Chapter 24: Soaring Upgrades & Facing the Three-Year Pact!
"You kid, once you've decided on an Awakener Academy, be sure to tell me right away."
Originally, Cyrus had thought to let the relationship between Alex and his daughter develop naturally through fate. But after spending the day with him, the urge to play matchmaker grew stronger in his heart.
Alex's face beamed with a sincere smile. "Definitely! Rest assured, City Lord!"
"Good lad. Take this." Cyrus handed him a vibrant red jade stone. "This jade stone has quite a history. When you encounter danger, it will automatically activate a fire shield capable of withstanding a Tier 5 attack. Moreover, as soon as the jade shatters, I will sense it and come to find you immediately."
A flash of surprise appeared in Alex's eyes. "Then, City Lord, I won't be polite!"
For him, this jade stone was undoubtedly timely assistance.
With it, he had another layer of life-saving protection.
"Why be polite with me? You are Riverdale City's treasure!" Cyrus laughed, patting Alex on the shoulder.
Alex nodded, and continued the ride back to the city with Cyrus.
Nightfall.
Inside the Vance Clan Manor.
"Daughter, how is your cultivation going recently? Tomorrow is the day of our Vance Clan's Three-Year Pact with Alex."
Elara's cold face showed little emotional fluctuation. "I have currently reached Tier 1, Rank 2. My combat skills are also improving constantly."
Her cultivation speed was already considered outstanding among her peers.
"Good. Remember to use the A-Rank Combat Weapon the butler gave you!"
For this Three-Year Pact, Victor Vance had spared no expense. An A-Rank weapon was worth at least ten million credits!
Elara nodded slightly. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave first."
Watching his daughter's cold and distant attitude, Victor sighed helplessly.
"Rest assured, daughter. As long as you win against that kid tomorrow, I will compensate him with all the resources he wants afterward."
Tomorrow's battle... the Vance Clan absolutely could not lose.
Elara closed her eyes gently and whispered, "Mhm."
But her heart was filled with conflict and struggle.
Actually, deep down, she wanted to lose. After all, over these years, the Vance family owed Alex too much.
But if she really lost, where would the Vance Clan's honor go?
She truly didn't want to go all out. And she knew that even with the resources she gave him, Alex probably still couldn't compare to her in terms of realm and combat skills...
An internal war raged within her: Should I win, or should I lose?
"By the way, remember to guard against that kid. One of his Tier 2 combat skills has already reached the Proficient level. He probably spent most of his time cultivating skills," Victor suddenly reminded her.
Elara froze slightly. Two days... a Tier 2 skill at Proficient level?
How can he be so fast?
A complex emotion surged in her heart. Alex must have been cultivating day and night without rest...
Thinking of this, an imperceptible light flashed in her eyes.
Whether to lose intentionally or win by strength... it seemed she already had an answer in her heart.
"Mhm."
"Even if not for the Clan, you must think of your parents!"
Victor shouted the last sentence at her back. It was like a heavy hammer, smashing onto Elara's heart.
Elara's body stiffened slightly. She clenched her fists, paused for a few seconds, then walked away resolutely.
Downtown Restaurant.
"Little miss, thanks for the treat."
Alex sat in the restaurant, looking at Sia across the table, a relaxed smile on his face.
Sia gulped down a large mouthful of orange juice, wrinkled her nose, and huffed. "Hmph, I didn't want to treat you! It's just that my father insisted I come find you. Speaking of which, what exactly did you do with him this morning? As soon as he came back, he insisted I contact you more often."
Sia looked helpless. Great. Now my dad, just like my mom, treats Alex like a future son-in-law.
"Tch. If you really didn't want to treat me, would you have specifically called me out for dinner?"
Sia was momentarily speechless. Thinking about it carefully... it seemed true.
Usually, if she didn't want to do something, no matter how others persuaded her, she wouldn't do it.
So, did that mean she actually wanted to find Alex?
"I... you..." Sia hurriedly changed the subject. "Do you need me to go to your Three-Year Pact with Elara tomorrow?"
"Why would you go?" Alex looked at her, puzzled.
"Think about it! I go to the scene tomorrow. You beat Elara to a pulp. Then, after the match ends, I go up and hand you a bottle of water. Imagine how majestic that scene would be!"
