RE: Reality Smuggler (R-18)

"If you harm the Spore Spreader... I kill you on the spot." - Lord Arnerd said chillingly, releasing a bit of his aura.

Hearing his words, I felt a shiver run down my spine.

He was serious. If I harmed the Spore Spreader, he would bisect me with his bigass sword.

Still, I didn't have a reason to fear him. I wasn't about to harm it.

"No worries, I won't. It is beneficial." - I confidently said.

"Then go ahead, and don't make me regret it." - Lord Arnerd replied, relaxing his aura.

With his permission, I approached the throne and touched it while connecting to it via the crystal network.

And I then started gently coaxing it.

"Hello there... I don't mean any harm. I am about to give you something good, so please don't resist it."

I said while emanating goodwill and slowly infusing energy into it.

 

Evolution Energy A: 12,518 -> 12,418

Basic Energy: 9,935 -> 9,934.9

Evolution Energy A: 12,418 -> 12,318

Basic Energy: 9,934.9 -> 9,934.8

Evolution Energy A: 12,318 -> 12,218

Basic Energy: 9,934.8 -> 9,934.7

...

 

I gradually trickled the energy into it. Part of it was strengthening it, while the other part was its conversion into a dark idol. The transformation is not immediate, and it is more like dripping water on a rock, letting the energy gradually soak in. This is especially true since the Spore Spreader has 3,000 points of mental power, while I only have 50, a 60 times difference.

However, perhaps due to my coaxing and its lack of resistance, my energy was accepted rather willingly, aiding the conversion process.

And so, a few minutes later...

 

Basic Energy: 9,925

Evolution Energy A: 2,518

 

Yes, I imbued it with 10,000 evolution energy. Insane, I know, but worth every point because...

 

{Conversion Successful}

{Large Spore Spreader - Land Variant has become a dark idol}

 

With that, a connection was formed. It was like my link with Primrose but more abstract. There were no emotions involved, and it was like a tool rather than an individual. However, it allowed me to view its details.

 

Dark Idol Statistics:

Name: —

Type: Kin - Large Spore Spreader - Land Variant (Amorphous Organic Living Structure)

Controlling Zealot: None (Always controlled by the Host as the overruling power)

Grade: 1(0/25) (Automatic grade improvement enabled)

Influence Radius: 10m(Grade 1) + 8,046m(Body)

Influence Power: 1(Grade 1) + 300(Body) (The higher it is, the easier it is to convert others into believers.)

Passive Mental Energy Regeneration Boost: 1% (101% regeneration rate)

Praying Mental Energy Regeneration Boost: 3% (103% regeneration rate)

Energy Storage Capacity(Any): 1,207,531,000(Energy capacity is based on the body only)

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 0(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 10,000(Self-use)

Stored Mental Structures(Fuel Designation): None

Stored Mental Structures(Relic Designation): None

Reverse-Feedback Setting: 0%(Adjustable)

Automatic Repair: Active (Adjustable)

Divine Powers: Dark Offering, Evolution, Energy Conversion. (Can only be adjusted by the Host.)

Note 1: Controlling Zealots can use the energy inside to power their granted Divine Powers or the enabled Divine Powers belonging to the dark idol. The higher the grade, the stronger the Divine Powers it can provide.

Note 2: Can be willingly infused with mental power and Basic Energy to accelerate Grade improvement.

Note 3: Its grade limit depends on its energy storage capacity. Theoretically, it can improve infinitely with infinite energy capacity.

Note 4: Offerings can only be given at the core center of the dark idol. (Influence Radius(Body))/100 + (Influence Radius(Base))/(10*(grade level)) = Core Center Radius. On the other hand, energy gathering and reverse feedback are 100% effective within the Influence Radius.

Note 5: The quoted regeneration and influence power are the maximum theoretical values inside the Core Center Radius. As one walks further from the Core Center Radius, the influence power and regeneration rate deteriorate exponentially.

Note 6: A Controlling Zealot (Or the Host) is at full strength inside the Core Center Radius, exhibiting 100% of his Divine Powers. However, the further he is away from the Core Center Radius, the less he can tap into the energy inside the idol, weakening his potential output exponentially.

