Chapter 553
[Stand User (LV2): Control range increased tenfold, required soul materials doubled]
Ten times, that's a range of one thousand kilometers?
Beneath the mask, he revealed a cruel smile. This thing indeed had potential; so far, it was rare to see a puppet skill with such a long control distance.
So, at LV3 and LV4, will I eventually be able to control puppets across dimensions?
This was a key experimental project. Without dwelling on it, he put away the Divine Torch, looked up, and saw a large door appear in the sky, from which a red-armored knight walked out.
Oh, just like before, any skill related to 'Thunder' will be searched.
The newcomer was none other than Shalltear, whom they had met once before. Her Thunder Incarnation triggered the keyword, and she yawned as she led a dozen players in a teleportation to check on the situation.
The war over the Aether Particles has been going on for a long time, and countless keyword searches have failed to find 'Raymond'. The players here have long since become numb to it.
During a routine observation, Shalltear paused slightly as soon as she stepped out the door.
Huh? The battle is over?
From keyword search to on-site observation, only a few minutes had passed. The remaining energy particles in the air were still scorching hot. Then, she saw the sand-like Gu worms filling the sky, and her sleepiness vanished.
That Gu Master?
This powerful cultivator was a major headache for the Great Tomb, so they simply let him hunt them down. But in just a few minutes, this troublesome figure had already perished, and the one who killed him—
She saw a golden corn cob carrying a long spear walking towards her, and the terrifying, godlike pressure made her hold her breath.
Swish--
With a casual flick of his wrist, the Light of Divine Punishment instantly obliterated several players who hadn't even had a chance to react, leaving only a section of their lower legs hanging in the air.
Time slowed down. Shalltear looked at the blood shield that was only half left in her hand. A chill ran from the soles of her feet to every strand of her hair. The corn cob turned into lightning and rushed towards her. She turned around and leaped into the portal.
"Run!"
The few remaining players by the door were all stunned. This was supposed to be another boring scene, so how did a super strong person suddenly appear?
A massive shadow loomed over them. They tried to escape, only to find the portal closed. Turning back, a dazzling light magnified in their eyes, bringing the will of the gods:
Die.
When the portal disappeared, there was no living thing left in the world.
Blood dripped from the crystal-clear spear, and a pile of mangled corpses floated in the air. Yuki did not kill Shalltear, and the reason was simple.
Monster-level players aren't worthy of being hunted down by him; he needs this little vampire to go back and deliver a message.
"Last time, it was just a half-hearted attempt, turning the Aether Particles into a chaotic hunting ground." Yuki flicked his spear lightly, blood evaporating in the air. He lifted his foot, each step covering a distance of a thousand meters.
Like a god of the hunt walking in the sky, overlooking every interesting prey.
"But this time, it's completely different."
Chapter Four: You've Found a Way Out
Compared to mission-based dungeons, Yuki prefers the Outpost that offer more 'freedom'.
There are no inescapable warnings here, no unavoidable dungeons, and no perpetually ongoing plans for story characters.
The Outpost only has players, and every player is equal. To prevent the weaker factions from being slaughtered, the Reincarnation Game has set three rules:
Even the most powerful players will find it difficult to cross factions and must prepare in advance; this is something even the Judge cannot avoid.
Local players have an absolute advantage in terms of permissions, enabling them to exercise suppressive authority.
Epic-level players who engage in cross-faction combat will be targeted by the Judge.
These three points are fairly fair, and have to be, because once you reach the epic level, the soul materials become even more important.
Upgrading Chaos Item to Abyss Grade (Level 7) requires this item, upgrading Special Skills also requires it, not to mention the various extra rewards from Chaos Item. So, which Epic-level player would still want to do quests?
According to the concept of the Reincarnation Game, player-versus-player combat is necessary, but it should be resolved in dungeons. However, players aren't stupid; dungeon battles involve the storyline, which is too distracting.
Just like 'No One Survives', there were quite a few epic-level players who participated, but the vast majority of them didn't even get to see the Yuki killed by the Demon-Hunting Army instigated by Mebius.
