God Ash: Remnants of the fallen.

Chapter 393: Returning through the Rift (7).

Cain had once been told that the items in the system store available to the host were calibrated by the system according to the current needs of the host.

He had no idea how a blanket term like 'needs' could be measured, but he didn't want to think about it too hard.

Staring at the secret system store he had discovered after being informed by Jenny, he had been taken aback by all the items he had seen within it.

'Weapons... Items... Armor... Even runes?!'

Cain began to wonder if he had truly missed out on a lot.

'How did everyone know about it except me?'

When he had asked Hunter and Ignis, they apparently had been aware as well. The only thing that made him sigh in relief, was that the special store wasn't something anyone could just access because they wanted to.

The items sold within were very pricey. Although they were good stuff, the price tags attached to them made Cain have successive heart attacks.

'Still, it's definitely worth it!'

Then, he stumbled across a certain item...

His eyes turned wide;

"Sweet mother of..."

There, seated on a holographic list, was an item that managed to steal his attention completely,

***

{Totem of the Order}:

Description: Opens up a First Order Trial Rift.

{Totem of the Order}: (Celestial)

Skills: World Instance.

{World Instance}: Opens up a rift to a First Order trial, for Tierless beings to ascend to Tier 1. The rift can support no more than twenty participants.

{NOTE}: The Totem of the Order is a one-use item and will be destroyed after it has been used. It is also advisable that the host reaches his current maximum potential before challenging the Totem of the Order.

Cost: 10,000,000 system points.

***

'This is it...'

The key to ascending to a Tier 1 being could be purchased with system points.

Cain came to a conclusion,

'System points have three main uses. The first is to gather information, sort of like a library. The second is to purchase goods en masse. The final one is to purchase specialized items for oneself.'

He had definitely not executed to find this thing here.

His brow shot up, 'Could it be because I am Level 99? If I've reached the maximum level a Tierless being can attain, then that means one of my necessities would be to ascend to the next Tier.'

Then a frown appeared on his face,

'Although, the warning sounds a bit ambiguous. Current maximum potential? What's that?'

Although he wanted to ask the system, he decided not to, as over-reliance on it was not necessarily a good thing.

'Whatever it means, I won't be able to afford it either way for now...'

Indeed, ten million system points was a way too steep price. Just looking at it gave Cain heartburn.

After making so many purchases over the past few days, he currently only had about two million system points. It seemed like a lot, but a majority of it had come to him through good fortunes. He had doubts about whether his fortune would remain this good forever.

'For now, I'll just have to settle for something else.'

The reason he had come to this special system store was to see if he could find something that would help their current dilemma.

Although he had a rough outline of a plan in his head, he didn't know if he had the power to achieve it. As such, he decided to see what the system had in store for him.

There were a multitude of options to choose from. However, he was currently not interested in weapons or armor.

'Hmm...'

After searching for a while, his attention was caught by a certain something...

***

{Scar of the Astra Seeker}: There once was a creature who dreamed of a burning star. Enamored by its splendor, he decided to paint a picture. In doing so, his world, body, and soul were all consumed by the star.

Cost: 3,000,000 system points.

***

At first, Cain was very confused...

According to the information provided, the item was a rune that he could purchase. However, most runes he had used or encountered were pretty straightforward. This one, on the other hand, had a very... strange description.

The rune told a strange story. One of a creature that had been captivated by something far out of its reach. It had then tried to recreate it but was entirely consumed in the process.

'Seems dangerous...'

It hadn't provided any explanation as to what it was. Only a strange story. Still, that made it all the more mysterious.

'Hmm... The system never offers useless items. Could this be the missing piece of the puzzle I'm looking for?'

Cain couldn't help but feel a bit giddy. However, he wanted to see the rune before making the decision to purchase it.

Selecting {Scar of the Astral Seeker} from the menu provided by the system, Cain got to see what exactly this interesting piece looked like.

'It doesn't look too strange. However, I can't make heads or tails of what these sigils and symbols are supposed to be. It's almost like they are supposed to be confusing. However, it is quite beautiful...'

