“Congratulations to participant Thor for conquering the twenty-first floor with an SSSS rating, granting all humans within the Tower of Truth the buff [Lightning Mastery]!”
“Timed buff [Dual Wield Mastery]: Allows humans within the Tower of Truth to wield different weapons in each hand, ignoring equipment restrictions, for 6 hours!”
“Timed buff [Robust Physique]: After death, humans within the Tower of Truth will not enter a weakened state upon returning to the Core City of Truth, for 6 hours.”
“Timed buff [Experience Boost]: Humans within the Tower of Truth gain +20% experience, for 3 hours!”
“[Lightning Mastery]: When casting Lightning skills, there is a 15% chance to cast again, for 6 hours!”
A flash of lightning, and Mike appeared in the Core City of Truth.
The twenty-first floor was straightforward, a traditional grind of fighting monsters and leveling up.
In an hour and a half, Mike had maxed out the Exploration Rate to 100% and leveled up to 221.
“At this rate, I can at least get another SSSS rating tonight.”
Mike didn’t check his attribute panel immediately, planning to review everything after finishing his challenges for the night.
He had agreed to three consecutive battles with Calderon.
Before the duel, Mike had already strategized.
These three battles could buy Mike up to 72 hours!
In other words, before the third battle, Mike could level up to 300 and find a way to complete his talent’s second awakening!
By then, Mike’s combat power should see a significant boost, though how much was uncertain.
[Authoritative studies show that a second awakening can increase combat power by an average of 67858%]
Mike ignored the Eye of Truth’s self-praise.
Having conquered the twenty-first floor with an SSSS rating, Mike hadn’t yet received his personal reward.
But he did receive the SSSSS rating personal rewards for the twentieth floor first!
“SSSSS rating for conquering the twentieth floor, reward: [Frozen Lake]*1!”
“SSSSS rating for conquering the twentieth floor, reward: [Ice Village]*1!”
“SSSSS rating for conquering the twentieth floor, reward: [River of Blood]*1!”
After receiving his personal rewards, Mike immediately returned to his private space to check things out.
In his private space, Vladimir was arm-in-arm with a young man, looking very friendly.
“Harry, you’ve come to the right place!”
“Our boss is very kind, treats us well, no overtime, and plenty of benefits!”
Standing behind Vladimir, Mike pondered.
Was Vladimir badmouthing him?
“Ahem.”
Clearing his throat, Mike walked up to the two, glancing at the Frozen Lake and the village.
The Frozen Lake was situated in the northern part of the private space, covering over 250 square miles.
The lake water was a clear blue, the surface calm.
“Savior, we meet again.”
After breaking the curse of the cycle, Harry had regained his youthful appearance.
The Ice Village had over a hundred villagers, who made a living by fishing. They gathered in the village, watching from a distance without approaching.
“So many people?”
“Dorian, handle this.”
The werewolf Dorian quickly arrived on the scene.
Mike casually instructed,
“Those willing to work can sign labor contracts, everything as usual. Those unwilling can receive regular supplies to ensure basic survival. Once the private space connects with the Core City of Truth, they can choose to stay or leave.”
“Understood.”
Mike didn’t need to worry about the village; he had plenty of capable subordinates.
Miners, dwarves, werewolves, vampires, mushrooms, demon race.
Quite a diverse mix.
Mike was more concerned about the other two rewards:
The Frozen Lake and the River of Blood!
[Frozen Lake: The lake contains not only fish but also various rare treasures. ]
[Their common trait: They can all help strengthen Thor’s Sea]
Mike: ?!
Good stuff!
With the Frozen Lake, Mike could save a lot of expenses!
He felt like spending 24 hours a day fishing in the Frozen Lake; it was all money!
Tearing his gaze away from the lake, Mike looked at Vladimir, “Do you want the River of
Blood?”
Vladimir smiled faintly, “Honorable master, if I said I didn’t want it, would you believe me?” “What exactly is the River of Blood? Explain it to me.”
Before Vladimir could speak, Mike emphasized, “Think carefully before you answer.”
Vladimir’s expression grew serious as he slowly said, “The strongest beings among vampires are called Ancestor, rumored to be true gods. But I suspect Ancestor haven’t become god, or are one or two steps away from it.”
Vladimir, unusually honest, continued at Mike’s gesture.
“The so-called River of Blood is essentially the same as your Thor’s Sea. Vampires build their River of Blood after becoming Dukes, using its power in battle. After becoming princes, or what humans call Lords, they can use the River of Blood to resurrect, among other things…”
After a brief introduction, Vladimir’s tone shifted, “In the distant past, sorry I can’t remember the exact day, all prince-level vampires’ Rivers of Blood went out of control. The Rivers of Blood… tried to turn us into its slaves!”
Mike frowned, “Does this have to do with the vampire Ancestor?”
“Yes.”
Vladimir nodded, “Some say it’s a sign of the Ancestor becoming a god, making him the
master of all vampires.
Others say it’s the result of the Ancestor’s failed attempt to become a god. After failing, the Ancestor didn’t want any vampire to threaten his position, so he polluted the Rivers of Blood, trying to turn all powerful vampires into his slaves.”
Mike crossed his hands, tapping his right index finger on the back of his left hand, speaking softly, “You’re getting off-topic. Tell me about the River of Blood that just appeared in the
private space.”
Vladimir smiled apologetically, leading Mike to the lowest level of Mistveil Castle, pointing
to a red stream flowing beside a coffin.
“I have two guesses about the origin of this River of Blood.”
“First, it’s one of the few Rivers of Blood not polluted by the Ancestor.
Second, it’s the primordial blood river the Ancestor has been seeking, the key to vampires
becoming gods.”
By the end, Vladimir’s voice trembled slightly.
He was far less composed than he appeared.
Regardless of the result, this River of Blood was enough to drive all vampires mad!
Back when the Rivers of Blood went out of control, Vladimir was one of the victims, with
many unresolved hidden dangers.
These hidden dangers wouldn’t be an issue in daily life.
But facing high-tier vampires, or even the Ancestor himself, Vladimir would be instantly
defeated!
This River of Blood could completely solve Vladimir’s problems.
Mike glanced at it, not commenting on Vladimir’s guesses.
This River of Blood could be ‘borrowed’ in battle.
Summoning it to assist in combat could increase health cap by 50 million, health regeneration
by 200%, healing effects by 100%, and other positive benefits.
However, it also doubled the damage taken from holy light elements.
Mike had no intention of turning himself into a vampire, just borrowing it.
Facing such a precious River of Blood, Vladimir’s restraint had only one reason.
He had gauged Thor’s thoughts!
Thor’s principle was simple: clear distinctions between gratitude and enmity.
As long as Vladimir remained loyal, this River of Blood would eventually be his! After inspecting the River of Blood, Mike had nothing else to do for now. He patted Vladimir’s shoulder, “Keep an eye on the prisoner. I’ll continue my challenges and come back to deal
with things later.”
“As you wish!”
A flash of lightning, and Mike disappeared, heading to the twenty-second floor of the Tower
of Truth.
“Wishing you an early conquest of the Tower of Truth!”