They desperately need faction wars to fish in troubled waters, and Outpost like the 'Aether Particles' —where multiple factions clash—are the best hunting grounds.
If they need an inside agent as an entry ticket, they need to avoid powerful local players, and it's best to join one side of the war, just like Yuki did in the Hyakki Night Parade of One Hundred Demons).
But Yuki doesn't need either of these two points. As for the third point, which is the cornerstone of stability—
The Judge are currently overwhelmed. News of 'Taiyi' is everywhere in the countless worlds of the entire Reincarnation Game, and they also need to enter dungeons to evoke resonance with 'Hundred Eyes of True Knowledge'.
Little by little, the Yuki have become increasingly severe. Yuki was never just a simple nested doll; this chain reaction has spread throughout the entire Borderlands, leading to more and more frequent faction wars.
The player isn't mentally challenged; like the Gu Master Mu Duo, they realize the Judge is overwhelmed. Now is the perfect time to utilize the foreshadowing laid earlier.
The storm of war swept through every unstable camp. The more acute the contradictions, the more opportunities there were for exploitation. As these contradictions accumulated, the Judge became even busier.
"Let us handle it ourselves. If it's confirmed to be related to 'Taiyi,' we'll immediately send reinforcements?"
Neltharion slammed the reply on the table, wanting to laugh but unable to. As an ally of the Judge, he knew some of the inside story.
The Reincarnation Game seems to have gone mad, issuing a death order to find Taiyi as soon as possible, as if the chaotic Borderlands are completely irrelevant.
'Taiyi' has already threatened the game's survival. If we eliminate it, can order be quickly restored no matter how chaotic the countless factions Borderlands?
He rubbed his head, gradually realizing the problem: the Reincarnation Game was too vast, and the existing defense mechanisms were full of loopholes. 'Taiyi' was just stirring up trouble and exposing these loopholes to the public.
Wow, that's impressive. They figured it out so quietly. It's like the saying goes, "The law doesn't punish everyone." There are players everywhere taking advantage of loopholes, so the Judge have neither the energy nor the desire to judge.
Because of their constant surveillance, investigation, and even personal involvement in faction wars, the conflict between the Judge and ordinary players has become quite acute. If a major war breaks out, 'Taiyi' will be laughing all the way to the bank.
"Besides, 'Taiyi' is able to rival the Reincarnation Game. If it really comes to a decisive battle, they will have to mobilize ordinary players to participate. It's even more impossible for them to push these players to the other side."
Under this appeasement policy, Aether Particles suffered greatly, with countless players from different factions crisscrossing the area, resulting in a complete mess of fighting.
Neltharion retreated into the Steel Throne, filled with regret and helplessness. He wasn't going to take the blame for this; who knew that a mere 'Taiyi' could stir up such a frenzy across the entire Borderlands?
Those who want to escape the Reincarnation Game, those who want to take advantage of the chaos for revenge, and those who want to use the opportunity to kill each other and increase their power—in this frenzy, only a stable faction like the 'Valhalla' can protect itself. Even players of Epic IV rank will have to face the watchful eyes of the five Hero Kings if they enter.
"Fortunately, our war is nearing its end. Once we regain the remaining authority, we can seal off the Outpost. Without inside help, no one can get in."
The light screen flickered, and the King of the Undead. He was also helpless. His original idea was to use the Judge to unify the Aether Particles, but he never expected that the struggle between 'Taiyi' and the Reincarnation Game would escalate.
Who would have thought of using the entire Borderlands as a chessboard?
"It seems that Taiyi didn't even show up, yet he completely manipulated the Judge, and countless players were inexplicably used as his tools?" Neltharion sat up slightly, quite interested.
"This is because Taiyi is too much of a threat, and the Judge have to go all out. In the end, they are more pitiful than us."
The King of the Undead was right. With a boss constantly pushing him, the Judge had no chance to catch his breath. Neltharion imagined for a moment, and his breathing became rapid.
In the Borderlands, countless players are treated as pawns; very few actively help, while most use the overall situation to achieve their own goals.
