The words hung in the air, striking each core member like a heavy hammer. Slowly, they recalled the moments when Lein had pushed them beyond their limits. They remembered the time he gave them silver badges that allowed them to break through to level 20.
They remembered the experience potions that guided them to Tier-3. They remembered the invaluable artifacts and gear, all provided by Lein.
No one spoke, but the silence spoke volumes. Lein looked at them, his gaze filled with confidence.
"Trust me," he said, his voice gentle but firm.
"As long as I'm here, we will not run. We will not bow. And we will absolutely win against those alien creatures."
Lein raised his hand calmly, and from his spatial ring appeared 11 small bottles containing a liquid with several white crystals inside. Each bottle looked simple yet bore engravings of ancient symbols that glowed faintly, signifying their extraordinary origin.
[Divine Promotion Elixir]
An elixir made from the blood of gods. Anyone who drinks it will receive extraordinary benefits.
- Ability: Consuming this elixir will help anyone below the Emperor level advance by a full rank.
Suddenly, the room was filled with an almost suffocating silence. All eyes were fixed on the bottles, disbelief etched on their faces at what they had just witnessed. Bagus was the first to break the silence.
"This is insane... This potion is impossible to exist," he murmured, almost as if talking to himself.
"Damn it, where did he get something ?" exclaimed Budi, his face a mix of shock and awe.
Haikal Emanuel remained silent, his eyes locked on the bottle in front of him. His mind raced, trying to comprehend how it was possible for Lein, their leader, to acquire something that even the highest rulers might never have seen.
"Where could he have obtained this?" he thought, feeling small before the power Lein had just revealed.
Laras, usually calm, couldn't hold herself back.
"Brother Lein," she said, looking directly at their leader, "how could you give us something this valuable? This... is too precious." Her voice was steady, but there was an undertone of unease in it.
Several other core members nodded in agreement with Laras's statement. It wasn't just the potion's value, but the description that made them think twice.
Laras continued, "According to the description, a single bottle can elevate a ruler to the Master level. Wouldn't it be better if we focused on strengthening a few of us to near-max levels, just below Emperor level? That way, we'd have a greater chance of survival."
Other heads nodded in agreement. The strategy made sense—it was better to have a few strong rulers than many weaker ones.
However, Lein simply shook his head slightly, a faint smile on his face. "There's no need. Drink the potion," he said, his tone leaving no room for debate.
Before anyone could argue, Lein waved his hand again. This time, 11 more bottles appeared from his ring, each glowing as brilliantly as the first.
"You will each receive two bottles. One to reach Master level, and another to advance to Grandmaster level," he said casually, as if discussing something mundane.
The room was instantly filled with a mix of emotions—shock, amazement, and even a hint of fear. Haikal finally spoke up.
"Sir Lein, are you... sure?" he asked, trying to confirm he hadn't misheard.
Lein looked at each of them, his eyes radiating an unyielding determination.
"Drink the potion quickly. We don't have much time. The cosmic unification has already reached 92%," he said, glancing at the corner of a hovering holographic screen nearby.
The core members finally relented, yielding to Lein's generosity. Hesitant but resolute, they opened the first bottle. A sharp yet alluring aroma wafted from the liquid. As the potion flowed down their throats, the effects were immediate.
Their bodies began to tremble, enveloped in divine energy that surged like tidal waves, shattering the limits that had bound their power.
Lein watched in silence. A vision formed in his mind—a group of formidable protectors standing at the gates of this island, holding back endless waves of ferocious creatures. It was a vision he had planned for a long time.
Lein had always deliberately enhanced the power levels of the core members of the alliance to help him safeguard his island and serve as protectors of humanity.
Of course, he was not afraid they would betray him, as they had all signed a soul contract beforehand. As long as Lein's power level remained higher than theirs, or that of any other bonded soul, they would be bound by the contract and unable to escape.
An ancient soul paper crafted from mysterious materials, adorned with magical symbols that shimmer in the dim light. When touched, it feels warm, as if it channels the energy of the souls bound within.
- Bound: Cute Cat, Haikal Emanuel, Laras, Budi, Arya, Hana, Elen, Takulani, Efan, Dion, Bagus
- (Soul Contract): The bound soul will not and cannot harbor malicious intent toward the Master. Punishment: 99% status reduction and imprisonment in the soul prison.
* Please drop your blood on the paper to agree.
* The bound soul limit is Master level & cannot exceed the Master's soul.
With this soul contract, Lein was confident that they would not betray him for insignificant gains. Lein sat calmly in his chair, but his gaze radiated vigilance. Each core member in the room held the elixir bottle with trembling hands, reflecting a complex mix of emotions: awe, fear, and anticipation. The soft glow from the [Divine Promotion Elixir] reflected on the table's surface, creating silhouettes that emphasized the potion's grandeur.
Budi was the first to finish consuming his elixir. His body trembled violently, as if being pulled by an invisible force. The aura around him gradually shifted, becoming denser and more oppressive. Lein, his expression neutral, opened Budi's status panel to observe.
- Race: Human - Earth
Lein gave a small nod, saying nothing. His gaze then shifted to the other members, ensuring their enhancement process was proceeding smoothly.
From her seat, Hana whispered, "Master Tier... Isn't this too much?" Her voice was almost drowned out by the overpowering aura filling the room.