Lisa comprehended more of Murai's strengths and lows in this Gate than in the past weeks combined. It was important to see changes after everything that happened, but nothing was ever simple with him in sight. She wasn't even that good at taking his improvements, let alone mind or memories.
Every visit to the finished Islands left her in wonder. Sometimes, Murai left her some fragments of the fight if she was too annoying, but he didn't give her much in the Endling Isles.
Lorry hadn't helped in this regard, although some of his words between Islands and Mindarch were important to her information gathering.
It wasn't something earth-shattering, as not all information might be what she was seeking, but she was still trying her luck and plans behind Murai's back. He was oblivious to that to this day.
She slept a part of her time with him, but since she woke up, things were different and changing not because of her.
Which she disliked, because she always preferred to be in charge of many Fates. That was why she let things go this way, but perhaps it was yet another wishful thinking? She had no authority over this temple or its people, yet she turned this place into Murai's plaything, while any repercussions weren't her problem.
She wanted to be involved in all she could muster, however, or in things she couldn't. Especially since she depended on her choices and Murai's. Though, with him in the way, things were a little worse than she preferred. Perhaps even more than she was aware too.
Murai didn't care for things that often didn't matter. Turning his head upwards and sideway, he wondered if he should question Lorry or Mindarch about this situation involving this.... invasion of his Boost. He was still curious what it was about. It seemed big.
Lorry neatly figured out his confused look without hearing or understanding his quacks. “Mindarch is busy right now,” Lorry mumbled. “Lorry will take Mindarch's mantle right now if Murai will forgive Lorry that former worries will remain what worries are. This room needs different attention, while what just occurred here is a bit complicated, as it touches soft spots that are Mindarch and deals that are beyond Guides.”
Murai sighed. “Don't get me wrong. I do care about that, but not because it is out of my head. It involves me in a big way. The Encounter does that, and so do the rules that your so-called superior seems to possess. Mindarch has some authority over this world, huh? How? Why did he do what he did?”
“No clue.” Lorry shook his skull. “Mindarch is subject to this Hell Haven alone, like a curse hovering about Murai's souls alone. Levandis is a true mastermind. Not Mindarch. What Mindarch did... Lorry doesn't know.”
“Then should I ask her, or look for Villan?” Murai got a good idea, which Lisa took into her own hands.
Grabbing his hoodie, she got angry about something. “Don't ever think of involving Gods in your shenanigans. Especially the Lady of Thousand Graves or those close to her. She will eat you like a snack.”
Murai glared at her from a feather distance away. Unblinking, his eyes were unmoving. “So?”
“Take my warning shots for whatever they are. Mindarch will speak to us eventually. I mean... you. You!” She pointed at Lorry next. “I demand clarity. Is Gate 3 ready? Fine? Is what Mindarch did with Battlewilll fine? A simple response adds clarity to the integrity of our worries.”
“No need to worry.” Lorry tried to ease the situation. “This place is still subject to its inviduality. Always been. Levandis won't like it in any way. She would destroy things if it wouldn't be by her rules.”
“Sounds like a prick.” Murai reckoned.
“Reminds me of someone,” Lisa mumbled and let the situation play for itself by letting her arms free of her restraints.
Instead of having another round with her, Murai changed his interest in the remaining plot of interest. Lorry and things within the Gold Room were up to his taking next.
He had 9 450 points to spend, which was quite a few times more than the last Gate. He bet he can use it all to buy all sorts of essences. Hundreds!
Unless the shopping in this place was different, which it seemed it was. Unlike the previous Vault, there were no tags anywhere. The incoming shopping worked with Guides alone, whereas Vaults in Gate 1 were more like tokens and interest that weaklings took for the starting goal. This place was a true Vault and not some old storage facility that changed numerous times because of Gate 1.
Here? There were things that Extremes might like, as it was the storage facility of Gate 3 and 2. It was an important place with a history spanning many years of wars and conflicts around many layers.
With a large sum of points, Murai wasn't sure what to make of them. It wasn't anything strange, because he had no clue how the point system worked in this temple, even though he spent numerous days inside.
Lisa didn't want to explain it, while Lorry wasn't that keen on it either. Mindarch would be, but how important was the knowledge of points? Battlewill seemed to see it slightly, but it was like mentioning weights and masses of mountains.
Murai's level was an issue for his purchasing power and reputation.
Challengers didn't need to know much, however. Their limiting power or level was enough to warrant small unnoticeable shackles. That was it. It wasn't as if they could change their level in a heartbeat. They should focus on going onwards while points mattered only when they mattered. That was either at the end of the Gate or special circumstances where one could spend them inside of a Gates. Those were rare opportunities and not something Murai met in Islands of Greatness.
He had no mental capacity to understand the point-gathering system but would joke if it wasn't important. He wished to get back here someday and crack this place apart without Encounter looming over his head. It was fun. He would love to challenge it without any worries besides fights.
