Chapter 105 - Shopping Spree: Part 2

Gregor stepped forward, his imposing figure drawing attention as he silently approached the store interface. His movements were deliberate, measured, unlike the playful antics that had just unfolded between Kazue and Katya.

The residual laughter from Drake still echoed softly in the background, his amusement refusing to die down even as Katya remained flustered, her face burning red with a mixture of embarrassment and irritation. She crossed her arms tightly, fuming quietly, while Kazue, ever the peacekeeper, tried to console her.

“C-Calm down, Katya, it was just a joke! You don’t have to take it so seriously…”

She pleaded, her voice wavering as she reached out toward the blonde. Still refusing to meet anyone’s gaze, Katya merely huffed and turned away, her fingers twitching as if resisting the urge to lash out in frustration. Drake chuckled again, shaking his head as he leaned lazily against a nearby wall.

“I’ve gotta say, I didn’t expect you to fold so fast. You’re really weak to Kazue, huh?”

His voice was lighthearted, but the comment only made Katya whip around to glare at him, her piercing eyes radiating silent threats. The only thing keeping her from lunging at him was the fact that Kazue was still holding onto her arm.

Adam, however, had already tuned out the ongoing scene. His attention had been drawn to Gregor’s silent but purposeful approach to the store interface. Unlike the others, who had been quick to voice their desires or debate their choices, Gregor remained still, his brows furrowed in contemplation as he scrolled through the options before him. Not wanting to waste time, Adam stepped forward and positioned himself beside the older man.

“You’ve got something specific in mind, don’t you?”

He asked directly, not bothering with pleasantries. Gregor didn’t flinch at the question. Instead, he nodded, his gaze still fixed on the glowing screen before him.

“Three things, to be precise.”

Gregor replied, his voice low and firm.

“But the first is the most important—I need some kind of resistance. Preferably immunity, but resistance will do.”

Adam frowned slightly.

“Resistance to what, exactly?”

Gregor’s grip tightened slightly at his sides.

“Corruption. The corruption of my own soul.”

That answer made Adam pause. Corruption of the soul? That wasn’t something he had considered before. He knew Gregor possessed powerful techniques, and he had witnessed his combat prowess during practice, but he had never seen anything in Gregor’s arsenal that would require something as severe as soul corruption resistance.

He was about to question further when realization struck him—he hadn’t been present during the fight against the Don. He had only caught bits and pieces of what had transpired, but now that he thought about it, Gregor had mentioned something about a transformation. Adam narrowed his eyes, studying Gregor’s expression carefully.

“You’re talking about your fight against Sung Ja-In, aren’t you? The transformation you used.”

Gregor let out a slow exhale, his shoulders relaxing just slightly.

“Yeah. I haven’t had the chance to explain it in detail, but my most powerful technique, [Infernal Karma Manifestation], it’s… not something I can use freely. The longer I keep it active, the more it corrupts my soul, and the harder it becomes to maintain my own sanity. It’s not just a matter of exhaustion; it’s like something else is trying to take over.”

Adam absorbed that information carefully, his mind already processing possible solutions.

“So it’s not just a drawback—it’s a real risk, I take it that talking to that demon again isn’t an option?”

He muttered, his fingers adjusting his glasses. Gregor shook his head.

“Haven’t heard a single word from him since we formed a pact. Either he’s waiting for something, or he just doesn’t care.”

Adam clicked his tongue.

“That’s concerning. But if resistance is what you need, we should be able to find something.”

He reached forward and began helping Gregor navigate the store interface, explaining the functions of the filters to him.

“You can narrow the search down like this. Since it’s your first time using this system properly, I’ll handle the search parameters for you.”

Gregor gave him a short nod of appreciation, stepping aside slightly to let Adam work. After a few minutes of refining the search criteria, they finally came across something promising.

