abcnovels
Chapter 326 Fully Mastering the New Weapon
Chapter 326 Fully Mastering the New Weapon
After the instance boss was defeated, the instance collapsed almost instantly. However, the collapse didn't start from the deepest part of the instance; it began simultaneously in every section of the instance.
Whether it was Jeremy, still in the special space created by Mortal Combat, or Ritchie, deep inside the instance, they both sensed the collapse immediately.
Ritchie wasn't exactly sure what had happened, but he could guess that Jeremy must have somehow managed to defeat the instance boss. In this situation, Ritchie naturally chose to leave the instance without hesitation.
Ritchie used his newly acquired ring, releasing the two shadows he had sealed earlier. Under Ritchie's control, the two shadows rushed toward the instance's exit at maximum speed. Ritchie grabbed hold of them and swiftly reached the exit.
Just as Ritchie arrived at the exit, the instance completely collapsed.
"What exactly happened? Where is Jeremy now? Could it be that the instance's collapse didn't affect him at all?" Ritchie was very confused at this moment because Jeremy was nowhere to be seen at the entrance. He thought it was likely that Jeremy had found another way to leave before the instance completely collapsed.
However, just as Ritchie finished speaking, Jeremy's voice came from behind him.
"I'm right behind you. Of course, the collapse didn't affect me. As soon as it started, I chose to leave quickly."
At that moment, Jeremy was holding Mortal Combat, smiling as he looked at Ritchie.
"What exactly happened? Why did you suddenly disappear during the fight with the instance boss? Did you seal the boss in your personal space?" Ritchie didn't know the full details, but he had his own theories.
Ritchie knew that Jeremy had the talent known as *The King of Time and Space*. Coupled with the *Mortal Combat* weapon Jeremy was now wielding, Ritchie could roughly figure out Jeremy's strategy.
Jeremy nodded in response.
"When the instance boss attacked you, I realized that using ordinary methods wouldn't be enough to ensure your safety. So, I activated *Mortal Combat's* skill and trapped the boss inside a special space it created. Inside that space, I killed the instance boss, which is what triggered the collapse of the entire instance."
After hearing the details, Ritchie nodded.
"It seems you've become quite familiar with *Mortal Combat*. In our upcoming missions, I'm sure you'll be able to make the most out of this new weapon, right?" Enjoy exclusive content from M V L
Jeremy smiled at Ritchie's question.
"Indeed, I've become very adept with *Mortal Combat*. In fact, I think this weapon suits me better than any I've used before. I don't think we need to keep running low-difficulty instances anymore. We have to start seeking out some higher-level instances because both of us need to level up quickly. You're only a couple of levels away from reaching level 50 and awakening.
If you can complete your awakening soon, your strength will increase significantly, and our entire team will become much more powerful than it is now."
Ritchie's expression showed a hint of hesitation in response to Jeremy's encouragement. He knew he was indeed nearing level 50, but he wasn't eager to rush into awakening. To him, the awakening ritual was an extremely dangerous process, and during the ritual, there was no way for anyone else to help him. That meant he would have to face a very perilous instance alone.
Ritchie didn't feel confident that he could make it through such a dangerous awakening instance on his own.
"I'll do my best, but I don't think I'll be reaching level 50 as quickly as you expect," Ritchie replied, his tone carrying a touch of hesitation.
Jeremy patted Ritchie's shoulder.
"You've got to have confidence in yourself! I believe your abilities are strong enough that you can handle any unexpected situations on your own. You don't really need my help—you can definitely stand on your own."
Jeremy's words were meant to motivate Ritchie, but the encouragement didn't seem to have the desired effect. Though Ritchie nodded in agreement, the look on his face still betrayed his inner struggle and hesitation.
"Alright, I assume you're familiar with your new weapon by now?" Jeremy continued. "In that case, let's head back to my place and get some rest. It's getting late. Tomorrow, we'll start seeking out those higher-level instances. Tomorrow's adventures will be even more important, so I hope you can stay focused."
Jeremy had already mapped out the plan for the next day. Ritchie did not voice any objections; although he wasn't keen on undergoing the awakening ritual in the near future, he did agree that sticking with Jeremy was the best course of action. After all, only by staying at Jeremy's side could Ritchie gain more experience.
By dusk, the two returned to Jeremy's home. As they reached the front door, Jeremy's expression suddenly grew cautious. He lowered his voice and said to Ritchie,
"There's an unexpected guest inside my house! It seems someone might be lying in wait in the living room, ready to attack us at any moment. We need to figure out exactly what's going on before we go in."
Jeremy's words left Ritchie stunned. He immediately used his skills, channeling the power of shadows to probe the situation inside Jeremy's home.
Just as Jeremy suspected, there was indeed a stranger inside his home. Faced with this situation, both Jeremy and Ritchie acted with utmost caution. The two of them entered the house through the side door, approaching the stranger's location from different directions.
When they were very close to the intruder, Jeremy kicked the door open and swiftly rushed in, positioning himself right in front of the stranger. At that moment, Jeremy was holding *Mortal Combat* in his hand, his eyes locked onto the unknown person with an intense gaze. The aura of killing intent emanating from Jeremy caused the stranger to freeze on the spot.
Jeremy didn't attack immediately, sensing that the stranger didn't seem to possess any significant strength and might not have come here to cause trouble.
"Who are you?! Why are you here?!" Jeremy demanded fiercely.
At this point, Ritchie emerged from the other direction.
"I've already checked the entire house. There's no one else here besides him, so he definitely doesn't have any accomplices!"
Hearing Ritchie's report, Jeremy felt more at ease.
"Answer my questions quickly! If you don't, don't blame me for being ruthless! I can end you in an instant if I need to!"
The stranger, after his initial shock, managed to regain some composure. In a trembling voice, he said,
"I mean no harm to you. I came here only to deliver a message from the military headquarters. They want you to head to the capital the day after tomorrow!"
As he spoke, the stranger reached into his pocket and pulled out a document. Jeremy took the document and examined it carefully. It did appear to be an order from the military headquarters, but Jeremy didn't immediately trust it. In his view, such orders should be delivered by General Howard himself.
Jeremy handed the document over to Ritchie.
"How do I know this isn't a forgery? And why hasn't the general from Moonlight City informed me about this? Are you saying military orders from headquarters no longer need to go through the Moonlight City general?"
The stranger's face grew increasingly somber in response to Jeremy's questions, a look of deep concern clouding his features.
"Under normal circumstances, orders from military headquarters would indeed be relayed through the general of the city. However, General Howard has his own plans and has been consistently opposing the directives from headquarters. The generals at headquarters have run out of patience, which is why they sent me here to deliver this order to you personally.
The decision is now yours—whether to follow the commands from headquarters or to continue cooperating with General Howard."
The stranger's explanation finally seemed convincing enough for Jeremy to consider it plausible. However, Jeremy did not let down his guard; he immediately directed his gaze toward Ritchie.
"Call General Howard right now and tell him to get over here immediately. We can't verify this stranger's identity ourselves, but General Howard should be able to confirm if he's legitimate or not."
With Jeremy's order, Ritchie promptly took action. The call connected almost instantly, and Ritchie briefly summarized the situation. On the other end of the line, General Howard didn't waste any time with small talk or questions—he simply instructed Jeremy and Ritchie to wait for him.
Around fifteen minutes later, the unmistakable roar of helicopter engines echoed from outside the house, signaling the arrival of a military chopper. The helicopter, emblazoned with military markings, hovered near Jeremy's home.
Even before it had fully touched down, General Howard leapt from the aircraft, landing with a sense of urgency and purpose that left no doubt about his state of mind—he was clearly agitated and on edge.