With such a fine essence-gathering constructing method, he will never forget this. Understanding the points meant knowledge that would be helpful for that time. Not now, so Murai wondered if he wanted to blackmail or force Lorry to talk about it. That laughing skull must know the answers to it, Murai bet.
Watching his gaze, Lorry shuddered. “Well, is Murai fine? Satisfied?” Lorry asked as he faked a laugh and cheer while hiding anxiety.
Then, he remembered his stakes, so he floated up to light some candles and ready the room with all sorts of treasures for Murai's taking.
With almost 10, 000 points, he was one of the best 1st-timers for his level.
Murai didn't need to fake his satisfaction. “Yes, but it seems some things are tightening where they hurt or annoy me. Things that I don't like and you know them yourself. Perhaps personally too, Guide,”
“As Lorry said. Mindarch...”
“...will do what we demand? I doubt that from the fundamental vision of what just occurred. Trust. It is about it too, which I don't have much of. I've got the gist of the Hells and how they are. Filled with Chaos, they are...”
“No. You don't.” Lisa argued.
“Try me!”
“Listen. Listen.” Lorry stormed and stopped further arguments as sparks flew between this ghost and a duck.
“Fine!” Murai flapped his wings and dismissed the further arguments. “Frankly, Encounter and the way it sounded, there is more pain in the ass than I thought. Anyway, back to my running.” He pointed his wings around and began his research.
Sitting was for turtles. He moved slowly, figuring that his body wasn't what it used to be, but in what way? His feathers itched, his muscles tensed, and his abilities and new things were close in his mind. Peak Layering, Heavenly Shaping, and Sharpblade were all there as his main achievements. Evolved abilities were incredibly enticing to pass as some attributes or levels increases.
“What is there for me in this room?” he asked first before caring for his future.
“Whatever Murai wants. What is Murai's interest, there are 2 floors and various selections and sections to seek. Limits is Murai's limit. Weapon? Sure. There are 3 sections full of them, ranging from regular things, Laws, or Extreme stuff.”
Watching the surroundings, Murai figured Lorry wasn't lying or exaggerating a thing, but he had trouble observing the surroundings beside his eyes alone. There was a small staircase that led to another floor, and a lot of places were full of various locks and formations that hid hidden compartments, shelves with important tools, or aura and locks.
“Of course...” Lorry hesitated but said what he should. “It depends if Murai can afford them.”
“Unsurprisingly. Do you know their worth? Nothing is clear to me when it comes to my purchases. No ghost told or whispered to me either.”
Lorry nodded as Lisa grunted and floated up to see the shelves. “There are a lot of things.”
“Hm? Lots of quantity, not a lot of clarity, am I right? I see nothing crazier than the things I would expect or have seen before. But... I see nothing. Why? What are the points worth?”
“That's because Murai has too high expectations and this place has standards,” Lorry argued.
“Then it shouldn't be far off. I can be understanding. Sometimes.”
“But that is fine too. Such cases are fine under Lorry's interest. Lorry suggests taking a look at stuff that piques Murai's eyes first before caring for limits of purchases. Those should be the materials and treasures that have always the same value across the Surface and the Depths. Equipment and Artifacts could become redundant or close to being useless soon, but they are here as well. For Murai's case, Lorry recommends changing points into value that will give value.”
“So nothing new? Essences are the first obvious thing.” Murai turned, looking at many shelves and crates or other compartments filled with them. He saw sets and pouches of glistering orbs of numerous ways and shapes. There were even Law essences, special ones with affinities or special possibilities that would help those with specific needs.
Most of those corresponded with unique affinity. Flame one looked like a hot sphere with numerous flaming patterns. The water essence looked like a blob of overflowing water. Sharpness looked whitish blue, filled with a sharp aura.
Then, those filled with unique and weird Laws were even weirder since their premise held truths and uncountable value. Absorbing them was often negligible, so holding them and comprehending their truths gave one its benefits. Thinking of them as teaching material was kind of fitting.
Murai ignored those, knowing they were beyond his reach or points. Even if not, his body wouldn't take them in any way. There was only so much his Core Defying Fusion Technique could force against the common sense and rules of the magic.
The most ridiculous essences were dull, hiding behind the formations and tight locks, but not from eyes.
“I've already struggled a lot with what might be worth it, so what to do, Lisa? Care to tell your opinion, 3rd timer.” Murai turned to face her interest which seemed to change numerous times in the past hour.
“Me? Asking me... Oh well.” She backed from above and floated down. I think you should finish your... Um... Core? That seems your priority, but you know it better than I am. I see its worth, but your feelings and ideas don't concern mine.” Lisa still struggled with understanding the Core Defying Fusion Technique and Murai's choices with it.
