Another Mythic crafting material, arguably even more valuable than Kyra's heart. The potential uses were mind-boggling. He could potentially use it to upgrade Dragon Soul Devourer someday...
Third, and last, was something small and unassuming: a smooth, perfectly spherical orb of pure darkness, about the size of a marble. It didn't reflect any light; it simply absorbed it, a miniature black hole held in stasis. It felt cold, utterly empty, yet paradoxically full of contained power.
[Item Acquired: Orb of Oblivion Essence]
[Grade]: ⟨Mythic⟩
[Type]: Consumable / Catalyst
[Description]: A concentration of pure oblivion, the void's final answer to creation. Holding it instills a sense of deep peace and utter annihilation simultaneously. Can be consumed for a massive, permanent, but potentially dangerous stat boost, or used as a catalyst for spells or enchantments related to negation, erasure, or ultimate destruction.
[Effects]:
▸ Consume: Permanently increases ALL base stats by +10. WARNING: Consumption carries a high risk of soul damage, permanent loss of positive emotions, or instant annihilation if the user's will is insufficient to withstand the oblivion. (Requires Level 100+ and immense mental fortitude recommended).
▸ Catalyst: Can empower destructive magic or enchantments to an unprecedented degree, potentially allowing the erasure of targets from existence (requires specific rituals/spells).
Lucian stared at the Orb, feeling a profound sense of danger emanating from it. A +10 boost to all base stats was insane, equivalent to ten level-ups worth of raw power. But the warning... instant annihilation? Loss of emotions? He wasn't ready to risk that, not now, maybe not ever. It was too dangerous. He carefully stored the Tome, the Scale, and the Orb in his Interstellar Bag. The Mythic chest had yielded treasures beyond his wildest expectations.
He took a moment to re-center himself. He now had incredible potential resources, but also immense risks. He checked his remaining Reroll count: 4. He looked at the assassin gear again, and Darius's armor piece he hadn't rerolled. Was it worth using his precious last rerolls on Epic gear? Probably not. He decided to save them for now, for truly unique or high-potential items he might find later.
He stood up, stretching his limbs. The simulated dawn was breaking over the Great Expanse, casting long, strange shadows from the boulders. He felt refreshed, powerful, his mind buzzing with possibilities and dangers.
Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught his eye. Not a beast, not an enemy.
Standing a few meters away, leaning casually against one of the boulders, was Kyra. She wasn't munching an apple this time, just watching him with those unsettlingly intelligent golden eyes, a faint, knowing smirk on her lips. She hadn't made a sound, hadn't triggered his perception until she apparently wanted to be seen.
"Finished playing with your shiny trinkets, Master?" she asked, her voice a low purr. Her tail swished slowly behind her.
Lucian tensed, his hand instinctively tightening on Dragon Soul Devourer. "Kyra. I didn't summon you."
"Details, details," she waved a dismissive hand, the movement unnervingly graceful. "I sensed... interesting things. Mythic things. Thought I'd see what had captured my Master's attention so thoroughly." Her gaze flickered towards his Interstellar Bag, as if she could sense the items within.
"You can sense items in my inventory?" Lucian asked, wary.
"I can sense power, Master," she corrected, pushing off the boulder and taking a step towards him. "Especially power that resonates with... certain energies." She tilted her head. "That little black ball you found? Smells like home. Or, the end of it, perhaps."
Lucian frowned. The Orb of Oblivion Essence? She could sense that? This connection, this entity, was far more complex than he'd imagined.
"What do you want, Kyra?" he asked directly, trying to keep his voice firm.
She stopped a comfortable distance away, her smirk softening into something more thoughtful, though still edged with danger. "Isn't it obvious, Master? I want to play." Her eyes gleamed. "This place," she gestured vaguely at the Expanse, "it's dull. The Tower... now that was fun. Fighting you was fun. Fighting with you... might be even more fun."
She took another step closer. "You have power. You seek more power. You destroy things. I like destroying things. Seems like we have common interests, wouldn't you say?"
Lucian felt trapped. He couldn't truly command her, not forcefully. But dismissing her felt like wasting an unbelievable asset. And honestly? A small, dangerous part of him agreed with her. Fighting alongside something with her power...
"You would obey my commands?" he asked, testing the waters.
Kyra placed a hand over her heart in mock sincerity. "Implicitly, Master. Your wish is my... interpreted command." She winked. "I promise not to get you killed. Probably."
Lucian sighed. This was madness. But maybe... maybe controlled madness was better than letting her run wild or remain dormant.
"Fine," he said, making a decision. "But you follow my lead. No unnecessary risks, no independent actions unless I approve. And," he added firmly, "no more popping out uninvited unless it's an emergency."
Kyra beamed, a genuinely radiant smile this time that was somehow more terrifying than her predatory grin. "Understood, Master! Lead the way!" She practically vibrated with anticipation.
Lucian shook his head, a feeling of deep foreboding mixing with undeniable excitement. He checked the time overlay from the system. Less than 48 hours until the university entrance exam registration deadline back on Earth. He had gathered immense power, cleared three floors solo, made enemies, acquired a dangerously sentient Mythic shadow...
He needed to go back. Temporarily. Secure his place in the university, let the heat in the Lobby die down slightly, maybe gather some information in the real world. Then, he would return to the Tower, stronger, ready for the Fourth Floor and whatever else awaited him.
"Alright, Kyra," he said, turning towards the direction he remembered the Tower entrance portal being, vaguely near Nexus City. "Let's go."
"Go?" Kyra tilted her head, curiosity in her golden eyes. "Where? The floors?"
"Yes," Lucian confirmed, beginning to walk.
Kyra fell into step beside him, moving with impossible silence. "Intriguing," she purred, her tail swishing excitedly. "Will you let me break things this time, master?"
Lucian didn't answer, as he looked upwards. "I want to challenge the first floor."
A blinding light enveloped him as he went to the lizard world.