Chapter 94: A Change in the Situation (1/2)

”I forgot that most Mortal Worlds have their own Power Levels. Let's see. Mortals are ranked by 1 to 5. Rank 1 is the weakest while Rank 5 is the strongest among Mortals. After that, if you surpass your own world, you'll stop being a mortal and become a Transcendent.”

He put a hand on his forehead before slowly explaining the Power Level he mentioned. That's probably the universally accepted level. And maybe it was the reference used by the Invading forces, the 1-leaf to 5-leaf Dark Elves as well as 1-star to 5-star Beastmasters. Then what about after that? Do they continue to 6-star or change it to Transcendent?

Ah. Why am I worried about their Power Levels? At least. My theory of converging paths was proven by meeting this… expert?

”Are you a Transcendent?”

I couldn't help but ask. The answer is already clear though.

”You could say I'm at that level. This might be an encounter that shouldn't have happened so I can't tell you more than this. One advice. Leave this place after achieving whatever goal you set. If you encounter someone not as lenient as me, it will be a waste. Especially for you three. You have the potential to become a Transcendent and know more things. You can only have the qualification to completely explore this place if you started hearing my name.”

So by his statement, there's not only him who is currently in this dimension. Did the previous expedition encounter one of them which resulted in that high casualty?

”This dimension has a restriction on who can enter, I doubt we can go back again after leaving this time.”

This is why the Spirit Queen and King couldn't go in. But here he's saying that we need to be a Transcendent to completely explore this place.

”Restriction? That's only an illusion that Mortals like you wouldn't be able to break. Most probably to stop you Mortals to flock inside. Once you become a Transcendent you can then ignore that. However, be careful not to divulge the location of this dimension.”

I see. It makes sense if it's like that. The Spirit Queen being unable to enter is because she couldn't break that illusion with her current strength.

”Why can't we?”

Will something happen if the location leaked out? Is there some huge secret inside this dimension? Seeing he appeared before us arriving at the very mansion, it's highly possible. He's here to protect that. If not for the line restricting him, we wouldn't be able to go past the gates or even go down here.

”If you remember everything I said and asked since I appeared before you, then you will understand.”

Ugh. He kept talking in vague terms. He could just be brutally honest but no, he chose to be like this.

If I recall correctly he asked us about which world sent us in. That's it, right?

”I see. Then since you're already this lenient with us, can you give us more advice?”

I tried testing his patience since he couldn't get past that line, then I could squeeze more info from him.

”You're a clever kid. You noticed, right?”

Hearing my words, his eyebrows raised.

Yumiko was pulling on my hand as if asking me to stop. She also knew but she wanted to be cautious.

”I don't know what you're talking about.”

I tried playing dumb and this time, Jayna also started pulling on my arm. I am really doing something dangerous and I'm betting on the fact that he couldn't get past that line.

”Great! However, kid. It's fine to be greedy but if it's too much, who knows? It might be the end of you.”

He caught on it and the tone of his voice changed. It went back to earlier where it feels like we'll be killed instantly if we ever move a muscle.

”You're right, I almost stepped over the line. We won't disturb you anymore and thank you for being lenient. May we meet again.”

I bowed to him before urging everyone to turn back. Though the others were still kind of scared, seeing me and Yumiko falling back they all followed us.

”You've got guts, I give you that. Remember what I told you.”

I hear the owner of the Mansion said before we got out of the vicinity of the mansion which turned into ruins once again.

Not guts but stupidity. I just endangered them. I shouldn't do that again. If he's any other existence, he would've been already enraged by my questions.

But apart from knowing some bits of knowledge beyond our current level, there's nothing noteworthy apart from his existence as well as the possible treasure or something important he was protecting.

If there's another chance. I'll go back here and explore this place thoroughly.

Going back our way, we rode the water elevator and arrived back at the suspended waterfall, only when we're out of that place did the others start panting as they release the tension they built up.

”I don't think I can continue further.”

Rane suddenly said after she collected herself. Her knees were still shaking from the fear that the old man caused her. Because of how calm I am, I seemingly forgot that the others didn't have the same ability as me. They could clearly feel how fearsome he is.

”Me too.”

Abe and the rebellious Spirit Beast also uttered after they calmed down. They already got their harvest through the necklace so they probably thought that it's already fine to turn back before they could truly be stepped on by someone at the same level as that old man below.

”I'm sorry. I was rash and might've endangered you. If you have already decided to turn back now, I won't stop you.”

I apologized to them as it was really my fault this time.

”Like he said, if that's what you decided, we have no reason to stop you. Give this to Yse and Ezyn for me.”

Yumiko also stepped in and handed them the excess storage necklaces. There's still 7 of it. Though we could actually take it for ourselves she's also thinking that it will be helpful for them if they found something useful there. I'm sure that the Spirit Queen will also only take one for each of them and store the remaining to wait for our return.

”Thank you. We'll certainly deliver it to the Queen.”

Rane took the necklaces and stored it inside her own storage necklace.

”What about you Jagu?”

Abe couldn't help but ask when he didn't say anything.

”I will continue this exploration with them, you don't have to worry.”

Jagu answered.