“Sounds about right. I plan to do that. What are the best essences that you have here for the points I've got? Is it different from the Vaults in Gate 1?” Murai asked Lorry.
“Alright! Best? In what way it should be the best? In quantity or quality? If that is the case, various aspects of essences might be poor for Murai's needs. This place has valuables in all ways, second to points and numbers. Law of Space? Sure. Affinity of Flame or Sharpness? Sure! In quality, things change. Those are much more useful; and more expensive. What does Murai plan to use those essences for?” Lorry asked a stupid question, but he asked it like a librarian to a person who knew every book.
Murai realized his intentions straight away. “You piece of bones. You already have a hunch what I am doing, or Mindarch does.”
“Eh? Lorry doesn't know anything.” Lorry chuckled awkwardly. “Lorry is just a Guide. Useless personnel of this temple. Lorry has no ego to boost my Lady.”
“Might I guide your third eye, hm? I think Lisa has a chance to become less of a liar, after all. Hilarious.” Murai sneered and went over the numbers in the head.
By this point, his Core Defying Fusion Technique passed the starting process, which meant his vision and ideas had notable clarity. Potential problems were clearer to see, but those were always occurring. Solving them wasn't a question but a practice.
His Beast Core was changing numbers under every moving threshold, so he constantly shifted from blissful hopes to dreadful doubts. It was all about numbers. His Artificial Core still possessed a connection to his overall mana space and Beast Core, so its structure was weirder under his knowledge.
After all, he created a normal Mana Core, instead of filling it with wilderness that was his Beast Core. Both were under his watch, but at the same time, it was connected to something he barely knew.
With relative ease, giving his Artificial Core essence to eat and let it grow was all he could muster. That went naturally well under his care, but the way it happened was also the problem.
Gluttony. That was a term in mana that was incredibly good and bad at the same time. It meant hunger that was hard to quench and worth fearing.
Even though the number of essences he fed it wasn't small, the vortex of his Artificial Core needed more and more. No matter what, it kept going, pushing the limits to new heights. It was part of the fundamental premise of the Artificial Core, as it was a core that didn't follow the natural ways. It was like copying the rules of magic by working around them, so Murai ended up influencing his body and mana in this way, or was it the other way around?
Beast Core was giving everything something unusual, Murai feared. Was it something new that he discovered under a technique that many people spend a lifetime researching?
Artificial Essences can eat endlessly, although the ceilings were in essences because it depended on how much one could feed them, how stable they were, and what was their desirable stage. The only changes it could make required direct touches from its users. From the beginning to the end, everything about it went through one's decisions, unlike the Mana Core which followed the laws of mana and magic.
With enough mana flow and increases in volume and speed, the Initialization Core could become a Revolving Core on its own. Time for that mattered; so did talent.
Artificial Core was different in this way, but not always. Murai can copy the effects of the Revolving Core and turn the Artificial Core's revolutions into insanity, turning its effects wilder and stronger. Then, it wouldn't be that different, even if it posed a dangerous act. At least it wasn't an impossibility. It would also cause some nasty and wonderful effects. The kind that he didn't want to try right now.
Normally, the amount of mana and quality was all that mattered for its fusion and further enchanting processes. Even including the pouch from Manager Kil, he bet he didn't have enough for even a portion of his desirable results.
Thus, purchasing essences in quality or quantity mattered. He planned to take everything he could, and it was easier because he didn't need anything with affinity, unlike his Beast Core that held Water, Sharpness, and Flame.
Artificial Core needed pure mana. Natural affinities would cause trouble to its man-made structure, even though it was made to resemble the natural process.
Somewhat—Murai didn't know how—mana was acting as if alive. Those could be the rules and Laws of mana in general, pointing to its origin, or something beyond that he hardly hoped to reach.
“How much for a bunch of High-Grade 6 essences?” Murai asked Lorry.
“Define a bunch,” Lorry argued.
“The amount that Lesser Lust Demon had.” Murai tried to explain himself but failed.
“That is just a single one...” Lorry sighed. Watching the serious face of a duck in return, he figured out the course of his act. “A single High-Grade 6 essence is worth 2000 points for Level 20.”
“2000?! Huh? Oh... I get it. High-Grade goes close to the Low-Grade 5s. The expensive nature of their value is good for points. Interesting. You think of everything. Grade 5s are much more valued and denser, so there is some validity in those prices. Expensive, but sensible.” Murai praised him a little.
“Of course. Mindarch had to think and come up with the right amounts to make points validating and worth something. Without treasures to go alongside them, points would be just dirt. People who would reach and complete the Gates... Wait! Lorry is getting ahead of Lorry.” He shook his skull and glared at the places with essences. “Prices are specially offered to move along the Challenger's Level, Surface included. Some people need specific essences, thus the prices vary. Corresponding accomplishments allow for good results. Price included, of course. For the start, such essence filled with Sharpness is 2 times more expensive. Worth, essence, Laws, truths, or Paths follow that idea.”
