Chapter 1377 (1/2)

As the many shorter legs of Kharon shifted robotically and pressed into the ground, a barely perceptible rumble drifted upward from the grasslands below to Randidly’s ears, as he was sitting on his floating island and carefully considering what to do next. The dark blotch in the sky held his gaze for a long time.

Previously, he had allowed the moonlight spirits around his island to drift freely, naturally forming a visual screen that added an air of mystery to his floating island. But since the Great Rift had sent its attack probes down to the Earth’s surface, Randidly had the moonlight spirits spinning around the island so he could constantly see up into the sky. Otherwise, he felt vulnerable.

Yet even a full day after the forces of Nether broke through the System’s defenses, the Earth was not attacked again. The darkness in the sky was silent. If Randidly’s Aether Detection and Nether Sensation hadn’t been able to see the furious interplay between the Nether and the core Aether defenses of the System, he would have been extremely suspicious of the situation.

As it was, he just felt on edge. Truly, the Earth seemed to be forgotten. Yet with the powerful struggle of energies above him, it was difficult to focus on other things.

The other result of seeing the way Nether was attacking the core System was to realize that the Earth was lucky that only a cursory force had been sent down. Neveah was endlessly impressed by the techniques she saw utilized to protect the System structure. But Randidly had eyes for the other side. Because the Nether density that Randidly witnessed in the sky was intimidating, to say the least.

He couldn’t be sure because of the distance, but it definitely seemed like this Nether was much more powerful than what the Nether King possessed when he had attacked the frontlines. Which was a relief in a way, because it probably meant that this wasn’t the Nether King that Randidly had helped escape the clutches of the Xyrt Brigade.

Congratulations! Your Skill Nether Sensation (L) has grown to Level 218!

As though sensing Randidly’s thoughts, Neveah nudged him mentally. Don’t sell yourself short Randidly Ghosthound. Maybe your assistance gave the Nether King some inspiration and it grew much more powerful in a short amount of time? While he was being pursued by the Xyrt Brigade. Or perhaps… I hesitate to even suggest it… but what if this Nether King… is a Nether Queen?!?

As Randidly felt a deepening frown begin to spread across his face, Neveah continued to happily send him a mental message. Ah, and the fact that you rescued her… truly, it is a tale of star-crossed lovers worthy of the inheritor of Yystrix’s will… oh hum… is this what humans refer to as a love triangle…? I don’t think Vualla is the sharing type…

Randidly grunted. Well, I’m glad that you can manage to stay in a good mood.

This time, Neveah hit Randidly with a jolt of mental energy that was the equivalent of a flick. And YOU are accomplishing absolutely nothing sitting there and looking up at the sky all day.

You aren’t wrong, but… Randidly hunched his shoulder and gritted his teeth. I have a responsibility to make sure-

Neveah mentally flicked Randidly again. Randidly, I don’t mean to be critical… but let’s be realistic about who you are. Yes, you have a responsibility to the people of Earth… but even Mrs. Hamilton, the greatest mind that I have encountered amongst you humans, cannot worry her way out of a problem of this magnitude. And you… are not Mrs. Hamilton.

“I…” Randidly opened his mouth to speak, then flushed as he realized the communication was mental and he responded out loud.

Of course, Neveah was connected to him mentally and still understood his intention. Did you get to this point by worrying? Or perhaps more importantly, could Mrs. Hamilton predict your growth even with her Skills? No to both. So why are you doing this?

Something shifted in Randidly’s heart. Gradually, he straightened. He hadn’t thought about it in quite some time, but Randidly began to recall the sort of crown that he wore. “No… this was not the way that I grew strong. And even if I start now… I would not do so well with these methods. What I need to do… is use the method Shal taught me.”

A spear always advances? Neveah asked playfully.

Rolling his eyes, Randidly shook his head and replied boldly. It felt like a weight had been lifted off of Randidly’s shoulders. His path forward became clear, his emerald eyes bright. “No, training until it is monotonous and painful. And doing it consistently. Because that’s the way you improve.”

Randidly was a leader on Earth. He had so many people looking to him for guidance. There were threats that only he could handle. But because only he could handle them, Randidly had almost forgotten that the reason he could handle them was not that he was special at developing solutions to problems. No, the reason for his current position was simply because he was strong.

If he had time right now, honing that strength was how he should be preparing for what would be coming next. Besides, it wasn’t as though Randidly was alone in facing this threat having over the Earth. Now that twenty-four hours had passed, the Xyrt Brigade would likely be arriving in the next day or two to clean up this issue. Perhaps focusing on his training was really for the best.

The less involved with this problem he was, the less suspicious his behavior would seem. All he had to do was to gather up Heiffal’s group and hide them in the Alpha Cosmos.

But now, it was time to train. So Randidly proceeded to the central portion of the island, where the remnants of his training area still remained. The worn circle he had carved out in the dirt still remained; this was all Randidly needed. After steadying his breathing and pushing the speed of his heartbeat upward, Randidly began to focus on his three images.