Sia's eyes sparkled with pride. She was the School Goddess of Riverdale First High!
If she delivered water to Alex in front of everyone, Alex would definitely be wrapped around her finger.
"That does sound pretty cool. But I don't need it."
Sia froze instantly. "You? Don't need it?"
"Hmph! You should say you need it! Then beg me! If I'm happy, maybe I'll go! Hurry up and beg me!"
Sia put her hands on her hips, puffing up her cheeks angrily.
Alex smiled faintly and shook his head. "Not begging."
"Ahhh! You're bullying me!" Sia was so anxious tears nearly came out.
"Alright, alright. I beg you. Go tomorrow, okay?" Alex coaxed her helplessly.
Sia pouted, looking arrogant. "That's more like it. But I'm not going anyway! Who told you to bully me just now!"
"Fine then. I'll just have to find someone else. Do you think the School Goddess of Third High is prettier, or maybe the one from Fourth High?" Alex teased her deliberately.
"Forbidden! Who said I wasn't going? I'll definitely be there tomorrow!" Sia got anxious immediately.
Alex looked at her cute appearance, smiling and shaking his head. "Saying one thing but meaning another." He stood up. "Alright, I'm heading back. The bill is paid. See you tomorrow."
Alex stretched, ready to go back and upgrade properly.
"At least you have some conscience and paid the bill. See you tomorrow!"
Sia's mood instantly improved, a bright smile blooming on her face.
Alex didn't turn back, just waved his hand. "Stay safe on the way home."
Sia finished the last sip of orange juice and stood up, skipping happily. "Going home!"
At this moment, her mood was incredibly delightful, and her steps were much lighter.
Back at the Apartment.
Alex closed the door and opened his panel.
Except for his Ability and Spirit Weapon which couldn't be upgraded with points right now, everything else could be improved!
Moreover, at noon today, he had sold the beasts he hunted yesterday along with some low-level combat weapons, earning a solid 2 million credits!
He used his entire fortune to buy a Tier 3 Movement Combat Skill book—Phantom Flash!
[Phantom Flash: Transform into a phantom shadow to dash forward a certain distance. The higher the proficiency, the farther the movement distance.]
"System, upgrade to Novice!"
[Ding! Consumed 300 Slaughter Points. Phantom Flash reached Novice. Remaining Slaughter Points: 2000.]
"Upgrade my realm to Tier 1, Rank 6!" Alex commanded without hesitation.
[Ding! Consumed 600 Slaughter Points. Realm upgraded to Tier 1, Rank 6. Remaining Slaughter Points: 1400.]
"Upgrade Abyssal Swamp and Eroding Dark Bat Strike both to Proficient!"
[Ding! Consumed 300 Slaughter Points. Abyssal Swamp reached Proficient.]
[Ding! Consumed 800 Slaughter Points. Eroding Dark Bat Strike reached Proficient.]
[Remaining Slaughter Points: 300.]
In an instant, Alex felt power surging through his body. He clenched his fist tightly, feeling the enhancement of his strength.
The control range of Abyssal Swamp became more powerful. The bats condensed by Eroding Dark Bat Strike were more numerous and ferocious!
And Phantom Flash now allowed him to dash instantly within 10 meters.
Looking at the remaining 300 Slaughter Points on the panel, Alex sighed slightly.
Whether upgrading realm or skills, the required Slaughter Points were increasing.
Especially in the later stages, the difficulty and consumption would grow geometrically!
"System, open Attribute Panel!"
[Name: Alex Whitefield]
[Cultivation Method: Shadow Ability Cultivation Method]
[Ability: S-Rank—Shadow Monarch]
[Realm: Tier 1, Rank 6]
[Bone Tempering: 2nd Round Complete]
[Companion Spirit Weapon: S-Rank—Death Scythe]
[Techniques: None]
[Combat Skills:]
Tier 3 Eroding Dark Bat Strike (Proficient)
Tier 3 Phantom Flash (Novice)
Tier 2 Shadow Claw (Proficient)
Tier 2 Abyssal Swamp (Proficient)
[Inventory: Mysterious Egg...]
Looking at the panel, Alex clenched his fist. "Tomorrow, if your Vance Clan is unjust, don't blame me for being unrighteous!"
Then, he pulled up the covers and fell asleep instantly.