“You are surprisingly honest, for Hell.”
“All is fair in a business. Rules under Lady Levandis do that. Lady wouldn't like it otherwise. Try to seek it on the Surface. Hardship goes toe to toe with rewards. Murai is a splendid Challenger on all fronts. Hence, Murai got offers that we haven't seen in many years, giving Murai the power of discounts. 50% off isn't a small difference from the Silver Room, isn't it?” Lorry beamed in pride.
“Offers? Discounts? What offers are there to speak of them? This place is Vault and storage as you said,” Murai snapped his beak, glaring at the floating skull.
Hearing a rather pleasant voice that lifted his heart, Lorry was usually better at licking people's feet. “2000 for High-Grade 6 essence sounds about right. Murai would be close to getting 5 of them, which is halfway through the worth of Low-Grade 5. That is intense for Level 22. Add to that the discount, 1000 points per one is generous.”
“What about Low-Grade 5s?” Murai changed the subject.
“Oh... Low Grade 5 is 25,000. Middle is 110,000. High is for...”
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“Enough. That is enough.” Murai stopped those numbers from crashing his mind. It seemed he wouldn't' overcome any limits any time soon. They were out of his words, meant to entice better Challengers. Stronger ones would afford it as long as they would reach great meris and endure high-level enemies.
Points were up to the Mindarch's interventions, thus many things made sense according to one's Level. Essences were essential, so their prices were special.
Murai got a relatively good deal for Grade 7s in the last Vault. Perhaps too good if he heard those numbers well. These prices that Lorry mentioned were general across this entire temple since they meant general rules for numerous living cities and Gates filled with denizens. The only exception was Gate 1 Vault which had a little bit cheaper essences to entice more challenges to go deeper. It worked wonders.
“10 Highs equals 1 Low of the upper tier.” Murai mumbled his calculations. “5 Lows go to 1 Middle. 5 Middles to 1 High. 10 High... 1 Low. Hmm. There is no exposing the worth or mistakes if my ceilings go higher than that. It makes sense. There is nothing wrong with prices and prizes. Challenges and battles go for that, which means that my 134 essences gathered from Gate 2 are essentially priceless. They are worth more than these prices and points, which means that my points aren't for essences, but for other things to create balance. Battles provide essences, right?”
“As it should,” Lisa added. “Take what you can take from this Gold Room. 2000 is the normal price. 1000 is a steal. We are talking about High-Grade 6s still.”
”Why can't I buy a single Low 5 then? I am so close to that. Isn't there any banter? Shop? Can't sell my soul to a devil?”
That sounded a bit strange coming from him, which Lisa and Lorry both realized.
“Even if Murai could, there are limitations to purchases. For Murai's level, Murai can't purchase any more than a couple of High-Grade 6 Essences. Grade 5 is out of the picture. Those could rarely, but possibly, have Laws within. Seeing Level 22 handle them would be... interesting. Grade 6s are more than Murai can chew, Lorry bet.”
“Tsh. Cheapasses...” Murai grunted. “Fine. I will take what I can.”
Murai stopped being a greedy prick and started his shopping spree by spending all of his points on a variety of stuff. Not only essences were up to his standards, but since there were some limitations for their purchases, he got other things thanks to his points.
It made sense, although he forgot how things changed when compared to Vault in Gate 1. There, he was happy for Grade 7s. Now? He was close to a single Low-Grade 5! That was a tremendous leap that was worthy of his accomplishments.
Purchasing a bunch of High-Grade 6 essences ensured that his Artificial Core would improve a lot. The possibility that he would slowly reach a wall before Low-Grade 5 quality in Artificial Core was approaching.
But he still needed more, so he had a lot of work to do.
Since his priority was clear, he spent 4000 points on 4 High-Grade 6s and the the remaining went to some Middle or Lows. It ended up eating a lot of his points, but not everything went in that direction. He was happy with what he had. Prices were bending in his favor because his Core Defying Fusion Technique had full control over the quality of essence fusions, even if the ceilings lowered this efficiency.
In this case, the increased price across the essences meant purchasing lower grades was cheaper than buying essences of a higher grade. It was a small exploit that wasn't worth much, because no matter what, Grade 6 essences were much more expensive than Grade 7s. Those barely moved his core by now.
Of course, he took them all with a smile, since hundreds of Grade 7s would still do something. Even if they were all expensive in comparison to his hellish 100 Islands, if he was thinking of numbers alone, what he purchased was still worth a lot. He got a few Grade 6s in the Islands.
This was a nice cherry on top for Gate 2, a reward he took to heart. Murai knew why essences had this reputation and pricing. Enticing them to mortals by value should be a great way to entice anyone, albeit he found it weird. A single Low Grade 5 was kind of cheap if he got the gist of the overall point system out of the things Lorry mentioned.
