Chapter 265: Cleansement Manoeuvre (1/2)
”We finally managed to extract the Unranked Skill from the Lava Turtle in its Skill form and not as a Relic.” Minaela Marble gently smiled. ”Though, we are currently limited to extracting it from a Shifter Lava Turtle. We were unable to replicate the same to a Transformer Lava Turtle or with any other Frenzy Beast Race.”
Marink Marble coughed once before saying, ”It is not an Unranked Skill in the truest sense. It is Ingrained Earth, full and full. But, its limit is Tier 4. Only a Shifter can obtain it. Moreover, it will never develop to Tier 5.”
”But, this is more than enough for now.” Anserah returned to her monotonous expression, nodding in thought, ”A Warrior with Ingrained Earth can absorb at least three to four times the experience fragments from the Mental Realm as compared to others. This will prove beneficial to us, despite the shortcomings.”
”Indeed,” Marink's grating voice resounded as the layer of yellow on his throat began to peel off, ”The candidates we have selected are those who have no hope to reach Tier 5 in their lives. So, Ingrained Earth with a limit of Tier 4 is good enough for them.”
The layer of yellow on his throat completely peeled off as he wheezed for breath, feeling difficulty to even speak. Even his psychic arm trembled, becoming unstable. He glanced at the two seated before him, all Tier 5 beings with immense power and authority, ”I'll be leaving the rest to you two.”
His gaze lingered on Minaela for a couple more seconds before his body gently floated up. His body trembled, the psychic energy infused into him turning unstable. He slowly floated towards the exit, unleashing another psychic arm to open the door.
The psychic arm was beginning to dissipate, showing cracks in many places. Segments of it even shattered and fell like torn patches of cloth, dissipating into psychic energy midway. The density of psychic energy within the room rose towards terrifying levels. The remaining two calmly sat in their spots, watching Marink slowly make his way out.
Minaela Marble gazed at his back, her complex emotions finally settling down. Her voice resounded with a sense of exhaustion, ”You won't be alone for long.”
His flying posture unconsciously turned steady for an instant, brimming with unconcealable power. Marink Marble strained his throat until his voice cracked, ”I'll have plenty of company there. Sadly, I retired long ago. Otherwise, I would have been able to help with the Cleansing.”
He floated his way through the reception hall. All the staff that witnessed him promptly saluted, respect and admiration deep in their gazes. They remained in their spots until he disappeared from view.
Soon, he arrived in a massive underground room—situated in the Lower Strata—where Gerude Eagle was busy organising people for the upcoming task. Assembled before him were men and women of all ages, originating from all social classes. There were around 15 people at present, with a steady stream joining them.
One thing common in the eyes of everyone present was a sense of resoluteness, the willingness to sacrifice for a better future. They seemed to have all said their farewells, the room for regrets barren in them.
Marink Marble floated before them, his form unsteady, trembling from time to time. The crowd became larger and larger, the people among them being from Tier 1 to Tier 4.
Two hours passed in such a manner; Marink Marble was no longer able to float steadily, having created a wheelchair to seat upon. He closed his eyes, concentrating all his mental strength to unleash his psychic arms and focus their power in his throat, with the remainder infusing in his body.
His entire body turned yellow, imbuing in him tremendous power. The wheelchair disappeared as he stood, his booming voice echoing within the room, ”You are all here.”
He looked at Gerude Eagle to see him nod in return, signalling the presence of everyone they had arranged. Glancing around for an instant, Marink spoke, ”3761 Observers, 498 Line Controllers, 859 Amplifiers, 134 Area Controllers, 67 Developers, 13 Wave Controllers, 14 Shifters and 3 Ground Controllers; I thank you all for coming here.”
”Your bravery and dedication to Marble City is unmatched. All of you will be remembered as heroes from today onwards. Tonight, everyone will become members of Steam Force, including me.” His words caused bouts of surprise from the crowd.
As they shot him gazes of shock and surprise, Marink gently shook his head, ”I won't be participating in this operation. I lost the qualification 54 years ago. My battle is different from the lot of you, but my spirit will accompany you.”
”We are honoured, sir!” Everyone collectively exclaimed, thumping their fists on their chests, their thundering voice rattling the very ground.
”Wonderful, as expected of Marble City's guardians.” Marink nodded in praise, ”Central Command will wholly support your families from today onwards.”
”Gerude will detail the operation,” He clenched his fist, raising his hand, bellowing with all his might. His voice resounded like a clap of thunder, the last vestiges of his vigour, ”Glory to Marble City! Glory to Humanity!”
”Glory to Marble City!”
”Glory to Humanity!”