[Soul Corruption Resistance (Passive) Lv1: 500pts ] [Additional Information]

[A passive ability that slightly increases the user's resistance to external corrupting influences on their soul. The skill level and its resistance percentage will naturally increase as the user endures and overcomes the effects of corruption.]

It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was exactly what Gregor needed—something to act as a foundation, something that would help mitigate the risks of using his infernal transformation.

Adam read the description aloud, and Gregor nodded approvingly.

“This will do.”

He said, his tone steady. It wasn’t a perfect solution, but it was affordable and practical. Adam briefly skimmed through other options, noting that there were stronger and more effective variants available, but all of them either required prerequisites that Gregor didn’t have or were far too expensive to justify.

The more advanced ones were tempting, but at this point, Gregor needed something reliable—something that could help him immediately rather than being a long-term investment.

For a moment, Adam found himself reflecting on how his perception of value had shifted. Back when they had first entered this twisted system, 500 points had seemed like an enormous amount, something that required careful deliberation before spending. Now, he barely hesitated to consider it a reasonable purchase. It was strange how quickly they had adapted to this environment, how what once seemed costly now felt cheap in comparison to the absurd options available to them.

“We’ve come a long way…”

Adam thought to himself, the realization settling in with a quiet weight.

With that, Gregor reached out and pressed the confirmation button. The transaction went through instantly, the familiar chime of spent points ringing through the air as the ability was added to his status. It wasn’t a game-changer, but it was a step in the right direction. And in this system, every small advantage counted.

The man remained silent for a moment, his gaze still fixed on the store interface as if searching for something deeper than just another item. He finally broke the silence, his voice measured and calm, though tinged with something heavier beneath the surface.

“The second thing I want… is a skill that lets me speak with the dead. Not summon them, not control them. Just… speak.”

Adam blinked at that, tilting his head slightly in thought. His first instinct was to tell Gregor that he could just act as an interpreter himself. After all, Adam commanded an entire sea of ghosts—if Gregor needed to talk to a spirit, surely he could just ask Adam to relay the conversation.

But the more he thought about it, the more he realized something strange: Adam had never actually spoken with the ghosts he controlled. He directed them, he commanded them, but he had never truly communicated with them in any meaningful way. His power over them was one-sided, a force of control rather than cooperation.

That realization unsettled him more than he cared to admit. Gregor, unaware of Adam’s internal conflict, continued, his voice steady.

“My ‘Karma Devil Ball’… its power comes from my own karma. That means it’s fueled by the souls bound to me.”

He let out a slow breath, his jaw tightening. Adam’s mind clicked into place. Of course.

“Right… you are a soldier.”

He murmured. Gregor’s lips barely moved as he corrected him.

“I was a soldier.”

His voice carried no pride in that statement, only a quiet weight.

“I always figured I’d have to carry that burden for the rest of my life. That I’d never be able to change what I did. But if there’s even the slightest chance that I can… if I can at least hear them, fully understand what I’ve done to them… I have to try.”

Adam didn’t say anything to that. He wasn’t sure if there was anything to say. Gregor wasn’t asking for forgiveness—he was searching for a way to shoulder his past without being crushed beneath it. And while Adam wasn’t the type to get sentimental about morality, he understood the logic behind it. This wasn’t about making peace. It was about understanding. About control.

Without another word, Adam turned back to the store interface and began searching for what Gregor needed. Just like with his first purchase, it didn’t take long to find something fitting. The search yielded several necromantic abilities, but since Gregor wasn’t looking for anything remotely aggressive or summoning-based, the choice was clear.

[Speak with Dead Lv1: 500pts ] [A low-tier skill that allows the user to communicate with a soul that is present in the vicinity.] [Warning: This skill does not summon spirits. The soul must already be present.] [Hint: It is recommended to acquire necromantic-related skills or treasures to maximize the effectiveness of this skill. ]

Adam read through the description, tapping his fingers against his arm as he considered the restrictions. It was simple, even underwhelming, but that was precisely what Gregor needed. No gimmicks. No extra conditions. Just a direct line of communication to the souls tied to his karma.

