'I managed to comprehend a technique without relying on a cybernetic? Now this is impressive.' Michael was plenty surprised. Despite the technique being only common, it was one of the best things he could have hoped to comprehend.
'It must be thanks to the high spiritual energy in the place.' He guessed.
He didn't waste time immediately focusing on cultivation once again.
[You have consumed spiritual energy: +2 Spirit]
Just as expected, he felt that the rate at which he was absorbing spiritual energy had doubled!
A day passed in a flash. Of course, since the soldiers that had entered the geyser realized that the spiritual energy was concentrated, they too began to cultivate.
That caused the energy to quickly disperse, lessening its effect, but not before Michael had a breakthrough.
Once his spirit rose from 2,000 to 3,500 points, a message appeared before his eyes.
[You have achieved a breakthrough!]
[Middle Apprentice → Late Apprentice]
Managing to reach a higher realm didn't just make his soul stronger but his body as well.
Name: Michael
Soul Realm: Late Apprentice
Cybernetics: Indomitable System, Berserker, Dash, Perfect Vision, Spirit Flow
• Strength: 30
• Agility: 120
• Stamina: 20
• Spirit: 3,500
• Mind: 1,500
Skill Points: 130
'My attributes have increased yet again. The higher realm I can reach, the bigger power-up I will get.'
Sadly, with the spiritual energy being much lower than before, cultivation became greatly inefficient in the area. If Michael wanted to achieve another breakthrough, he would have to find another place with concentrated spiritual energy.
"Ah!" Ava gasped in amazement once she opened her eyes. From the aura she was giving off, Michael easily guessed that she also had a breakthrough.
"If you don't mind me asking, what realm are you?"
A mischievous grin began to form on her face.
"Peak Adept." She puffed up her flat chest in pride, seemingly satisfied with herself. Few could boast of reaching such a high realm while being so young. For reference, Leo was ten years older than her, but he was still stuck at Peak Apprentice.
"Shit, still Apprentice. When will I reach Adept?" Leo cursed under his breath once he opened his.
"I am not surprised. Few could match my genius!" Ava didn't miss the chance to taunt him.
Leo wasn't in the mood to argue, so he simply shrugged.
Just when they got ready to leave, Ava stopped in a daze.
"Wait… Michael, did you achieve a breakthrough?" She mumbled initially, doubting her eyes. But once she looked closer, she realized that the spiritual energy Michael's body was giving off was higher.
"Yeah, just reached Late Apprentice." Michael said calmly.
"YOU WHAT?!" Both Ava and Leo stared in amazement. Michael was just 18 years old! It was already abnormal to have been a Middle Apprentice at his age, and now he had gone even further beyond, reaching Late Apprentice?
"Y—You must be some kind of monster…" Leo exclaimed. Rather than envy, he felt amazement. Geniuses like Michael were few and far between.
"It's not that impressive, really." Michael waved his hand dismissively. If he wanted to play a role in the battle against the alien invasion, he would need to reach an even higher realm if he wanted any fighting chance.
Due to Leo and Ava's earlier shout that traveled all around the caves in the geyser, the nearby soldiers that were closing in on a breakthrough had their concentration interrupted.
"Who are the fuckers that shouted?!"
"I swear I will skin them alive!"
"It came from there! Let's go and find them!"
Not willing to bother with the angry soldiers, the trio quickly exited.
On their way back, Michael was trying to dig deep in his distant memories for a spot with a high spiritual concentration that he could use.
'I think that place will work.' He figured. Since to reach it he had to pass through the base, he figured they might as well do a quick restock.
On their way there, he received a call from Bryce.
"Sir Bryce." Michael saluted. "Do you have orders?"
The old man nodded his head. "I was about to request that you return to the base. Do you remember the Epic cybernetic that I said will be given to the one with the most kills? Well, this idea was actually Lady Victoria's, and according to her, it didn't feel right to just give you money for helping her kill the Elite alien, so she will reward you with it. Few could match your feat after all."
Ava, who sat nearby, didn't complain. The only reason she had lived long enough to help Victoria with the Elite alien was because of Michael anyway.
"I am flattered, Sir Bryce, but shouldn't we wait for the week to pass? If the other soldiers learned of this, they might lose motivation."
Bryce hesitated for a moment.
"Well, due to the arrival of the Immortal Legion, things have changed over the base. Since you left as soon as they appeared, you can't know that they… have begun to make some adjustments."
Michael raised an eyebrow. "Adjustments?"
"Yes… they had a clash with Victoria recently, so things will go for the worse now."
An angry frown began to appear on Michael's face. He was racking his brain on how to deal with the approaching alien threat, yet the Immortal Legion came and caused havoc as soon as they arrived?
"I will be there shortly." His voice sounded so cold that it even startled Bryce over their call.
Wordlessly he cut off the call before taking a glance at Leo behind the driver's seat.
"Go faster."
The man gulped as he sped off.
Ava and Leo began to feel cold sweat running down their backs. Unknown to Michael, he had begun to leak out a small part of his killing intent. It was just a small part of his aura, yet it was enough to make their breathing harder.
'Despite being an Apprentice, he doesn't feel like one.' Ava hesitated. She was about to comfort him but stopped midway, seeing his angry face.
No one was brave enough to speak to Michael at the moment.
Other than aliens, there was one thing that he hated with all his heart. Humans that would harm their own kin for personal gain.
'I hope that this is just a misunderstanding.'
He took a deep breath, calming down his raging emotions.
'I would rather avoid killing people so early in the start of a new life.'