing at the entrance of The Quest Guild, quietly watching him.
Tyler’s heart jumped, he managed to steady his emotions, then walked over to Emilia as if nothing had happened.
“Are you feeling better, Emilia?” Tyler asked softly.
“Yes… much better, thank you.” Emilia responded in the same low voice.
Tyler knew that Emilia still maintained her previous image in public, expressionless and not talkative. Therefore, he could “safely” come over to say hello and then leave at ease.
Emilia, who has a strong sense of responsibility, would never neglect her work, especially during this time when Oleg, the branch chief, is not in place.
“Emilia, the notice at the entrance is…?”
“This is a letter of notice received from the National Quest Guild Headquarters today. Although we have repeatedly warned, there are still people who ignore the risks and venture into the Ancient Labyrinth from time to time.”
“I see… How many Ancient Labyrinths are there in our Wester Kingdom?”
“I’m not sure about that. All I know is that there’s one far south of Emerald City.”
.
Engaging in brief pleasantries with Emilia, Tyler was poised to depart, mindful of how conspicuous their prolonged companionship could appear.
However, in a fleeting moment, his gaze caught a familiar figure in the distance, approaching The Quest Guild down the street.
The petite and exquisite frame, the brown, fluffy hair, the gentle countenance, and those big, dewy eyes… Wasn’t that Avril?!
Tyler’s heartbeat faltered, startled by this unexpected sighting, especially with Emilia present right beside him!
Without a moment’s hesitation, he quickly activated his “Calculation Boost,” stacking it with “Overclock.”
This was done to afford himself more time to think in this critical juncture!
As “Calculation Boost · Overclock” kicked in, time seemed to decelerate in Tyler’s world.
He refocused his gaze on the distant street, and after careful observation, he was certain that indeed, it was Avril approaching.
Draped in a grey cloak, her trouser cuffs and shoes dirtied with mud, Avril looked as if she had undergone a strenuous journey and had probably just arrived at Sunny Town.
Beside Avril was a petite elderly lady, dressed in a yellow and green ethnic attire, seeming to accompany Avril.
Observing her diminutive stature and a tall hat that appeared to conceal long ears, Tyler speculated that she, like Tocchini, might belong to the rabbitkin race.
However, the distance between them was not close enough, and Tyler could not verify his conjecture using his identification ability.
Ordinarily, encountering Avril on the road would not have stirred much anxiety in Tyler.
However, the current situation was exceptional with Emilia within arm’s reach.
If Avril were to spot him and come running over, it would undoubtedly spell disaster, akin to a meteorite hitting the earth.
(No, I must avoid this encounter!)
Quickly arriving at this conclusion, Tyler deactivated his skills, took Emilia’s hand, and headed towards The Quest Guild.
“Emilia, there’s something I wish to discuss with you privately.”
Caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, Emilia barely grasped what Banning had said before being led away.
At that moment, all she noticed was her hand in Banning’s, and she was plunged into a state of nervous incapacity.
Emilia followed Banning compliantly into The Quest Guild, then ascended to the second floor, entering the office of the Branch Chief, Oleg.
— (Eh? Why… why bring me to the Branch Chief’s room?)
— (It’s still working hours, isn’t this a bit…)
The situation of two in solitude accelerated Emilia’s heartbeat; she was unsure of Banning’s intentions yet faintly anticipatory.
The thought of someone possibly walking in any moment further unsettled Emilia…!
o(*////▽////*)q