Gregor didn’t hesitate. He selected the skill, and the familiar chime of spent points echoed through the air. Nothing about him changed outwardly, and he didn’t feel anything new within himself, but he didn’t need to. This wasn’t the kind of ability that granted instant gratification—it was something he would have to test later, when he was alone. For now, it was enough to know that he had the means to try.

That left one last thing. Gregor exhaled deeply and glanced at Adam.

“The last thing I need is a weapon.”

Adam, who had expected as much, nodded.

“That makes sense. What kind?”

There was a brief pause before Gregor answered.

“An AK-12.”

Adam turned his head slightly, studying Gregor’s expression. The way he had said it—there was no excitement, no attachment, only a heavy sort of resignation. Like he was forcing himself to say it. Gregor’s fingers curled into a fist.

“It’s what I used before.”

His voice was calm, but Adam could hear the distaste in it, the barely suppressed frustration.

“I didn’t want to go back to using one, but this world isn’t giving me a choice. I need something I can rely on. Something I know how to use.”

Adam thought about that for a moment.

“A normal AK-12 probably wouldn’t be expensive, but you’d need to keep track of ammunition, maintenance, and all that. Not to mention, it’s just a normal gun. It’d be useful, sure, but not exactly ideal for what we’re dealing with. So why not get a modified version instead?”

He mused. Gregor raised an eyebrow, his skepticism evident.

“Modified?”

Adam shrugged.

“I’ve already seen supernatural firearms in action. There’s bound to be something in the store that fits your style while still keeping it functional. No reason to limit yourself to conventional weapons.”

Gregor seemed hesitant at first, but he relented with a short nod.

“Fine. Let’s see what’s available.”

Without wasting time, Adam quickly refined the search parameters. He filtered out anything that exceeded 4000 points but made sure to exclude anything too cheap. If they were going for something effective, it had to be within a reasonable price range—not too extravagant, but not barebones either.

The results were staggering.

Rows upon rows of firearms filled the screen, each with its own unique modifications. There were rifles that generated their own ammunition, some that fired condensed elemental blasts, others that had built-in blade attachments for close-quarters combat, etc. Adam scrolled through them while occasionally glancing at Gregor for approval.

“How about this one? A semi-auto rifle that converts absorbed heat into explosive rounds.”

Gregor frowned.

“Too situational. If I don’t have a heat source, it’s useless.”

Adam moved to the next. “This one channels kinetic force from impacts and redirects it into the next shot. Could be handy for sustained firefights.”

Gregor shook his head.

“Sounds unreliable. I need something consistent.”

They continued like that for several minutes, Adam pointing out options while Gregor dismissed them one by one. It wasn’t until they stumbled upon a particular entry that Gregor finally paused.

[Energy AK Reaver - Rank C: 3500pts] [Additional Information] [This advanced assault rifle, modeled after the AK-12, revolutionizes conventional firepower by eliminating the need for physical ammunition. Instead, it harnesses any external, tangible energy—whether spiritual, thermal, electrical, elemental, magical, etc.—to charge its internal core. When fired, the stored energy is converted into a concentrated projectile that forms on the fly, delivering precision strikes with devastating impact.]

Adam raised an eyebrow.

“Now that sounds interesting.”

Gregor narrowed his eyes, studying the description carefully. The fact that it was still an AK-12 at its core made it familiar, but the added functionality made it something beyond just a gun. The ability to use external energy as ammunition meant he wouldn’t have to rely on carrying extra magazines, and if he could learn how to channel his own energy into it, either the demonic energy or his Ki, it would effectively turn into a limitless weapon.

Gregor didn’t say anything at first. He simply stared at the listing, his expression unreadable.

Adam, recognizing that look, folded his arms.

“You’re considering it, aren’t you?”

Gregor exhaled, closing his eyes briefly.

“Yeah, this could work.”