Even if he can't buy it right now because of his low level, at the higher stages, these points were much more important and bigger. But if there were purchasing limits on how many high-grade essences one could buy, it wasn't sounding wrong.
Lorry refused his ideas to exchange anything for points.
The value of Grade 5 essences was fitting for those close to Level 50 in most scenarios. Grade 8s should be the norm for his level. Well, now he was above Level 20, so Grade 7s were optimal, but not for him. His needs were exponential.
Such a room full of essences was priceless for any group of mages or adventures. Murai didn't prefer spending much attention on gaining something well beyond his threshold of capabilities. It could be dangerous for his Beast Core to take anything above Grade 5 at his current stage. Be it from a magic standpoint or his body.
Even then, it was kind of questionable how well his choices and fusion would blend with the rest. He lacked the solution because figuring out the numbers was a long-term game. He was yet to be sure if absorbing Grade 5s would be stable for the fusion. If not, then he either needed some change of strategy or more time, which was why he kept most essences in storage and absorbed those he couldn't store.
Core Defying Fusion Technique made some of his choices safer for sure. It held hopeful possibilities. For now, he had different issues. Fusion or the latter parts were what mattered. He had to run this marathon in preparation for that time, so he was willing to bet his chances, body, and pride. He was confident because of his research and magic, and who knew what would happen until his technique and core were ready? He had time and resources to get it going in this temple.
What afterward? Murai didn't think about this future. He hoped to ready his Core in this place, or at least get as many essences as possible before feeling away, finding some cave in the Surface, and mending his chances.
Fewer ideas were ideal, so all he could spend was building and getting as many essences as possible.
Murai's Level might be 22, but with his Boosts empowering him, his Power Level should work well over Level 40. Perhaps not above 50, but he should give someone like that a decent fight as long as he was careful and unhinged with his powerful abilities.
Lisa found it ridiculous. Not his purchases, but his outlook. She knew this chance, ideas, purchases, and results were rare for those outside of this temple. He accomplished great results that were even better than her first visit. It was just a shame his level was too small. It didn't cut well into the high possibility of the points this temple possessed because his needs were ridiculous.
Gold Room was therefore ineffective. He didn't get nearly as much out of it because of his lacking points. 9, 450 was essentially nothing but fortune for his Level, but not for his needs. She didn't tell him much about it, nor did Lorry, who took his interest with the silence of a shopkeeper.
Murai was thinking of essences as fruits growing in bushes, but it was a wrong assumption even in this place. Lives mattered in this place, resources grew, and places of interest poised as fortunes. In this matter, this temple was no different from the Surface.
Her worries lasted a few moments. Lisa looked after him, wondering what his current power held and what his choices turned into. Did it vastly outstripped the common sense and Gate 3? Hardly.
Essences weren't enough for everything. Murai wanted things with greed and needs, and he wasn't even sure how many High-Grade 6s his Artificial Core required. In normal ways of fusions, from the Low-Grade 5 essence and above, there was a quantitative leap in terms of progression.
One no longer needed 5 Low-Grade 5s to make a single Middle-Grade essence, but many more. Depending on quality, affinities, and purity, it was entirely possible to fail to forge High-Grade 6s into a single Low-Grade 5. That idea went for higher-ranking essences. Lack of efficiency was the reason why, the quality of fusions might be poor, and essences could be flawed.
In most cases, essences at certain points had high ceilings, tightly resembling what was Murai's current artificial issue. Sometimes even 15 or 20 Grade 5 essences were needed for formation-based fusions. For Murai, it might be even worse because of his recent discoveries, but since he had his Core Defying Fusion Technique, his efficiency and fusion of his essence were near perfect. He only lucked numbers.
That was about the only good news he had. It can't help him much with learning or figuring out his cores. It was quite the opposite. It was problematic since efficiency cracked his mana space and turned it upside down in his research and awareness.
For now, the gluttony of his Artificial Core might take 30 times more effort and essences, which meant drastic shifts in work and value. He could've gotten long to a Low-Grade 5 equivalent in his Artificial Core if he was a human. The requirements might be rough, but if there were more Gates like the Islands of Greatness, he saw some chance of success.
Out of this Gold Room, he assembled new findings, decisions, and learnings. Finishing 1st Part of the Encounter didn't mean shit if what Will of the Battleworld mention before it disappeared. It had something nice hidden underneath, however.
Understanding it wasn't up to his needs; he needed proper power and choices to get out of this place. But perhaps it was yet another wishful thinking and he was underestimating his situation far too much.
Lisa would agree with this sentiment, but she had her plans to ensure his safety, but not the means of his training, learning, or how he should go about his Anatidae living. She wished to help him with his outer problems at least, which made her sound kind of... weird. At least she gifted him that Heavenly Shaping. She felt kind of shocked and good about it though. It was there, after all, as if waiting for her or him. Helping with his head, or what was wrong with his magic or other things weren't for her head or hands.