 

 

"..."

"Motherfucking broken..." - I thought.

Even with the exponential decrease in power through distance, it is still broken. 

"Is it done?" - Lord Arnerd asked, oblivious to what I just did.

"Yes, it is. If you want, you can feed it with Minions and see how it reacts." - I said and backed away.

"Hm, but there is no reason to feed it with Minions. It can absorb some of its reserve energies." - Lord Arnerd replied and stood up, walking to the side.

At that moment, I noticed changes in the Spore Spreader's energy.

 

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 0(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 9,940(Self-use)

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 0(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 9,850(Self-use)

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 0(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 9,630(Self-use)

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 0.1(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 9,480(Self-use)

 

The Spore Spreader was rapidly consuming the energy I gave it. And the throne wriggled and pulsed along with it.

And, at the same time...

"Hm? Some of the Kin started worshipping it?" - I thought blankly.

But soon, I noticed that the rate of improvement started accelerating.

 

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 0.2(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 9,280(Self-use)

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 0.3(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 9,120(Self-use)

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 0.4(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 9,000(Self-use)

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 0.6(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 8,910(Self-use)

 

At first, it increased by only 0.1 every ten seconds, but the pace gradually increased to 0.1 every 5 seconds. And it kept going. Within minutes, the energy-increasing rate went from 0.1 every five seconds to 0.1 every two seconds.

Before I knew it, over 10 Basic Energy points were stored inside, and the rate kept increasing.

"Holy... Hey, Trod. Is this supposed to happen?" - I asked skeptically.

{Normally, no. However, the Spore Spreader has a 5-mile radius, and the hundreds of thousands of Kin inside instinctively worship it, including the Minions. And, since the Spore spreader has a highly influential power, the effects are superimposed, leading to rapid conversion. You can expect that, within an hour, over 90% of the Kin would worship the dark idol, a Spore Spreader.}

"Eh... Wouldnt that be, like, 0.2 or 0.3 points per second... That is passively earning over 20,000 points per day. Oh, Trod... What broken monster did I create?"

{The good kind.}

"... I didn't expect you to reply, but yes." - I nodded.

"Ascended one. The Spore Spreader will take some time to digest the energy. How about I give you the first batch of crystals?" - Lord Arnerd suddenly said.

At his words, I suddenly remembered I had a deal with him.

"Ah, yes, sure." - I nodded but kept staring at the throne.

"Iver, what is happening?" - Primrose walked to me by the side and asked, staring strangely at the throne.

As a Zealot, she probably already noticed its particularity.

"... Something good." - I replied.

And, at the same time...

 

{Dark Idol: Nameless Kin - Large Spore Spreader - Land Variant automatically consumed 25 Basic Energy and reached Grade 2}

 

Dark Idol Statistics:

Name: —

Type: Kin - Large Spore Spreader - Land Variant (Amorphous Organic Living Structure)

Controlling Zealot: None (Always controlled by the Host as the overruling power)

Grade: 2(0.2/75) (Automatic grade improvement enabled)

Influence Radius: 20m(Grade 2) + 8,046m(Body)

Influence Power: 2(Grade 2) + 300(Body) (The higher it is, the easier it is to convert others into believers.)

Passive Mental Energy Regeneration Boost: 2% (102% regeneration rate)

Praying Mental Energy Regeneration Boost: 6% (106% regeneration rate)

Energy Storage Capacity(Any): 1,207,531,000(Energy capacity is based on the body only)

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 0.2(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 7,240(Self-use)

 

Suddenly, the effects doubled. Of course, besides the regeneration boost, the other two were relatively insignificant.

However, the cost of upgrading it tripled, but it will be completed even faster than the first upgrade at this rate. And I wonder how much it would improve then.

"Trod, seriously, is this even okay? No matter how I look at it, this is lunacy."

{Wait until it evolves a few times, and then say it.}

"... Shit, your right."

I almost forgot it could evolve.

Just imagining it sent shivers down my spine.

"I outdid myself this time..." - I thought bitterly.