He admitted. Gregor didn't hesitate any further. Now that he had settled on his weapon, there was no reason to delay. He pressed the purchase button, and a familiar confirmation chime echoed in the room.

A moment later, the ‘Energy AK Reaver’ materialized directly above his head. With reflexes honed through years of muscle memory, Gregor caught it midair and fully locked it, the weight settling into his arms as if it had never left him in the first place.

For a moment, he stood completely still, staring down at the weapon in his grasp. Despite its supernatural properties, despite the technological modifications that made it something beyond a standard firearm, the feel of it in his hands was exactly as he remembered. The grip, the weight distribution, the slight resistance in the trigger when he tested it—it was all the same.

Gregor turned the rifle over, inspecting it with slow, methodical movements. His fingers traced along the edges, checking the stock, the barrel, and even the magazine slot, despite knowing that it didn’t require traditional ammunition. A long, exhaled breath left him as a wave of nostalgia, both comforting and suffocating, washed over him.

He had spent so long avoiding this. Even when he had first arrived in this twisted system, he had never considered picking up a gun again. Not because he had forgotten how to use one—no, that instinct would likely never leave him—but because it was a reminder of everything he had been before. A soldier. A man who killed not out of desperation or necessity, but because it was his job. But here he was, in a world that demanded survival above all else. He couldn’t afford to let sentimentality hold him back.

Gregor tightened his grip on the rifle before lowering it and stepping away from the store interface. He had what he needed, and there would be time to test it later. Without another word, he moved off to the side, inspecting the weapon further while the others focused on their own purchases.

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Adam’s attention shifted back to the group, scanning for the next person ready to make a selection. Sebastian was still helping Emir, and Li was browsing in silence, showing no immediate sign that he was ready to commit to anything. That left Chloe.

“Are you ready?”

Adam asked, turning to her. Chloe hesitated, shifting slightly where she stood. There was a nervousness in her posture, her fingers fidgeting subtly against the hem of her sleeve.

“I… I don’t know.”

She admitted, her voice quieter than usual.

“I think I found something interesting, but...”

Kazue immediately perked up and rushed to her side, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

“Oh? What is it? What did you find?”

By this point, Drake, Katya, and Kazue had already wrapped up their discussion, allowing them to join the conversation properly. Chloe hesitated again before bringing up the store’s search bar and typing in what she had been looking at.

The result appeared on the large screen for everyone to see.

[Pin and Needle Manipulation Style Lv1: 8000pts] [Warning: Requires pins or needles coated in an energy source related to life, either positive or negative.] [Notice: This style’s effects only apply to beings with at least minimal cognitive function.] [Tip: Combat styles compatible with the user allow for the creation of techniques that can evolve into skills based on the user's imagination and application.]

Silence fell over the group as they read the description. Adam was the first to react. His response was immediate, sharp, and absolute.

“No.”

Drake tilted his head, confused.

“Wait, what even is this? Chloe, why do you want it?”

Katya exhaled through her nose, rubbing her forehead as if already feeling a headache forming. Meanwhile, Kazue, despite her usual optimism, looked just as skeptical.

“Uh… Chloe? Are you sure about this? It sounds kinda… I don’t know, weird?”

Chloe, however, remained firm.

“It’s similar to what Dr. Meiling used.”

She explained, her voice steady.

“Back in the last scenario, she told me I had talent for it.”

Adam narrowed his eyes.

“That’s not a good enough reason. You barely understand how this works, and it costs more than you even have. That’s a waste of points.”

Chloe’s expression hardened.

“It’s not a waste. If she said I had talent for it, then I’ll prove her right.”

Adam let out a slow breath, trying to keep himself patient.

“Chloe, just because someone tells you that you’re good at something doesn’t mean you should throw all your resources into it blindly. This isn’t just about buying something cool—this is about efficiency. You need to be sure that this is worth it.”

“I am sure!”

Chloe’s voice wavered slightly, but her determination didn’t falter.