Murai might have access to his memories, insanity, techniques, and flesh, but he had no access to major reasons Blessed were incredible.
Those were companions and their benefits. That topic was withheld by Battleworld and Lisa alike, but it was mentioned at the start of their meetings. Iris or Ceila mentioned something about it too, but at that time, Murai was full of pain and misery. It was long ago. He forgot about it already.
Blessed status was incredible to entice many individuals and hopes, turning one into a fervent follower. It could even move some countries, politics, and powers. Not his status, Lisa feared. Why and how it was possible? Why was he even included in the Blessed system if he wasn't using its benefit? Well, she knew why. It was subject to individuality since it was like giving someone a treasure without any instructions. Life Companions were mostly for that, but... not in this case.
The bigger problem was something else. The world was against him and something else too... was wrong. This current Boost cemented that idea even if it gave him significant benefits. Mindarch gave it a touch that Lisa requested.
And Lisa can't do anything about the aftermath, even if it felt wrong.
Blessed were never loners, unless they wanted to be. Providing for their safety or life were their Life Companions and companions in general. Those could be numerous and various in status. Slavery worked for that idea too, and often so intensely, that many would beg and be willing to do anything to become Blessed Companions.
Not for Murai, Lisa reckoned. He had no such choices because of his personality, current body, or simple lack of chances. She should change it soon, even though she was unaware of how Razmund was using his companions, or if Murai wanted them. She didn't know about the Hell Party to this day, but she had some idea about the happenings in the Death Valley.
So yes. There was still Encounter in place, with its Helpers that weren't part of the companionship system.
Lisa knew she shouldn't be stingy, nor Murai should. He wasn't in her choices, however. He always did what he wanted. Soon, he won't have a choice but to follow her orders. She will ensure it will happen by force, voice, or by dragging him onward against his Will or chances. The choice of not talking about it right now wasn't wrong.
He will get it soon enough.
For now, Lisa let him have his shopping on his terms.
He took that idea without hesitation, ending up satisfied quite easily. He wanted something crazy at first, but he ended up with plenty of points to purchase a variety of other things.
It wasn't something like Heavenly Shaping from the last Gate, but he bought a bunch of potions and healing treasures and even a Runic Talisman for his current level. It was empty, meant for assembling some spell to make it work.
It was a power system he was familiar with, but he didn't even know how this world acted with that in his mind or his body.
Even a child would get them working in Zeanor, thanks to Will of the Battleworld who ensured balance and stability by changing rules and bending the Laws.
Runic Talismant needed a personal touch and statement from Will of the Battleworld to work. One would then end up with Cards of Spells. It would work around anything one wished to store into it. Such things usually came at some cost, because it was such a time-saver, it was quite outside the normal use of magic. It was a new course of magic since Cards worked with Spells, Runes, and Will of the Battleworld in sight. Without any of that in the picture, they wouldn't work.
Depending on the level and grade of spells, Talismans can become insanely powerful.
While handcrafted runes were the same, Talisman's stability and self-indulged crafting were often met with praise, failure, or other lacking means. Murai figured Talisman's use might be good or bad, but it sounded interesting, so he took it for a cheap price of 400 points. It was a stable structure that looked like a metal sheet.
The last spent points were for the best thing he had found. That was an Essence Gem! A small one, enough for his pocket, but it was a treasure Lorry suggested to take.
It wasn't a great treasure, as all it did was take essences alone. For some, it was invaluable. Murai cheered at it much more than anything else, because it was a treasure worth 2000 points even at a low grade.
Specially crafted with essences in mind meant its stability. Lorry acknowledged the need for it, so he gave it to him for 500 points, which was a much bigger discount than usual. It bled his Soul Flames, but it was worth the haggle from Murai's side.
He needed it because he was purchasing unnatural essences in self-contained locks, which would dissipate outside of this room unless one absorbed them.
So far, Murai stored only naturally occurring essences in his pouches; not the unnatural ones. Those always went to his Artificial Core.
Murai forgot the differences, so Lorry came in clutch. Essence Gem was a storage facility like a spatial pouch, storing hundreds of essences of various kinds. Grades and their numbers depended on the quality of the Gem. Low-quality Gem could take a limited amount of Grade 5 essences, but for those below, one could store a lot of them into them.
Like many types of mana treasures, ores, forged ingots, crystals, and so on, its value corresponded with a person's needs. Mana Gem stored anything mana-related with significant specializations.
This one had peculiar effects for essences alone, so they wouldn't dissipate. Their origin was a work of art. Certain ores under the Surfaces stuck together with mana, forming a dense cluster of glowing matter that, under some mages of space or void, formed Gems.
