Chapter 271 Soul Shackles and Decision
Chen Rui had already vaguely guessed Manu’s so-called “decision”， so he sneered, “As a trio-specialized master, I have my own pride and perseverance too. If I discard these, then a flawed soul could never reach that highest peak! The peak of a grandmaster is the biggest goal in my life. If you insist on me being a humble servant, I would rather die!”
Manu smiled even stronger, but that pressure was stronger too. The entire space seemed to be frozen. Chen Rui was unable to move. He had released his early stage Demon King strength to resist at full force. The assassination at the capital would definitely be detected by Manu. Besides, with Horford’s confirmation, his Demon King-level strength must be revealed.
Chen Rui didn’t dare to use his full strength. He just tried his best to use [Breath Holding] while using the skill of changing combat power taught by Paglio. He was betting that Manu wouldn’t easily kill a trio-specialized mechanic master.
Surely, Manu’s breath stopped again. The moment he opened his eyes, the value in [Analytical Eyes] seemed to have reached “Unable to Judge”. However, it returned to its original state instantly. It seemed that this guy was indeed a Demon Overlord powerhouse.
Manu applauded, “Master’s perseverance is really admirable. I’m just testing you. However, has master ever thought about it? Even if you have no flaws in your history, it’s impossible that you’ve been unknown to public as a wandering apprentice with your trio-specialization master ability, and you have only risen now. Don’t be angry, master. It’s purely because I’m sincerely wanting to invite master to join and become the most important core of the force. Therefore, please don’t be offended if I’m too straightforward. Doesn’t master want to explain?”
“Everyone has their own secrets.” Chen Rui shook his head, “I didn’t ask you about the specific situation of this force. The reason why I’m willing to follow Ms. Fatilu to the Bloody Vine Estate is for the artifact! My previous bottleneck has been stuck on my way toward the top master. In the ancient magic tower at the capital, I have gained important insights. I’ve deciphered a four-star and a quasi-four-star high grade magic circle continuously. That should be the key to further advancement! If I can study the wonders of the magic circle in the artifact, I might become the top master with three specializations instantly. Once I reach that level, even Nate has to look up to me. If I ascend even further…”
The news of Chen Rui successively deciphering two magic circles in the ancient magic tower had already spread across the Dark Shadow Empire, so Manu obviously knew that. That remark also explained why “Arthur” took the initiative to follow Fatilu as a mechanic master as he clearly wouldn’t give up on any opportunity to reach the top.
Manu nodded slightly: As rumored, Master “Arthur” is indeed the most promising candidate to become a grandmaster! If he can really join our force and become a grandmaster, then the value he will generate is absolutely immeasurable. Exactly because of that, I must control this man and not let anyone else use him!
“Master, you must have known from Fatilu the secrets of the Leviathan Royal Family. I wonder if you’ve heard of the Envy Royal Family’s blood talent, [Soul Shackles]?”
Chen Rui frowned secretly. His identity and explanation should have no problem at all, but Manu still wanted to control him. He nodded and said, “The bloodline talents of the seven royal families are famous. How could I never hear of it? Are you trying to cast [Soul Shackles] on me?”
“The royal family also has mutated bloodline and my [Soul Shackles] has a mutated ability. I call it the [Soul Channel]. This [Soul Channel] is very unique as the caster also has to pay a considerable price.”
Manu stopped smiling and said in a serious tone, “After accepting the [Soul Channel], part of my strength will remain in the [Soul Channel], which can enhance your strength. Although it’s only a small part, there’ll still be a substantial increase in all of your stats for your current level. Even if you suffer a fatal damage, I’ll be damaged accordingly.”
“The only price… I believe you know, it’s the control of [Soul Shackles]. This control isn’t slavery but for caution. Since the [Soul Channel] has the characteristics of sharing power and damages, I never use it lightly. Now, it also represents my sincerity.”
Actually, Manu still lied a little bit. It was right that Chen Rui would be able to strengthen through the [Soul Channel], but Manu was hiding about the damage. Although when Chen Rui received severe damage or die will cause severe damage to him, the damage that Manu received would also be multiplied and “shared” to Chen Rui.
“I won’t force master.” As Manu said, a colorful light ball appeared in the palm of his hand. “If master voluntarily accepts the [Soul Channel], then you’ll truly join us as part of the core. Regardless of artifact, material, magic circle, laboratory, woman, fine wine… we’ll do our best to provide you with all the resources and needs! If master isn’t willing, then you can only be taken as an ordinary mechanic master under our supervision and control and you’ll also be provided with certain conditions. However, there’ll be great restrictions on many matters. Master should be able to guess the essential difference between the two. At this point, we definitely cannot let you go, so it depends on how you choose.”
“No matter how you change its name and characteristics, [Soul Shackles] is still [Soul Shackles]. If I accepted it, it’s equivalent to paying the price of freedom.” Chen Rui frowned, “I can’t think of the essential difference between the two.”
“In this world, there’s no free lunches.” Manu continued to persuade with a smile, “If you’re not willing to pay even the slightest price, then forgive me for being rude, but your perseverance might not withstand until the peak of grandmaster.”