“I know it’s a risk, but… I want this.”

Adam was about to argue further when he noticed something. Chloe’s hands were clenched at her sides, her shoulders tense, and most telling of all—her eyes were slightly red at the corners, as if she were barely holding something back.

She wasn’t just being stubborn. She was desperate for this. Adam let out a heavy sigh, rubbing his temples. There was no point in pushing further.

“Fine, but even if I wanted to let you buy it, you don’t have enough points.”

He muttered, his frustration evident. Chloe shook her head.

“I do.”

Adam frowned.

“What?”

Chloe took a deep breath, and then explained.

“While Sebastian was talking with Emir earlier, I heard him mention that merits can be exchanged for points. So… I traded my B-rank merit for 3000 points.”

Adam’s gaze immediately snapped to Sebastian, a flicker of irritation flashing through his eyes. The old man, however, simply met his stare with calm neutrality.

The boy’s voice was edged with accusation.

“Sir, you knew about this?”

Sebastian remained composed, his tone gentle but firm.

“I understand your caution, Adam. You want to take the least amount of risks possible given our current situation. But you must also understand—this place, as dangerous as it is, allows for growth in ways none of us would have ever imagined. To deny someone the chance to explore what they could be good at, simply because it is unfamiliar, would be a mistake.”

He motioned slightly toward Chloe.

“She is not acting recklessly. She is choosing something she believes in. And in a world like this, belief in one’s own potential seems to be the first step toward survival.”

The room fell into silence once more. Adam hated that he couldn’t argue with that.

Chloe was a novice. She hadn’t committed to a particular role during the last scenario, mostly reacting to what was happening around her rather than forging her own path. Now, for the first time, she was choosing something that she wanted to develop. And in the end, was this really any different from Kazue chasing her elemental skills? From Drake staying in Murim to train?

“…Fine, I’m sorry.”

Adam said at last, exhaling in mild defeat. Chloe didn’t look angry, but she didn’t exactly look happy either. Still, with the discussion settled, she turned back to the store and pressed the purchase button.

The moment Chloe completed her purchase, an overwhelming wave of information surged into her mind. It wasn’t just knowledge—it was a fundamental shift in how she perceived her own capabilities. The techniques, the principles behind them, the intricate ways the needles could be used to manipulate the psyche and the body—it all flooded into her consciousness like a torrent. There was no gradual process, no slow learning curve. It was as if the knowledge had always been there, buried deep within her, waiting for her to unlock it.

Chloe’s breathing was uneven, her fingers twitching slightly as she processed the sudden influx of understanding. The feeling was dizzying, almost unsettling. The techniques described weren’t just clinical applications; they had a strange sense of familiarity to them, as though, on some instinctive level, she had already wanted to learn something like this, even before stepping into this world.

That realization made her shiver. She needed to sit down. Without a word, she took a step back from the interface and returned to her previous spot, lowering herself onto one of the nearby seats, gripping her arms tightly as she tried to steady herself.

As she withdrew, the attention naturally shifted. This time, it was Sebastian and Emir who moved toward the store interface. Sebastian was the first to speak, his voice as calm and steady as ever.

“I’ll be doing something similar to what Drake did earlier.”

He said, adjusting his glasses as he scrolled through the options.

“I need materials. A lot of them. But first, I’ll be using the ‘Skill Proficiency Boost Package’ to increase the level of a skill I have—[Ki-Forged Genesis (Aberration) Lv2].”

Adam’s brows furrowed slightly. The moment he heard the skill’s name, his curiosity flared. He had already noticed that Sebastian had gained quite a few unusual skills and titles since the last time they had reviewed each other’s abilities, but this one in particular stood out. It wasn’t something Adam had seen before, and anything labeled as an “Aberration” skill immediately raised questions.

Without hesitation, Adam turned to Sebastian.

“Sir, please, let me see your status window.”