In a rough sense, the Essence Gem, looking like a glowing rock, held another Gem inside of it. Around it were other materials that secured essences so they wouldn't lose their effectiveness. Nothing should dissipate from the insides, ensuring the flow of mana and formations to create intact access. They kept the flow going, freshest great, and if inwardly forged, they could be good mana sources for mages, or some tools.
Runic Talisman worked with customizable spells in mind. It didn't work well in body-related powers, as it was a work for magical spells, buffs, and so on. It was a Relic Artifact, rather than a simple Talisman like what Undead Mage in Welcoming Party used.
This one was more special, lasting longer, and acted like some sort of gun for spells. Shaping was limited, so the degree of spells was more important. Simplicity was their key, and turning them into wide-area spells casting tools was also suitable.
Overall, anything mana-related was useful in Murai's book. The Gem was nice, while essences would make anyone happy.
Most of the surrounding treasures would make good material for Golems, armor, or weapons alike. Making a Magical Staff around Gems was a popular choice for Handlers, who needed every outer help.
Murai wasn't sure what to do with the Runic Taliman for the time being. It held 2 slots for any spell and was empty and old. Age didn't matter; nor the wear.
Laughing, Murai bonded the Essence Gem to his use first. It underwent a good crafting pattern and effects, creating a spatial property within the Gem so he would be the only one accessing it from then on. Of course, someone powerful could crack it apart with force, but Murai wasn't worried about it. It would remain in his pocket, so anyone close to it would taste his beak first before clutching it.
Murai was a bit hesitant to look at Lorry because of the discounts alone.
Skull was smugly laughing, and if he had the chest, it would protrude in proudness. Its uses outweighed his hesitation, so Murai thanked him in return, knowing that this Gem would be with him for a good while.
Alas, as the truth hit him, Gem's quality wasn't the finest. Storing inside the purchased essences was like tossing things into a Spatial Ring, and it was hard for him to feel or do that. Lisa did half of this work.
Now, with this thing in the pocket, he didn't have to absorb every essence from his foes, as this tool didn't care what sort of essence he would find.
His cheers soon fell short. The Gem had internal limits to the quality of essences. Just his High-Grade 6 essences flared its internals, while the rest of his Medium and other Lower essences ensured it was full soon enough.
So back at square zero. At least he had something to rely on. His purchases were extensive because of discounts and these High-Grade 6 essences were kind of good. He will absorb the lower grades and keep the best ones for the future push and higher stages of his Core Defying Fusion Technique.
The same will go for the essences Lisa kept in her ring. They were natural but locked in individual sphere locks, so they were possible to store them for a long time in ordinary pouches. These before his eyes were unlike that.
Regardless of how it went, Murai was no longer curious. He loved and took any essence in his sight. Whether they appeared from the dying bodies, leaves, rocks, or a bunch of bones under this temple, they needed quick touch, similar to many natural essences that could be born like rain, dissipating in a couple of seconds upon their creation. Those might be laughable natural essences, but that was wrong. Mana was a creation of the universe and nature. If it ended up dissipating, it was like a cycle of life and death.
Everything had some status and clarity, which was why Murai spent a long time in this room, ensuring that everything was alright. Lisa even tossed Lorry the pair of Keys since their worth had ended.
Satisfied, Murai stretched his wings, carefully adjusting his hood behind his head. He liked it more when his head wasn't obscured by it. That was about the only disadvantage this hoodie had, but he was wrong. It added style! Hood shrouded his eyes, protected his head, and potentially... helped the Peak, but Murai wasn't aware of that yet.
None was, apart from Amelius himself.
“Alright! Onwards to GATE 3!” Murai proclaimed after the satisfying shopping, Lorry's help, and Lisa's work.
They spent an hour sorting things out, so Lisa figured to take care of the storage and loot distributions like Murai wanted. She kept the ring with what Murai didn't want on herself. She gave him the best pouch they had, while the rest of the time was simple.
She worked the best in her remaining time as Storage Manager and made sure his shopping went well.
It was hard and honest work because of his chirping and demands, but she sorted it all to his pouch, before tossing it to his pocket. It was a sight to behold for Lorry, who hardly saw Lisa like that from his memory.
But he didn't laugh.
Not a speck of point was left behind. Murai used every single one of them since he had far too many pouches to store it all.
“I... am speechless. You bought too much.” Lisa said. “Why care about Richmond Ore, Tasman Metal, dozens of kilos of additional ores, and various mana materials of low class? Do you wanna be a craftsman? A duck? I mean... are you serious? They are heavy, making up a lot of space in the storage. I think you have a lot of other worries, to begin with, and I don't think it's good to take that out to Gate 3 like this”
“Why not? Do you know something about Gate 3 that I should know and you left out? ” Murai asked her, obviously hearing where she was going with this sentence. Lisa already gave him many hints and warnings about the incoming Gate, but it didn't account for much in his head. Gate 2 took the majority of his attention, so Lisa kept a lot of things for herself.
