Under Mike’s watchful gaze, the Quasi-God of Theft and Shadow produced another half a copper coin. This one was the one he had previously pilfered from Mike. Even as a mere projection, a Quasi-God of Theft could easily swipe something without anyone noticing.
Pocketing his coin, Mike looked at the shadow again.
“Let’s get properly acquainted. I’m Thor, you can just call me Fourth Bro.”
After a moment of thought, Mike added, “It won’t be long before I become the fourth Supreme Being of the human race!”
He then looked at the Quasi-God of Theft and Shadow, indicating it was his turn.
“I… I…”
The shadow stammered, “I can’t have a name until I become a true god.”
Mike: “?!”
Another piece of trivia!
Cosmic spirits couldn’t have a true name until they reached level 995.
Mike naturally thought of another big shot-Shadow Three.
Based on the information Mike had gathered so far, Shadow Three was undoubtedly the most powerful powerhouse in Guardian Shadow!
He was also the most mysterious.
Shadow Three was connected to the demon race, and now to cosmic spirits as well.
Mike would have to do some serious research when he got back.
Perhaps he could find clues to Shadow Three’s true identity from the bits and pieces of information he had.
Mike would absolutely not spend 99.99 million Lord merits on that material!
After noting this detail, he heard the shadow continue.
“Shadow Nine always called me Pecker.”
“Pecker?”
Mike shook his head.
That name wouldn’t do!
What kind of taste did Shadow Nine have, reducing a Quasi-God to something that sounded like Foreskin?
Oh well, it would have to do for now.
“Pecker, back to the matter at hand.”
Mike asked, “Is there any other solution to the Shadow Fortress issue we discussed earlier?” “Of course.”
Pecker nodded matter-of-factly. “I’ll teach you a skill. Once you learn it, you can use the Shadow Source to create special items. When Guardian Shadow members consume them, they can gain… those low-level pursuits you mentioned.”
Mike was almost moved to tears by the free solution.
Cosmic spirits like Pecker were so pure-hearted!
Mike reached out and grasped Pecker’s hands firmly, sighing with emotion.
“You’re a good being!”
“Thank you for the compli…”
Before Pecker could finish, Mike interrupted.
“Can you return the half a copper coin you just stole from me?”
Pecker let go of his hands and shrunk back, explaining sheepishly,
“Well… it’s a force of habit. I can’t help it.”
Mike, magnanimous as ever, retrieved his coin. “I understand, I understand.”
The atmosphere suddenly turned awkward, everyone present frozen in place. Pecker couldn’t get what he wanted right away.
To obtain the Shadow Source, he even had to actively help Mike grow stronger.
Only when Mike reached level 900 could Pecker attempt to break through to godhood.
At the same time, Mike couldn’t figure out how to extract more value from Pecker for the time
being.
Both sides fell silent.
Vladimir whispered a reminder.
“Master, you still have to conquer this floor.”
“Right, I almost forgot about the main task.”
Mike looked at Pecker and said,
“There are two ways for me to conquer this trial path.”
The first way was obvious.
Defeat Pecker’s projection and brute-force his way through.
The second way was to obtain the recognition of the [Shadow] god!
In the absence of a Shadow god, obtaining the recognition of a Quasi-God would suffice. However, very few Quasi-Gods would do such a thing.
Recognizing an enemy of the same element was a risky move for a Quasi-God.
If they were surpassed and the other party became a god first, it would be a huge problem!
At best, they would be forever beneath the other’s feet. At worst, they would suffer a fate worse than death.
True Gods had countless ways to torment a Quasi-God.
In this situation, Mike definitely couldn’t choose the first path.
“I have absolutely no intention of freeloading a blessing.”
Mike said sincerely, “I just can’t bear to see you get hurt, Pecker, even if this is just your
projection!”
His words were heartfelt.
Pure emotion, not a trace of manipulation.
“You truly are a good person!”
Pecker was deeply moved by Fourth Bro.
The more time they spent together, the more he felt a sense of kinship with him.
Pecker spread his hand, and three Shadow element orbs appeared before him.
“Here are three blessings, choose one.”
He could actually choose?
Mike suddenly realized that being on good terms with a Quasi-God had its perks!
After glancing at the blessings, Mike chose the “strongest” one without hesitation!
“Obtained [Blessing of the Quasi-God of Theft and Shadow]!”
“When using Shadow element skills, material consumption -30%.”
Looking at the blessing’s description, Mike could barely contain his grin.
Saving 30% on materials every time he cast a spell.
Assuming Mike could live for a million years, this blessing could save him a fortune!
“I knew I was right about you!”
Looking at the blessing Thor had chosen, Pecker’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“You chose the weakest blessing to lessen my burden.”
“Fourth Bro, you’re too kind!”
Vladimir’s mouth twitched. He clearly didn’t agree with Pecker’s statement.
Had he misunderstood something?
The other two blessings were one that increased Shadow element skill damage and another
that increased Shadow element skill range.
For Thor, they were just minor bonuses. Even with enhanced shadow element skills, they
wouldn’t be stronger than Thor’s lightning.
But a blessing that saved money?
Thor could never resist such a temptation!
However, from Pecker’s perspective, it was a different story.
Granting a blessing also consumed a portion of his own power.
Out of the three blessings, the one Fourth Bro had chosen consumed the least!
Of course, Pecker also had another ulterior motive.
He was the Quasi-God of Shadow. Although he was pure-hearted, he wasn’t a fool.
Thor possessed the Shadow Source.
If Thor had chosen a blessing that leaned more towards damage, it would have made Pecker
uneasy.
Even if the other party was Shadow Nine’s friend, he still had to be cautious!
Mike’s choice of the most harmless blessing eased Pecker’s suspicions.
If this continued, even if Thor reached level 994, he wouldn’t pose a threat to Pecker in the
[Shadow] element.
After receiving the blessing, Mike patted his chest and promised,
“I’ll reach level 900 as quickly as possible!”
“Really?”
Pecker was overjoyed and asked, “Can you do it within three hundred years?”
“Don’t underestimate me!”
Mike said confidently,
“Two months at the earliest, half a year at the latest!”
“Cool-”
This time, Pecker was truly surprised.
“I envy you guys who can level up so fast. It must be so much fun to gain 600 levels in such a
short time.”
Mike sensed a hint of wistfulness in his tone.
Not everyone was born at level 990.
Pecker’s starting point was the unattainable goal that Maxen had been striving for decades.
“Alright, I’ve given you the blessing, you have my recognition. I should be going now.”
As he spoke, the power of the surrounding Shadow space receded like a tide.
Mike quickly grabbed Pecker, holding him back for a few seconds.
“Return the things you stole from them!”
Mike said seriously, “It’s not okay to steal, kid.”
Pecker looked embarrassed. “You caught me again…”
Two items emerged from the fading shadows.
A ring and a denture.
They belonged to Dracula and Vladimir, respectively, casually pilfered by Pecker.
“Look at you two, so careless.
You didn’t even notice your most precious possessions were stolen!”
As he spoke, Mike put the items into his inventory.
After doing all this, Mike looked at the two victims and said, “To prevent them from being stolen again, I’ll keep them safe for you. It’s settled!”