Sebastian didn’t argue. He simply lifted a hand, summoning his window and allowing Adam to look over everything.

[Veteran Antiquarian] [Your proficiency with technology from other worlds allows you to instantly understand the function and construction of technology ranked C or lower within a scenario.]

[Interdimensional Inventor] [Your understanding of foreign technology is so advanced that you can mentally reproduce purely technological treasures ranked C or lower from a scenario.]

The One Who Hears the Soul of Machines] [The One Who Hears the Soul of Machines] [Your love for machines allows you to perceive the mechanical souls inhabiting most constructs, granting you the ability to communicate with them as if they were living beings.]

[Blessing of the Machine God Lv2] [The greater deity "Mechanica Deus" has acknowledged you as one of its followers and granted you its blessing. Greatly enhances the production time, power, and rank of all technological constructs originating from scenarios.]

[Death to All Organic Life! Lv2] [A hereditary skill that can be imprinted onto technological treasures. Massively increases the power and damage of such a treasure when used against organic beings.]

[Lesser Mechanomancy Lv2] [Basic knowledge from the Arcano-Tinker Crew pirate guild and Stratos Technology company, allowing the creation of vehicles and armor using steam-based and electro-rune technology.] [An aberrant skill that allows the user to imbue machines with souls, granting them the ability to generate Ki despite this being a power exclusive to living beings. The type and potency of the Ki generated depends on the nature of the machine’s soul.] [Notice: Aberration-type skills defy the natural laws of the scenarios in which they were obtained and are granted as special rewards under specific conditions.]

Adam’s eyes flickered over the list, absorbing the information carefully. Every single one of Sebastian’s titles and skills was deeply tied to technology and engineering. It was an absurdly specialized skillset, but at the same time, it made sense.

His gaze lingered on [Blessing of the Machine God]. It was the first time he had seen anything like it.

“You have a blessing from a god?”

Adam asked, his tone slightly skeptical. Sebastian let out a quiet hum, not particularly enthusiastic about the topic.

“It appeared on its own after my first scenario. It was a reward from the system after I saved Thaddeus by implanting Falk’s original soul into his artificial heart. I’ve never actually had any direct contact with this so-called ‘Mechanica Deus’, but the effects of the skill itself are certainly useful.”

Adam nodded slowly. It was rare for skills to be granted out of nowhere like that, especially divine blessings, which made him wonder what were the differences between a god, a patron, and a lesser divine being like the Overmind. However, even without knowing the full details, he could tell it had fundamentally shaped Sebastian’s approach to his skills.

Then there was the Aberration skill. Adam’s curiosity deepened as he glanced back at Sebastian.

“And why do you want to level this one up?”

Before Sebastian could answer, Falk suddenly fluttered away from Emir’s head and landed on Sebastian’s shoulder. The small aviatrix grinned and spoke before his partner could.

“Because we’re working on a secret project.”

Falk declared proudly.

“And if we start immediately and level it up, we might be able to complete it in just a few days.”

Adam stared at Falk for a moment before shifting his gaze back to Sebastian.

“A ‘secret project,’ huh?”

Sebastian merely nodded, his usual composed expression betraying nothing. Adam exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Well… I guess if you’ve already tested this kind of thing before and it worked, I don’t have any complaints.”

The memory of the ‘Steamtread Goliath’ was still fresh in Adam’s mind. Sebastian had proven himself more than capable when it came to building formidable machinery, and if he and Falk had another project in mind, it was likely something useful.

Sebastian wasted no further time. Calmly, he purchased the Skill Proficiency Boost Package twice in a row. A faint, almost imperceptible shift in energy surrounded him as his skill upgraded to level 3.

Satisfied with the increase, Sebastian immediately moved on to his next task. With the remaining points he had, he began purchasing materials—an immense amount of them. Adam watched as he selected component after component, stocking up on everything he could possibly need.

The sheer number of items being bought should have created a massive pile of supplies beside Sebastian. However, unlike previous purchases, nothing appeared next to him. Instead, all the materials were mentally directed to a different location.