“I do,” Lorry said instead of her, which she appreciated. “Gate 3 is an open world. Well, a cave, but so big, it is as large as a small world. There is one goal... Survive and get to a certain location.”
Murai glanced at him in surprise. He hadn't heard of a goal yet. Lisa talked only about the place and the layout a little, which made him hesitant because he didn't look forward to walking vast distances.
“It is that simple?”
“No!” Lisa barked. “He makes it sound easy, but it isn't that. Goals vary and so do the settings and denizens or militalia. Demons are dangerous! It is the starting realm to her Hell Haven.”
“Oh,” Murai wasn't impressed.
“As Lisa said. It is a bit complicated. Fair enough, but not to Lorry. There are 100s of scattered and old portals to the ancient site known as Paradise and a bunch of other things.”
“What an original name.” Murai rolled his eyes.
“It has a name...” Lisa wanted to continue but Lorry barked and kept his exposition going.
“Hush! Gate 3 is 1000 kilometers long and big as some Divine Kingdom! Some think of it as no different, but no Gods are residing there. It's a special case where it wasn't part of the original temple. Poor Sun God, the might of Lady Levandis was too mighty! Lady made it as an additional Gate after crafting what Lady wanted through Gates 2 and 4. Clever, isn't it?”
“You know that you are leaving quite a lot of things behind?” Lisa said. “None would be any wiser to hear your nonsense.”
“Yeah? Sounds like... It's not Lorry's problem. Not every Gate was the idea of Lady Levandis. This one was, and the following one is partly too, but with twists and turns into it. Got it?” He giggled at her. “Twists.”
“A little. Fine. What else do you want to joke about before I will fist you and another nose.” She offered a tough idea that Lorry took with a smile.
She kept him talking so she didn't have to do that herself. She will have a lot to do once they depart the tunnel outside of this room.
“There are all sort of circumstances that makes Gate 3 problematic. It is very open, so Murai can be essentially hunted for more time and lengths. Wanted, strong gangs, armies, or various other gatherings one can't even see are there. Millions live there after all. Demons, beasts, and numerous races. Many are stronger than Murai, but none is an Anatidae. Many Divine Beasts have their nests there.”
“So... I am gonna do what?” Murai asked.
“Don't worry, Murai can do it. It is free for all! Strength no longer matters! Find the way onward, survive, and traverse the dangers of Gate 3! Be it harsh and chaotic conditions, a space where demonic factions battle daily, or where desires drown the weaklings, it has a different premise to get stronger. Or not at all. One might not fight for a strategy. In a brutish sense, Gate 3 is a private realm that is quite well outside of Battleworld's influence. Not completely, of course. Few would manage or afford that. It was made so that demons have the privilege to challenge their foes uninterrupted by some rules or consequences, while Hell Haven is all about it! Albeit as an entrance, Murai sees. It's quite a chaotic place, so let's be careful and Murai should take note of style and plans.”
Lisa cleared her throat.
“Or Lisa does that. Lorry doesn't care.” Lorry explained the majority of things that one needed to know. It included a lot of underlying meanings that Murai understood thanks to Lisa's previous mentions.
“So a demonic plain? Sounds like a fun place. Count me in.” He stretched his head. The poor feelings he got out of the Boost were nearly gone after his shopping, but his head and feelings between it and his body still left much to be desired. His mind felt sharper than ever, and his core and mind were... crisper? Out of touch?
Was it the effect of leveling Grade SS ability, or were his attributes increasing faster than they should? He wasn't sure, but there were hints and feelings it was the case.
“Good. Not like Lorry would expect anything else. Though, Lorry might say that the randomness upon the arrival may be quite hectic. Murai will not like it, so Lorry hopes Lisa will keep things at the norm.”
“I plan more than that, thanks for asking,” Lisa said coldly before Lorry continued.
“One can spend a long time traveling to the finish, battling along the way, eating, and getting stronger by training, taking on Boosts, hunting, or being hunted. So yes. There are no restrictions there. Cheers, right? Anyway, Gate 3 is opposite to Islands of Greatness, as it doesn't restrict anything. Others or foes too, so... it could be a mess. Lorry wonders and doubts if it is fine to let Murai inside” Lorry said fearfully and his Soul Flames dimmed.
“Whatever it can be, I will take it. I agree that force or pain or training with boost or not isn't important. It sounds interesting. How about essences?” Murai asked the last important question.
“What you find, get, or kill, it is Murai's. Free for all, as Lorry mentioned.” Lorry said with a smile.
“What you steal too,” Lisa added with a faked smile.
Murai cheered. A rather interesting Gate that was more up to his tastes was before him.
And it better endures his steps, newly accomplished strength, his hoodie, and new ideas ahead of him.