From petty swindlers using Taiyi's name to treacherous collaborators seeking revenge and instigating faction wars, they are pursuing their own interests, which in turn sets up countless false targets for 'Taiyi'. If a player claims to be Taiyi and sells treasure maps, you, the Judge, have to send someone to check them out.
Countless similar incidents have occurred; from the perspective of Judge, it truly is a hell of overtime work.
"The most amazing thing is that they have no idea what 'Taiyi' is, while we've at least come into contact with it once. Using countless players as pawns, it's something I really yearn for." Neltharion stopped his reverie as he spoke. He knew that Taiyi must have special abilities, and someone as tall as him would have been reduced to ashes by the Judge long ago.
"We can't control the overall situation. Unless there are enough benefits, I don't want to get involved in the struggle between these two behemoths. But how do we deal with this current problem?"
It looked toward the King of the Undead, who was deep in thought, with a calm green aura flashing intermittently around him.
A huge problem has entered the 'Aether Particles'. According to the images sent back by Shalltear, this corncob-shaped player is very strong, estimated to be at least Epic Tier III. He immediately killed Mu Duo from the 'Gu Cultivator World'. No doubt, he is another hunter.
The Monster Front and the Great Tomb have been working for the Judge, and it's fair to say that almost all players connected to 'Thunder' in this Outpost have been wiped out.
"The True Knowledge Encyclopedia has no record of this person. I don't know which faction or which player is impersonating him." The King of the Undead raised his skeletal hand, adorned with jeweled rings, and gently scratched his chin. "The Judge also have no relevant records. I don't understand His purpose."
"What's the big deal? Just another player trying to take advantage of the situation." Neltharion was used to it. These kinds of players usually hide to avoid aggro, so he could only judge them by their skills.
"According to the True Knowledge Encyclopedia, there are 12 players with similar skills, but I don't think he is one of them. Judging from his entry through public mediums, he has most likely killed the inviter. This doesn't seem like reinforcements summoned by the Sage's Tower, otherwise he would appear inside the tower."
"Just a one-off deal? Then we'll force them to retreat." The King of the Undead breathed a sigh of relief. Once these players leave, they won't have the key to return. "The war is nearing its end. Once we regain full control, there won't be any more obvious loopholes like this."
Are you warning me?
"Yes, the current situation at the Borderlands doesn't allow us to fight endlessly. Taiyi and Reincarnation Game will have a final showdown sooner or later, so we should conserve our strength."
Neltharion and nodded in agreement. It would be fine if the privileged user died at his own hands, but if it was the Collapse, the privileges would scatter and then randomly reassemble in some player, and the process of collecting thousands of fragments would mean chaos.
There are players taking advantage of the chaos everywhere. Unless we completely cut off contact, this war will go on indefinitely.
"That's true. Right now, the Judge are too busy, and Epic-level players can join the battlefield without any worries. You and I aren't even top-tier, so the threat is too great."
Neltharion spoke quietly, having reached Mythic Tier III through the faction wars, but he was not yet arrogant enough to be invincible. Just then, a servant came over, and he took the document, glanced at it, and smiled.
"The golden-armored warrior has reappeared and killed 'Ronin' Guratius."
"Reinforcements summoned by the Sage's Tower?" The King of the Undead was taken aback. It recognized the ronin; he was a player from the 'Controller' faction.
"That's right, proving that the golden-armored warriors are neither our friends nor our enemies."
"This is not good news. Powerful hunters hunt indiscriminately, friend or foe, and he has no intention of making contact."
"Then at least don't push him over to the 'Sage's Tower'." The black flames burned the intelligence, Neltharion abandoned the idea of inviting the Judge for help.
There's no need to turn a powerful hunter into an enemy. Let him kill if he wants; it might even force other opportunistic players out of the Outpost. And all they need to do is one thing:
"Destroy the Sage's Tower as soon as possible, unify the Aether Particles, combine our strength, drive away all these troublesome bastards, and then close the door and develop in peace."
"If Taiyi really decides to fight the Reincarnation Game, it will be an earth-shattering event. No matter which side we stand on, we can reap enough benefits."
I was lucky; I actually managed to kill a player on the 'Sage's Tower' side.