“They’re being sent to my workshop.”

Sebastian glanced toward Adam, and the boy’s brows rose slightly.

“Your workshop?”

Sebastian nodded.

“My room.”

Adam blinked. Then he remembered—Sebastian had spent a significant amount of time working with technology before the last scenario. It made sense that he would have set up a designated workspace in his quarters.

That was probably the reason for his confidence. Whatever this “secret project” was, he had been planning it long before now.

After that moment, Emir stepped forward. He hesitated slightly, his usual timidity evident. Falk, ever the confident presence at his side, landed gently atop the boy’s head and, with a casual yet firm tone, reassured him that there was nothing to fear. They had spent time considering their options, and after careful deliberation, this was the most logical choice.

Emir nodded to himself, taking a deep breath, then turned toward Adam with wide, determined eyes.

“Can you type something in for me? I can’t reach.”

His voice was soft, but his resolve was clear. Adam, curious but still cautious, leaned in and typed the words Emir dictated into the store’s search bar. The result appeared instantly.

[Darkness Fruit - Rank A- : 6000pts] [Initial stage of a fruit containing the power of darkness. Upon consumption, the fruit will take root and grow within the user, feeding on their life force and granting them the fundamental power of darkness—the ability to absorb all things.] [Warning: Consuming the fruit without preparation to resist its growth will result in the user’s death when the fruit fully matures.] [Tip: To evolve 'Darkness Fruit Rank A-' into 'Darkness Mature Fruit Rank A,' the personal subplot 'Legacy of Darkness' must be completed.]

The moment Adam read the description, his blood ran cold. His head snapped toward Emir, then toward Falk, disbelief evident on his face. He wasn’t the only one; Kazue let out an audible gasp, immediately stepping forward in protest.

“What the hell is this?! Are you seriously telling me you want a little kid to eat something that could kill him?!”

Her voice was a mix of shock and genuine concern. Adam clenched his fists. There was no doubt in his mind—this fruit was eerily similar to his own ‘Overmind’s Parasite’. The reason it was classified as an A- Rank treasure yet cost so little was painfully obvious—it wasn’t just a power-up. It was something akin to a curse. The fruit would take hold of Emir’s body, and without a method to control or suppress it, it would consume him completely. It wasn’t a mere possibility—it was inevitable.

“Absolutely not.”

Adam said firmly.

“This isn’t just a risky item. It’s a death sentence.”

Falk, however, didn’t back down. The small aviatrix crossed his arms and spoke with absolute certainty.

“I understand why you’d think that, but you’re looking at it the wrong way. Emir is not just anyone. He has a special power—his Void Ki. He’s already capable of nullifying and erasing energy and abilities, just like he demonstrated in the last scenario. The [Darkness Fruit] is a treasure that revolves around absorbing everything, and that makes it compatible with it.”

Adam’s glare hardened.

“You don’t understand what you’re saying. You don’t just ‘combine’ two volatile forces and hope for the best. If something goes wrong—”

He paused for a split second, instinctively touching his temple, where his own parasite resided. He was living proof of what could happen when someone tampered with something beyond their control. Falk, however, simply chuckled.

“I didn’t become the most renowned scientist in my world by following gut feelings. I deal with facts. And we do have evidence.”

Adam frowned.

“What evidence?”

Falk flapped his wings slightly before pointing at Emir.

“That title of his—’Scenario’s Natural Enemy’. It has an incredible effect. His Void Ki naturally adapts to counteract whatever dominant energy exists within a scenario. The fruit is from a scenario, meaning there’s a high chance it will work the same way.”

Adam’s frustration grew. He wanted to argue, to tell Falk that assumptions like that were dangerous, but before he could respond, Drake placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I get what you’re saying.”

Drake murmured, his voice calm.

“But look at Emir.”

