Proof of Protection

The exhilarating feeling of his strength skyrocketing like a rocket briefly immersed Luo Li in the illusion of being an "overpowered protagonist."

The rank of [Spacetime] Path Controller, the evolved Enma, the endless stream of system cheats... He feels like he can beat ten of his past selves now!

However, this inflated confidence was ruthlessly shattered once again in the dead of night by cold, hard fragments of the future.

It was still that unfamiliar holy city of Amphoreus, still Castorice's calm and aloof profile, and still those two daughters who looked on curiously but had no recollection of him.

In the instant the scene flashed back, Luo Li was jolted awake from her light sleep, her back soaked with cold sweat.

He turned his head and looked at Castorice, who was curled up beside him, breathing evenly. His hand subconsciously covered her slightly protruding belly, feeling the steady pulse of the two little ones inside.

The power has increased significantly.

But that damned future, like a pre-programmed sequence, stubbornly persists.

A surge of anxiety and inexplicable anger welled up inside me.

It feels like you've painstakingly leveled up, acquired top-tier gear, and thought you could easily defeat the final boss, only to find a long string of question marks following the boss's health bar, and you can't even break through its defenses!

"Just how strong does it have to be..." Luo Li gritted her teeth, her nails almost digging into her palms.

Does one really need to reach the level the system claims—to glimpse the mysteries of the source of the "River of Spacetime"—before being able to forcibly alter this predetermined fate?

Just as he was feeling uneasy, the system notification sounded again, like a precisely administered tranquilizer (or perhaps a new stimulant?).

[Ding! Detected that the host's protective beliefs are increasing daily and their strength has initially met the requirements. The ultimate challenge mission for 'Special Care During Pregnancy' is now issued: "Proof of Protection"!]

The ultimate challenge?

Luo Li perked up and immediately focused her attention.

[Mission Requirements: Independently slay the S-rank vampire lord, ' Grand Duke of the Decaying Corpse,' located in ' Bone Valley ' on the outskirts of Jiangcheng! Bring back its core crystal as a 'Proof of Protection' to be offered to your unborn offspring!]

[Task duration: 7 calendar days.]

[Task Reward:]

[Special title "Spacetime Guardian" (When equipped, all Spacetime- space skills are enhanced by an additional 10%, and resistance to interference from "Fate" and "Cause and Effect" types is slightly increased.)]

[·Item "Seed of Destiny" (Unique) -- A seed containing a trace of the mysteries of the Spacetime Origin. Using it will plant a 'variable' in your own destiny, with a very low probability of triggering an unknown deviation at a crucial future juncture. (Warning: Consequences at your own risk)]

[·The ultimate Fatherly Love ability, "Spacetime Mark: Bloodline Protection," imprints a Spacetime Mark on the soul of a direct descendant. When the descendant faces mortal danger, the imprint automatically activates, forming an absolute defensive barrier and instantly teleporting the host to the descendant's side (ignoring distance and most spatial blockades). Cooldown: 30 calendar days.]

[Failure Penalty: Randomly forget one S-rank skill (permanently).]

Looking at the task list, especially the three rewards, Luo Li's breathing suddenly quickened and her eyes widened.

Title bonuses! Seed of Destiny! And that heaven-defying bloodline guardian!

Especially the "Seed of Destiny" and "Spacetime Mark - Bloodline Guardian"!

The fact that someone could directly interfere with that damned "future," even with the lowest probability, gave him a glimmer of hope!

The other is a truly irreplaceable trump card—the ultimate protection for children across the world! Isn't this exactly what he desires most right now?!

As for the S-class vampire lord?

In the past, upon hearing this name, he would have thought the other person was telling a hellish joke.

But now... Luo Li felt the surging, boundless power belonging to the "Controller" level within his body, and those incredibly cool new cheat codes in his mind, a strong sense of confidence and fighting spirit rose up.

So what if it's S-class?

I'll use you as a sacrificial offering to test my new skills!

"I accepted!" Luo Li answered without hesitation.

Risk and reward go hand in hand. For that slim hope and absolute security, he must take the risk!

After accepting the mission, Luo Li did not set off immediately.

He needed to prepare, and more importantly, he needed a reasonable excuse to leave for a few days, without worrying Castorice and his mother.

