Chapter 44: Suggest Thorough Investigation
Yonglan asked curiously, “Is it that fast?”
“Not really that fast. The Paradigm is a summation and completion of the Foundation. As long as one has the talent for sublimation, it’s a natural progression.” Enesyin first shook her head, then clenched her fist and said, “The accumulation of skills and experience, the refinement and sublimation of Spirit Matter. The tempering in the Echo Realm during this period should be enough for anyone to advance. If one is truly favored by the Primal King, the distance from Foundation to Paradigm is merely a step away.”
The Platinum-haired Dragon Maiden gave a bitter smile: “The fastest person I’ve ever seen advance from Foundation to Paradigm was my sister. She only took three days. This record even shocked all the adults. The family only dared to announce it three months later.”
Three days?!
Yonglan was no longer an ignorant novice. Entering the Foundation in three days was considered extraordinary talent. The average time from Foundation to Paradigm was ten years… Was your sister on some kind of cheat?
I suggest a thorough investigation of Aseran. Does she have some kind of sign-in system!
Yonglan couldn’t help but sigh, “Congratulations. Alas, if this continues, won’t I be left behind?”
Being weaker than a beginner crushed Yonglan’s pride as an “old timer.”
Enesyin’s eyes widened in confusion at his words: “Didn’t Yonglan already advance to the Paradigm? You should have been earlier than me.”
Yonglan was stunned: “Really? When did I advance?”
The Platinum-haired Dragon Maiden nodded with utmost certainty: “The strength of the Artifices you wield and your physical condition are at least at the Paradigm Tier. There’s absolutely no mistake about that!”
Enesyin’s insight and experience were beyond doubt. Now, Yonglan himself began to doubt.
Since he couldn’t see his specific status panel and could only view his attributes, he had also studied the tiered divisions of Artificers.
Advancing to a new Tier wasn’t an instantaneous accumulation of power. One moment you’re in the Paradigm, and the next you can achieve enlightenment and become a Champion, with a sudden surge of power! Awakening the path of the Ultimate Art and obliterating all enemies.
The transition between Tiers was a continuous state. Artificers could only feel their own growth. Only after completely crossing the Tier boundary would they experience a feeling of “enlightenment” and “complete liberation.”
The benefits of promotion weren’t an influx of immensely powerful strength out of nowhere. The true meaning of “advancement” was the sublimation of Spirit Matter.
Because Spirit Matter was sublimated, the Artifices one could wield would become more profound and advanced. Even when using low-level Artifices, the difference in the Artificer’s Spirit Matter would create entirely different effects.
“But I don’t have that feeling of liberation!” Yonglan spread his hands.
He could feel his body constantly strengthening every day, but the sensations of “transparency and clarity,” “as if caressed by the Primal King,” and “life suddenly opening up” that were described in books, Yonglan truly hadn’t experienced. He had thought he was still just “laying the foundation.”
Seeing Yonglan’s earnest assurance, Enesyin frowned slightly: “That shouldn’t be… Everyone should have that. The feeling of restriction being lifted is unique.”
“Wait….. speaking of which, I do seem to be a bit special….. Never mind.”
It was only then that Yonglan remembered he wasn’t from this world at all. After being here for more than half a year, he had almost forgotten he was a Traveler from Afar.
Even though he could cultivate Spiritual Matter Arts, was the system still incompatible?
Understanding the reason, he waved his hand and stopped dwelling on it.
Not having an upgrade notification? It wasn’t a big deal. As long as his strength was genuine, that was enough.
“???” Enesyin tilted her head, looking confused. However, she assumed Yonglan had recalled his promotion and said nothing more, instead continuing to bask in the joy of immersion. Her magnificent deep purple eyes stared intently at the man in front of her.
“……..” After meeting her gaze for a moment, Yonglan reached out and gently touched Enesyin’s head. While stroking the Dragonborn girl’s exceptionally soft hair and rubbing her obsidian-like horns, he said, “Since you’ve advanced to the Paradigm, I think it’s time to give it a try.”
Enesyin narrowed her eyes like a cat being scratched under the chin, asking, “Try what?”
“Of course, to challenge the Mad Hunt Heaven!” Yonglan said without hesitation. “The energy stored in this bow is almost sufficient to support a battle.”
Upon hearing her companion’s decision, Enesyin was surprised by her own lack of nervousness or fear. She was facing a Fiend. Even if it was just an illusion, it was an enemy capable of easily sweeping across the Earth and slaughtering all living beings. It was an enemy that had once made her tremble with fear, leaving deep scars… a Fiend.
But now, all she felt was a burning desire for revenge and a surging battle intent. It was like a raging fire.
Enesyin placed her hand on her breastplate and tiptoed. “It’s a bit bold, but I think it’s okay. Although we are currently only at the Paradigm Tier, the environment of this Echo Realm is very special. It’s filled with the chaotic Spirit Matter of ancient times. The actual effect of our Artifices might be close to the Champion Tier. We can go now!”
Yonglan raised an eyebrow and said, “I know you’re in a hurry, but you’re definitely not as hurried as I am, so don’t rush.”
“Before that, we still need to hunt a few Kin to warm up, consolidate our Tiers, and replenish our Spirit Matter.” Although he was somewhat of a battle enthusiast, his thinking outside of combat was quite meticulous… or at least, he thought it was.
“Mm, that’s true.” Enesyin took a deep breath and then followed Yonglan’s steps, hunting Fiend Kin together.
It took some effort to find new Kin in the increasingly depleted hunting grounds. Since it was a warm-up exercise, they didn’t kill them immediately but tried to prolong the fight as much as possible. A chase scene finally concluded only after they had walked out of the jungle.
“Pfft—” Pulling the silver sword from the beast’s skull, the Platinum-haired Dragon Maiden wiped the sweat from her brow. “Hoo… The Paradigm Tier truly is a transformation. Yonglan, I’m almost ready… What are you looking at?”
Enesyin looked at Yonglan and found him gazing into the distance. Following his gaze, she saw the silhouettes of a group of humanoid creatures moving below the distant hills.
“Oh… are those new Zombies?” Yonglan asked, somewhat curiously. Logically, all the Zombies in this area should have been cleared out by them. Mad Hunt Heaven should only resurrect its own Kin, so why were the corrupted Zombies included? This instinctual behavior of the Mad Hunt Heaven was rather indiscriminate.
Fine, no matter where they came from, they would all be slain.
Summoning the Bow of Chasing the Distant Hunt, Yonglan nocked an arrow with his left hand, aiming at the figures.
Just as the arrows were about to be fired, Enesyin spoke, “Wait, those don’t look like Zombies!”