Adam turned his gaze toward the boy and felt himself pause. Emir’s expression was unlike anything he had ever seen from him before. It wasn’t fear. It wasn’t hesitation. It was determination. Adam was so used to thinking of Emir as just a kid, someone they had to protect at all costs. But he had been the one to execute his part of the plan against Lord Varek without hesitation. He had acted without faltering, despite the danger, despite the overwhelming odds. The thought struck Adam like a realization he had been unwilling to face—Emir had his own will. He wasn’t just following orders; he was making choices.

“Are you really sure about this?”

Adam exhaled sharply. Emir nodded once.

“Yes.”

Falk grinned.

“Then that makes two of us. I’m 85% sure it’ll work.”

“That’s not exactly reassuring.”

Adam muttered. Despite the uncertainty, the conviction was there. Even Sebastian backed the decision by giving Emir his rank C merit, which allowed him to exchange it for the last 1000 points he needed. Adam still wasn’t convinced, but before he could voice any last-minute objections, Emir suddenly moved, slipping past him and selecting the purchase option.

The familiar chime of the transaction played, and in an instant, a strange, shriveled blue fruit materialized above Emir before dropping into his small hands. The entire team watched, their reactions ranging from horror to disbelief.

Kazue looked between Emir and the fruit, panic rising in her voice.

“Wait, wait—don’t just—!”

But before she could finish, Emir lifted the fruit to his mouth and bit down, swallowing it in a single gulp… Silence fell, and nothing happened at first.

Then Emir’s face contorted into absolute disgust.

“This tastes awful, like… like meat left in the sun for too long.”

He muttered, shuddering.Kazue groaned, rubbing her face.

“Oh my god, why is that even what you’re focusing on right now?!”

However, before anyone could laugh at the absurdity of the situation, everything changed.

A deep, black miasma erupted from Emir’s body, snaking around him like living shadows. His small frame trembled violently as spasms wracked through him, his breath coming in sharp, uneven gasps. His body was being engulfed by the darkness, swallowed whole in an inky mass that pulsed and twisted unnaturally.

Immediately, panic set in. Adam, Drake, Kazue, Gregor, Chloe, and Sebastian all surged forward at once, instinctively moving to grab Emir, to do something—anything—to stop whatever was happening to him. Kazue reached for his arm, but the moment her fingers got close, the sheer force of the energy lashed out, forcing her to recoil. Adam clenched his teeth, extending a hand. Drake’s grip tightened around Emir’s shoulders, trying to steady him, but the boy’s body continued to convulse, overwhelmed by the power now coursing through him.

The air itself grew heavy. It felt like the entire room had been swallowed into something suffocating, something primordial and endless. It was as if reality itself recoiled from the unnatural force manifesting around Emir.

And then, just as it seemed like the boy might be consumed entirely—

Several system notifications materialized in the air.

[Skill 'Void Ki Convergence Lv1' and 'Darkness Fruit Rank A-' have entered symbiosis.]

[Warning: The treasure 'Darkness Fruit Rank A-' feeds on the void within the user's energy. It cannot mature through traditional methods.]

[Notice: The successful assimilation of the Darkness Fruit has generated two new skills, which have been added to the user's repertoire.]

The oppressive force in the air suddenly lessened, and Emir’s body went limp. Adam and Drake caught him before he could collapse fully, lowering him carefully to the ground. His breathing was ragged, his skin pale, but he was alive.

Sebastian, still calm despite the chaos, quickly moved forward and checked the boy over. Falk, however, was the first to break the silence, laughing in relief.

“See? I told you my calculations were right.”

Adam shot him an exasperated glare.

“You almost killed him.”

Falk shrugged.

“Almost. But he’s fine.”

Emir, barely conscious, let out a weak groan. Adam sighed heavily, running a hand down his face. The gamble had worked, but that didn’t make it any less reckless. Still, there was no turning back now. The boy had taken a step forward on a path that no one could predict. It only remained to be seen how much he had gained with that new power.