The next day, he found an opportunity to say to Castorice and Zhou Wan, who were enthusiastically studying the nursery design plans, "Castorice, Mom, the guild has an urgent remote technical support mission that requires me to go on a business trip for a few days to the stronghold in the next city."

He tried to make his tone sound natural, with a hint of the helplessness of a tech geek receiving a task.

"A business trip?" Zhou Wan frowned immediately. "When? How long will it last? Is it dangerous?"

"We'll be leaving in the next few days, it'll probably take about a week. It's not dangerous, just sitting in the back doing data analysis and system maintenance, I won't even have to leave the base." Luo Li made it up casually, his expression sincere. "The pay is quite generous, perfect for stocking up on some good stuff for the kids."

He deliberately emphasized that it was "not dangerous" and "highly rewarding".

Castorice raised her head, a hint of worry barely perceptible in her purple eyes, and asked softly, "Do you really have to go?"

Luo Li walked to her side, took her hand, and smiled, "Yes, the mission is quite urgent, I can't back out. Don't worry, I'll video chat with you every day to let you know I'm safe. Just stay home and wait for me to come back and earn money for baby formula."

He casually pinched her cheek, trying to dispel her unease.

Castorice looked at him, remained silent for a few seconds, and finally nodded gently. "Then... be careful."

"Don't worry!" Luo Li assured her.

Although Zhou Wan was still somewhat dissatisfied, she didn't say anything more when she heard that it was a technical support mission and not very dangerous. She just repeatedly told him to be careful and eat on time.

After settling things at home, Luo Li contacted Yang Shan again, vaguely indicating that she needed to go out alone to handle some "personal matters" and asked him to look after the house for her.

Although Yang Shan was doubtful, he trusted his brother and agreed without hesitation.

Everything is ready.

Three days later, Luo Li, carrying a simple bag (mainly high-energy food and water), left home amidst the worried and reluctant gazes of Castorice and Zhou Wan.

Instead of taking any transportation to the neighboring city, he activated "Space-Trace Instant Shadow" immediately after leaving the city!

The figure flashed across the wilderness like a ghost, each flash covering hundreds of meters at incredible speed, leaving only a faint silver afterimage that slowly dissipated in the air.

Target: Bone Valley!

According to limited information within the guild, "Grand Duke of the Decaying Corpse" is a veteran S-rank lord who has been entrenched in the Bone Valley for many years. His abilities are related to decay and manipulation of bones, and his domain, "Land of Decline," can greatly weaken the vitality of living beings, making him extremely difficult to deal with.

Ordinary A-level ability user teams wouldn't dare approach.

But Luo Li was fearless.

He needed a whetstone of sufficient weight to fully control his surging power, and... to test the bold combat concept in his mind that combined multiple new abilities.

Continuous high-speed teleportation consumes a significant amount of mental energy and Path power.

But when Luo Li arrived at the outskirts of the Bone Valley, he was still in good condition.

The [Spacetime Affinity Physique] effect provides significant reduction in resource consumption and accelerated recovery.

Standing on a high point, Luo Li looked down at the valley below, which was shrouded in a dense, gray-green death aura.

Even from a great distance, one could feel the nauseating stench of decay and the immense oppressive aura emanating from it.

In the valley, countless piles of white bones can be vaguely seen, as if it were a kingdom of the dead.

"This is it..."

Luo Li took a deep breath, her eyes turning cold and focused.

He slowly drew the Bloodblade Enma from his back.

With a thought, [Path Imprint] is activated!

Brilliant silver threads of light instantly wrapped around the dark red blade as if they were alive, and a terrifying wave that seemed capable of cutting through time and tearing apart space spread out.

At the same time, his left eye, [Tracing Causes], flickered with light as he began to analyze the energy flow and structural weaknesses within the valley; his right eye, [Peering into Secrets], vigilantly scanned for any potential deadly crises.

Having prepared everything, Luo Li took a step forward, his figure transforming into a silver lightning bolt, directly plunging into the gray-green mist that symbolized death and decay.

"The Grand Duke of the Decaying Corpse..."

"I'll accept your core!"

(P. S.: I was quite productive today. Do you guys think I should take a break or keep going?)