A few days had passed since Croix’s tumultuous first day at the small fishing settlement of the Shore. There was a minor Monster Tide from the sea but it was dealt with by not dealing with it. The people guarded the beach and not much else. Little did they know it was caused by a certain man in their midst.

“I think the meteor caused the rise of monsters, Highness,” Viers said with a straight face. “Looking at how weak the ones that reach here are, the source must be very far away. It will pass in time.”

“I see,” Croix hummed. “I’m only glad they are not spilling to land and wrecking all the improvements we're just starting to build.”

“Quite right, Highness, quite right.”

***

In the days that followed, the newly appointed Viceroy of the Shore gave his all in rebuilding his leased land to govern.

“Boram built all of these? Incredible,” Croix looked at the newly erected houses and town hall with awe. “Earth Pathseekers are truly invaluable in a city’s development.”

“A stronger earth Pathseeker can build a fortress in one night, or move a mountain to create roads, but doing so without agreements usually invites trouble. Boram is not at that level yet and he’s not a builder, not truly. People still need to give the things he builds finishing touches before they become stay-worthy,” Viers pointed at the village folk that were all over the house like worker ants.

“Also, he’s only one person. Building all of these uses Victa, quite a lot of it. Victa that can be used to train his skills. This is an emergency so I gave permission but moving forward-”

“I understand, Master Avel. It’s not my intention to ask Boram to build a full-fledged city for me.”

“You should also feel it by now, of how precious each drop of your Victa is. How fast they are gone after just a period of Arte practices. Both you and Boram need to utilize all your Victa efficiently if you want to become an exceptional Pathseeker. Your rivals certainly would. If you’re behind and fall in battle, then it's too late for regrets.”

“Can’t we just resolve disagreements peacefully?” Croix asked with a hopeful tone.

“Imagine two people, you and a stranger. Both of you are starving and will die if you don't eat soon. The two of you found a plate of food at the same time. Just a small amount, not enough to fill you even if you eat it all. What will you do? Will you share?”

“...I guess?”

“That is truly kind of you, Highness. But what if the other person wants all for himself and attacks you? Even if you share, the two of you might die of starvation still. But if he kills you, take all of your belongings and all the food. With his strength bolstered by the food and your possessions, he has a greater chance of finding his next meal. This kind of thinking surely isn't too far-fetched for you or him, right?”

Croix didn't answer.

“The Pathseeker world is quite similar. There are only a limited amount of resources in this world and all Pathseekers scramble to obtain them to get stronger. Even if you don't wish for it, you’ll have to fight. If you lose and die, what good are all your noble aspirations then?”

Viers lightly tapped Croix’s chest with his fist.

“The Path of Power is a bloody place. To protect those that are important to you, you have to be strong. I told Boram this then, I tell you this now.”

“...I understand.”

“Remember, Highness, kindness is a privilege for those who can afford it. Those who can't afford it but are still kind thoughtlessly will suffer a tragedy.”

***

Viridis.

Paina was practicing flying with her fairy wings out. She was hovering stationary above a flower field. Her wings didn't flap that much yet she wasn't falling because it was magic. After a while, she lost her concentration and fell. Disturbed, the flowers puffed out pollen and Paina couldn't stop sneezing for a while. After that, she tried again.

Farley was standing before a Rank 2 monster treant, her right eye glowed red. The treant whose body looked like rotting wood brandished its arm at the human half its size. Farley took half a step to the side, dodging with a minimal movement. After dodging for quite some time, she stepped in close when an opening presented itself and cut a single leaf that grew on the treant’s head. She pocketed it and taunted the enraged monster by standing still in front of it anew.

Clarissa was giving a lecture to Dia, Faiya, and Futon. Gwen was helping in the kitchen, and Zerri was getting a sunbath on top of a leaf stool.

Viers was sitting cross-legged on top of a water surface in Viridis' Power Spot, surrounded by pleasant-smelling lotuses. He wasn't sinking. On his hand, was the crystal that Arsène took from the meteorite under the sea.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

The merman that Arsène soul searched called this thing Shining Heart, hmn? A precious object to be sure, but what should I do with it? This is a light attunement treasure, I cannot use it directly.

Viers deliberated for some time about how to best use the latest treasure he got.

With the right administration, I think this can even give someone a light 5 affinity, as a second affinity or reinforce their first one. But who?

Faiya? The fire elemental had more than enough power. And he was still under strict observation because of his origin.

Dia already had two affinities, wood and space. Giving her a third would only destroy her.

Futon wasn't suitable.

Zerri was still a baby.

Gwen? She wasn't even fifteen yet and didn't warrant this level of treasure yet.

Giving Luca the darkness 5 girl a light 5 affinity might be interesting but she also wasn't at cultivating age yet.

Croix's affinity was fire 4, but Viers wasn't that close with the prince yet. Would it interfere with his dragon?