When Cain stared at the rune for the first time, he thought he was staring at a picture. However, upon closer inspection, he realized that it wasn't. Instead of the picture of a burning star surrounded by a sea of darkness, what he saw after looking deeper managed to make him question his eyes.

Numerous runes stacked and superimposed upon one another to create something akin to a visual illusion.

'While they aren't basic runes, they certainly aren't Tier 1 or higher-tiered runes either. Everything about this rune is so suspicious.'

Cain's most impressive rune to date, the one that gave him the ability, {Gravity Defying}, was very incredible. However, it was nowhere as complicated as this one was.

This was so complicated, it looked like an actual painting...

'Such level of artistic skill! The person who drew this rune must be a master above masters.'

Cain decided right then and there. This was a risk he was willing to take...

'A million system points are going to be very difficult to gather.'

Luckily, he had two weeks to do so. Standing onto his feet, he descended from the hill.

Haru, the beastman who had become in charge of Cain's small squad of helpers stood proud at the foot of the hill, waiting for Cain.

Being Cain's direct assistants was was bound to be a respected post within the baseman company. These previously unrecognized men were now being treated with utmost respect thanks to Cain.

"Boss, Cain!" The beastman with boar-like features, Haru, waved at Cain with a wide smile on his face.

Cain raised a brow, "What are you so happy about?"

"Hahaha!" The time beastmen behind him let out chuckles.

Cain also let out a chuckle when he saw Haru's embarrassed expression.

"Alright enough fooling around. I plan to go hunting."

The fact Cain was telling them about something so private meant he didn't tell them just because.

These men had wasted precious time waiting on him, so he planned to help them, even if it was a bit.

Gary, not quite getting the message, asked just to be sure,

"Boss Cain, you mean..."

The other beastmen also had curious and anticipating expressions.

Cain clapped his hands, making a crisp sound that jolted the men,

"Enough talking. Let's go!"

With that, he turned around. The beastmen eagerly followed behind him.

The medium-sized floating landmass they were currently on had a small bill on it at one of its corners. It was also covered in lush vegetation different from most floating land masses. What this meant, was that it was covered with numerous magical herbs and even more terrifying Aether beasts.

The company of beastmen along with Cain and the others had taken camp at the foot of the hill after clearing the surrounding area of all forms of life.

Walking past the shelters that had been prepared, Cain could only sigh at how well they had been made.

'This is supposed to just be temporary...'

The shelters were not beautiful. However, they were well made. According to what he knew, Jenny had instructed the beastmen on how to build them. He had no idea building shelters was a part of her skill set.

Still, he was very happy. Remembering the promise they had made, a smile appeared on his face.

'Ah... That was so embarrassing.'

Shaking away the useless thoughts, Cain activated {Eye of Clairvoyance}.

'Seems like everyone is busy. In that case, I'll get going then...'

Hunter was training with a few beastmen in one corner of the camp alongside Floki and Galip.

Susan was in one of the shelters, a globe of light in one hand, and the other furiously scribbling down. He had no idea what she was up to.

Jenny and Ignis on the other hand were nowhere to be seen. Cain could only guess they were also out on a hunt.

Seeing that all was in order, his eyes quickly went back to normal. With big strides, he walked away from the camp, followed by a group of ten eager beastmen.

***

A/N: Special Mass release of chapters incoming!!!! Just like last month, special chapters will be released till the end of the month. If we can meet the goal by the end of the month, I plan to release an extra chapter every day for the first ten days.

Conditions: GIFTS!

Yes, people... Your gifts and active use of coins motivate me to write more and more of this book I'll seem to enjoy so much. So... Here's how we are gonna do it

Gifts worth 1000 coins: 3 extra chapters.

Gifts worth 2000 coins: 6 extra chapters.

Gifts worth 5000 coins: 15 extra chapters.

I really appreciate the continuous support. From the bottom of my heart. These gifts go a long way. Cheers!

P.S: Gifts higher than 5000 will also be factored in depending on if I have the time or not. For gifts below 1000, I'll try to sum up collective gifts to make it up. If it doesn't reach the mark, I'll still release an extra chapter by the end of the month...