Point of View: Xyra
The Transmutation Hall…
That was what truly captured my interest.
I had accumulated a vast amount of resources from the planet we conquered. Materials. Corpses. Residual energy.
With a single thought, one of my children stepped forward and placed three corpses onto the crystal table.
The surface reacted immediately.
[Select an option:]
[Convert to Origin Crystal]
[Change Energy Nature]
Hmm…
I chose Convert to Origin Crystal.
The table glowed with a soft, steady radiance. The bodies began to disintegrate without violence, as if dissolving into luminous particles. Within seconds, three crystals formed in their place.
Each one bore the number 1 engraved on its surface.
I murmured with satisfaction:
"So… this is how I solve the crystal problem."
I ordered my children to bring the remaining corpses.
I expected them to pile up or fall when stacked, but that didn't happen. As soon as they were placed on the table, their size automatically reduced.
Efficient.
After some time, all the bodies were arranged.
[Select an option:]
[Convert to Origin Crystal]
[Change Energy Nature]
I chose Convert to Origin Crystal once more.
A new notification appeared:
[Select upgrade:]
[Level 1 Crystal]
[Level 2 Crystal]
I frowned slightly.
"What is this?"
[Higher-level crystals possess greater energy concentration.]
I see…
I selected Level 2 Crystal.
"I am preparing to ascend. These will be more useful."
This time, the table shone brighter. The corpses vanished, and in their place remained crystals marked with the number 2.
There were fewer than the bodies I had placed.
But when I picked one up between my fingers…
I understood.
The energy contained within was denser. Heavier. More abundant.
A purer conversion.
"Now let's test the other option."
I placed a piece of metal I had obtained during the conquest onto the table.
[Select an option:]
[Convert to Origin Crystal]
[Change Energy Nature]
I chose Change Energy Nature.
[Level 1 Material]
[Cost: 25 Copper Coins]
I paid without hesitation.
The table glowed again. The metal vibrated, its surface rippling briefly. When the process ended—
It now contained Origin energy.
Interesting…
"System, if I place many materials at once, will the cost remain the same?"
[No. The cost increases according to quantity.]
Not a problem.
I had plenty of coins.
In this conquest, only I had earned FD points from the deaths caused by my children.
Transforming these materials now could grant me an advantage in the future.
It was always better to prepare than to react.
---
Point of View: Kael
The Cultivation Tower.
I had expectations for this place.
It was the second tower in the entire city.
Upon entering, the interior resembled the Training Tower. For a moment, I felt slightly disappointed.
I walked toward a side chamber, and a notification appeared.
[Cultivation Room]
[Cost: 25 Copper Coins]
My cultivation was at Ascended Level 1 (Peak). It wouldn't be long before I faced the tribulation.
I didn't truly believe cultivating here would make much of a difference… but I wanted to test it.
I paid.
As I stepped inside, the door closed behind me.
The room was empty. Silent. Smaller than I had expected.
Then another notification appeared:
[Do you wish to begin cultivation?]
"Yes."
The world disappeared.
There was no transition.
One moment I was inside the room. The next—
I was in the sea.
An endless ocean stretched before me.
The water was crystal clear, so pure I could see schools of small silver fish moving beneath the surface. Rays of light descended from above, piercing the water in golden columns that danced with the waves.
I felt the water surround me, and my body floated effortlessly. The temperature was perfect. Neither cold nor warm.
The horizon seemed infinite. No land in sight. Only sea and sky merging in a distant line.
It was beautiful.
It was peaceful.
And without realizing it, I began to cultivate.
My Origin energy responded immediately.
I felt it circulate more smoothly. More compact. More obedient.
Time lost meaning.
I didn't know whether minutes or hours had passed.
My mind emptied.
I remembered my daughter.
I remembered how she used to run through the corridors of Atlantis, asking impossible questions. I remembered her laughter the first time she saw strange marine creatures.
A knot formed in my chest.
It had been two years since I last held her.
Two years.
My energy stirred briefly with that emotion, but the ocean embraced it. Stabilized it.
Then I understood.
This wasn't just cultivation.
It was harmony.
My energy began to compress. I could feel it clearly. My cultivation level didn't increase… but my energy became denser.
More powerful.
Slowly, the world began to fade.
The sea turned into light.
And I returned to the room.
[Cultivation Session Completed]
[If you wish to begin another session, please make the payment again]
[Cost: 25 Copper Coins]
I opened my eyes.
"Wow…"
I clenched my fist.
I could feel it.
I was stronger.
My cultivation level hadn't changed… but my energy had.
"Why does this happen?"
[The quantity and density of your Origin energy have increased.]
[The Cultivation Tower helps compress your energy.]
Impressive…
If I conducted more sessions here, I could possess an energy reserve far superior to others at my level.
There must be a limit.
But even so, it would be worth it.
I smiled faintly.
When I return to Atlantis, I will bring my daughter.
I'm sure that curious little girl would be fascinated by this place…
And I miss her too.
Very much.
Two years without seeing her had been harder than I would ever admit.