Boram? Light wasn't a fitting element for his second, no synergy. He could eat it with his Codex and would certainly give the little giant a big boost of power but growing too fast would only be detrimental to him.

Evolving his monster forms? Possible, but Viers wasn't even finished pushing his multiple monster forms to peak potential yet.

What to do, what to do…

Viers materialized three weapons around him, the Spear of Leonidas that Izabella had finished enchanting with new powers, the Dark Moon Greatsword, the Divine tier weapon he pried from a prince’s hand, and Doyun Arrow that cost the equivalent of a hundred thousand of dollars per second to use.

These three were Viers’ top three mightiest weapons, with the greatsword at the top. However, these three couldn't be used lightly.

Viers had a thought about turning the Shining Heart into another weapon but he had more than enough weapons. After the loss of his ordinary katana that couldn't bear the power of his Bankai, he still used a sword. He had decent quality swords from his plundering but nothing that truly hit his fancy.

Perhaps an armor of some such could be better? I can also simply sell it and get something I need in some big city.

Viers was very rich for his age and level. A combination of the villainous deeds x 2 and the massive amount of resources that the Biome produced. He had long wanted to turn this wealth into power-boosting resources for him and his allies but he didn't quite have the opportunity.

Unwisely disclosing his wealth might invite the unsavory attention of others. Even a Level 5 would be tempted by Viridis’ opulence, it was like a goldmine. Viers didn't want to paint a target on his back.

That was why he wanted to build a base at Regidana before the events of the Book World turned everything upside down.

Viers didn't decide just yet what to do about the Shining Heart. He would seek inspiration from his Fables later. With a wave of his hand, the rainbow crystal and the weapons went back into the Thousand Treasures Casket.

Arsène is at Atlantis… Well, not really, but he won't be able to help me with my workload anytime soon.

Viers sent the transformed Arsène as a hidden agent. Who knows what benefits there would be in the underwater world? The interaction between the overland states and the sea nations was pretty sparse. There was some trade and conflict but nothing of significance.

As far as Viers knew, at least, and Viers’ knowledge encompassed the myriad of people that he killed or soul searched, which was already exceeding five digits.

Croix will stay in this area for six months. Clarissa has recovered and is not in a hurry getting her flesh and blood back. Might be just me but I got the impression she didn't really care if she got her body back or not. Nothing urgent… So what now for me?

Viers was at Level 3 peak. The next step of his cultivation was to knock off the gate to Level 4.

It’s not that long ago I reached Level 3 peak, but breaking to the next level is not easy. It is a major breakthrough afterall, just like the novels. Even though I have enough resources, even though the new batch of Nutra Grass is almost ready, how long would it take?

He would be 19 this summer. In the past, Viers’ target for Level 4 was before he hit 30. He was already at the threshold so he was way ahead of schedule.

He improved his Level very quickly thanks to his evil deeds. Other people with his level of notoriety would already be hunted down, drawn and quartered; ashes scattered or body parts buried separately.

If Viers didn't have Aletro’s Mystic Star Shroud to elude his pursuers’ divinations and scryings, if Viers didn't have his skill kits, if Viers didn't have power fantasy Fables showing the way, he would be dead meat at this point.

…I won't rush to Level 4 without a truly solid foundation like Marvin. For a genius, he’s pretty stupid. I know after my defeat at the hands of Georgi I wanted to get as strong as possible as fast as possible, but if I can't defeat him even at the same Level then what’s the point?

Viers organized his plan to simply get as strong as he could in his head.

Alright. Let's do this. Before that…

“Paina, Farley.”

The two of them stopped their training and came to Viers.

“621,” Viers pointed to Paina. “Raven,” then to Farley.

The two looked confused.

“Uhh, what?”

“Your code names.”

“...What for?”

“Just because. 621, Raven, I’ve got a job for you.”

“Why am I a number and why’s Farley Raven? She’s got white feathers so shouldn't it be Swan?”

“Zip it, 621, don't talk back to your Handler.”

“Handler…” Paina looked amazed at the sudden absurdity. “Is this one of your episodes?”

“Raven, standing by for orders,” Farley said, going with the flow. “What’s the job, Handler Viers?”

Viers nodded at Farley, God bless her. “I'm sending you two to the waters of Rubicon.”

“Repeat. Where again?” Paina asked.

“Just the sea near the Shore. I’ve soul searched some monsters and got locations of their guarded treasures. We might snag some if we’re lucky. I picked the not-dangerous locations. Priority one is a Coral.”

Monsters usually guarded natural treasures. They absorbed the treasures’ unique benefits to improve themselves. It came naturally to monsters.

“...That sea is not called Rubicon, Viers,” Paina said with a flat tone.

“I know, I said it anyway. Waters of Rubicon, hehehe… Well? Do you accept?”