In the freshly created valley, the black rocks were like powder. Yuki his neck, feeling the surveillance gaze move further away.
He was indeed lucky. If Neltharion had asked the Judge to intervene, he would have had no choice but to accept his defeat. After all, faction wars were happening everywhere, so there was no shortage of hunting grounds.
Guratius, I think he's a minor boss in <Elemental Gelade>, it's such an old anime.
Yuki glanced at the mangled corpse in the center of the crater. This person had come upon hearing the news, bumped into him, and then... nothing more.
The Reincarnation Game is like starting a new game, and it has absolutely nothing to do with the original storyline. In the current Yuki, there are no familiar faces or unfamiliar faces, only the dead and the living, friends and enemies. And coincidentally, in this Aether Particles, no one can be considered a friend.
"However, as wars become more frequent, more factions and epic-level players emerge, and ordinary players level up even faster. This place is truly a breeding ground for monsters; only by killing each other can one level up quickly."
Yuki retracted the gray threads. The secrets of the 'Controller' faction were not his concern. He couldn't control multiple things at the same time, since he wasn't a clone-type user. But reading the memories only strengthened his resolve.
With too many factions and countless players, all mortal enemies, a decisive battle would be far too troublesome. Just choosing the right allies would be a headache. For example, if he killed Guratius, some members of the 'Controller' would side with the Reincarnation Game.
It doesn't matter how many players are on the side of the Reincarnation Game; what matters is preventing Him from having the opportunity to gather these people together.
Yuki nodded slightly, flew into the sky, and saw a battlefield at the horizon. Many players had heard the commotion and came over to watch.
By reading his memories, he figured out the current state of the 'Aether Particles'.
"The war is nearing its end, and the only Sage's Tower is trapped in one place? In that case, they will most likely concentrate their forces to end the war, and then gather the entire force of the Outpost to force me back."
Knowing when to quit while you're ahead? Finding a similar hunting ground is too difficult.
His thoughts of returning vanished, and he began to consider the possibilities of this battle. After hesitating for a few seconds, he looked towards the distant battlefield.
"Draw Conceptual Craft Essence, keywords: [Combat], [Killing Mastery]."
Once the stage is decided, Yuki will use his special abilities and then devise a plan based on those abilities.
Every draw is filled with anticipation. Yuki knows that the special ability won't be overpowered or cause enemies to be torn apart by deus ex machina, but if the Mystic Code is used well, it can surpass any skill or item.
[Conceptual Craft Essence: Khorne's Blessing (2/2)]
[Upon activation, the user is kept in a state of bloodlust amplification for one hour, with a significant increase in physical strength. All abilities slowly accumulate with each kill, ignoring mind control, and automatically releasing a fear aura while simultaneously entering a berserk state.]
[Please note that the longer this effect lasts, the more blurred the player's self-awareness becomes. It cannot be dispelled or restored, and will eventually reduce the player's self-awareness until the Craft Essence's duration expires.]
Yuki was taken aback, then burst into laughter. This was the most powerful Mystic Code he had ever used in so many years. Of course, it was a double-edged sword; he absolutely couldn't use it when his teammates were around.
The side effects of the Chainsaw Sword could be offset by Quiet Dew, but this one would actually kill the senior student as well. Moreover, it should never be used against strong enemies, because you can't be a sneaky schemer when you're in berserk mode.
"But there are no teammates here, no Grand Inquisitor, which is just right."
Yuki took a step, his enormous figure appearing a kilometer away, moving towards the battlefield with hesitant, stumbling steps, as if in a frame-dropping motion.
"Regular players need an invitation to enter the Outpost. Once order is restored, I won't have a second chance; otherwise, my identity will inevitably be exposed."
As they advanced, the battlefield gradually became clearer, with hundreds of players unleashing their full firepower in a fierce battle.
"When the war ends, the epic players from other factions will also retreat, making it easy to keep an eye on an outlier."
"Therefore, I will spread the gospel of Khorne."
The battlefield suddenly fell silent. A group of players looked up and saw a shadow approaching. The oppressive feeling, like that of a god, made them forget about their opponent.