Countless thoughts had already flown past in Chen Rui’s mind: Being an undercover is indeed hard. This is a huge test. To truly enter the core of the force, I must gain Manu’s trust!
One wontn’t get the tiger’s cub without going into the tiger’s den. Accepting [Soul Shackles] is the best way to do it. There are two ways to remove [Soul Shackles]. One of them is that the caster removed it or died; the other one is that the victim died.
Other than that, there is another way, that is, using the artifacts of the Leviathan Royal Family, which can offset the effect of [Soul Shackles]. Half of this artifact is with Delia and the other half… am I not here to borrow it?
In an instant, Chen Rui had already made a major decision. He slowly walked toward Manu. When Chen Rui’s hand extended toward the light ball, Manu’s heart was filled with joy although his face was indifferent.
When Chen Rui was about to come into contact with the light ball, his body suddenly stopped. He seemed to have changed his mind. Manu frowned slightly. With his strength, he was naturally not afraid of Chen Rui’s sneak attack, but he felt like the meat that was in his mouth disappeared.
Actually, he could have forcibly cast the [Soul Channel] on Chen Rui.Chen Rui’s skills in mechanics actually weren’t as good as those top masters that focused on one specialization, but his greatest value was his potential as a future grandmaster. If it wasn’t voluntary, it might cause a defect in his soul which would outweigh the gains.
At that moment, Manu saw Chen Rui’s eyes glowing as he suddenly asked, “When will the artifact arrive? I want an exact answer!”
Manu’s narrowed eyes lit up, and he gave an answer confidently, “Within ten days.”
“Okay!” Chen Rui’s eyes suddenly became fanatical and a strange smile appeared at the corner of his mouth. His paused movement accelerated rapidly. Without hesitation, he grasped the light ball, and the light ball was quickly absorbed into his body.
Manu had been paying attention to Chen Rui’s eyes and expressions. Even the hint of madness and surprise couldn’t be hid from him. When he saw Chen Rui indeed accepted [Soul Channel] voluntarily, he stopped having any doubts. Even if he didn’t usually show emotions, he laughed loudly involuntarily. The trio-specialized master who’s most likely to become a grandmaster is finally held firmly in my hands!
However, Manu couldn’t have imagined what the real reason was for Chen Rui’s sudden pause and surprise.
When Chen Rui was about to touch the light ball, the system’s notification suddenly appeared in his mind, “Found an unknown spiritual link. Annotation: Level 1; can be cancelled; can be disconnect. Accept or reject?”
Cancelled means dispel. As for disconnect… it is to retain the stats that I obtain from the connection and forcefully break the link. However, the cost is higher than “canceling”.
This means that the “shared strength” function that Manu used to persuade me might be unfortunate.
Demon Overlord’s strength! Even if it’s only a small part of it, it’s quite amazing for a Great Demon King. Since someone gives me such a huge supplement, why should I refuse it?
I was already prepared for sacrifice, but I didn’t expect that surprise. Super System, I love you so much! At that moment, Chen Rui and Manu both smiled in a mischievous manner, “Master is really courageous! Now, you’re officially one of us.” Chen Rui’s performance made Manu feel completely relieved as [Soul Shackles] was one of Demon Realm’s most powerful mind controlling skills. It engraved deep into the body and mind, so the master could torture or kill the shackled person across the space from anywhere.
What’s more, the master accepted it voluntarily, so at least for quite some time, he didn’t have to worry about the possibility of betrayal.
The moment when the strength of the [Soul Channel] entered his body, Chen Rui felt that there was a lot of extra power in his body. His stamina, spirit and other stats had increased.
“Master should feel the benefits of [Soul Channel] now.” Manu said with a smile, “My strength is at Demon Overlord. Master has gained one thousandth of my strength. What you feel now should only be a small amount. If you can meditate and digest the power, you can at least reach Great Demon King.”
It turned out to be only one thousandth. Such a stingy guy! Although Chen Rui murmured in his heart, he also understood that if the strength was too strong, he might explode. This state was most suitable for his level, which can make the strength of Migrez state more powerful.
Providing help when needed. That trick is called “raining in time” right? He is indeed a Leviathan Royal Family with [Water Mastery].
“Strength is secondary to me, but spirit has a great advantage in the research of magic circles.” Chen Rui was the type who still complained after getting benefits. He said in dissatisfaction, “My only concern now is when can I leave this ghastly place?! Both the mother and daughter, Sabrina and Fatilu are superb, but what’s the use of it if I can only look but not touch! The most important thing is that I haven’t really settled down for a long time to study mechanics! Since you’re a Demon Overlord, you should know that strength will depreciate if not improved. The same is true for mechanics!”
“That’s right. Master is indeed a master.” Manu nodded, “Since master has accepted the [Soul Channel], then you’re one of us. I’ll take you to a good place that only we can go. Whether it is mechanics or beautiful women, all your wishes and needs could be fulfilled there.”
Chen Rui’s heart moved. After acting for so long, the main plot is finally coming.
“This place is called Crystal Valley.”
A powerful mind controlling technique could only be a food for the Super System. It should be called Cheating System…