While thinking all that, another 100 crates were in front of me.

"Ascended one, here is the first batch, 100,000 crystals." - Lord Arnerd said.

"Hah? Oh, right." - I said, waking up from my thoughts.

And then I looked at them.

"Hm... Trod, how do I offer the crystals to the idol?" - I asked.

{As long as the crystals are in the Core Center Radius, you can directly offer them.}

"Does it matter where they are positioned?"

{No. Anything placed inside, no matter where it is positioned, can be offered.}

"Nice."

I then looked at the hundred crates.

"I offer these crystals to this idol." - I willed.

Immediately after, all the crystals in the hundred crates went up in black flames.

And, of course, Lord Arnerd and the guards also saw that.

"Hah?! What is this?!" - Lord Arnerd voiced, astonished.

While he was saying that, the flames silently floated to the core and were absorbed. The whole process took less than ten seconds. It makes my almost 2-hour effort sound stupid.

 

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 39.6(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 5,820(Self-use) + 10,000(Stored), Enhancement Energy A: 10,000(Stored)

 

Lord Arnerd silently stared at the throne before staring at me. I could feel a murderous breath in his gaze.

"What. Did. You. Do?" - He said chillingly, 

"I made it better." - I said truthfully, not fearing anything.

"Explain. If not satisfactory, I will cut you down." - Lord Arnerd threatened.

"I made it able to gather energies more efficiently. In other words, it can extract energy from crystals. And then a chosen individual can use it as a medium to use that strengthening and evolution thing I did." - I explained while omitting the faith part.

Lord Arnerd remained silent, and the murderous air dissipated somewhat.

"And I suppose only you can choose the individual?" - Lord Arnerd asked in a half-sure tone.

"Yes." - I nodded, not bothered to hide this detail.

"... I shouldn't have let you near it..." - Lord Arnerd said in a half-defeated tone.

"Oh, come on! There is no demerit whatsoever! This way, even if I go elsewhere, someone can use my power." - I said optimistically.

"..." - Lord Arnerd remained silent and just shook his head.

Just then, I received another message.

 

{Dark Idol: Nameless Kin - Large Spore Spreader - Land Variant automatically consumed 75 Basic Energy and reached Grade 3}

 

Dark Idol Statistics:

Name: —

Type: Kin - Large Spore Spreader - Land Variant (Amorphous Organic Living Structure)

Controlling Zealot: None (Always controlled by the Host as the overruling power)

Grade: 3(0.4/300) (Automatic grade improvement enabled)

Influence Radius: 40m(Grade 3) + 8,046m(Body)

Influence Power: 4(Grade 3) + 300(Body) (The higher it is, the easier it is to convert others into believers.)

Passive Mental Energy Regeneration Boost: 4% (104% regeneration rate)

Praying Mental Energy Regeneration Boost: 12% (112% regeneration rate)

Energy Storage Capacity(Any): 1,207,531,000(Energy capacity is based on the body only)

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 0.4(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 4,730(Self-use) + 10,000(Stored), Enhancement Energy A: 10,000(Stored)

 

The effects doubled again, reaching four times the initial amount, but the energy requirements for the next grade were multiplied by four.

I think I see a pattern here. If my calculations are correct, the maximum grade should be capped at 11 while the boost would reach 1024 times the original. In other words, it has a 10,240m range, 10.24 influence power, 1,124% passive regeneration rate, and 3,172% when praying.

If a regular person regenerates 10% of his maximum every day, then, with a 1,124% boost, he can regenerate everything in a day, along with surplus. Imagine giving that to the Ascended, a race of psychics. Now THAT is a scary thought. Even if it is only effective at the center.

And even scarier is that this isn't the absolute limit. If it evolves twice, it might be able to reach grade 13 or even 14.

Of course, reaching those grades would require an astronomical amount of energy, and even if 1,000,000 got absorbed daily, it would take years, if not decades or centuries. But, with how much mental energy the Ascended have, getting 100m or 1b a day is entirely possible in a metropolis, and that is without the regeneration boost.

And, even with the current low speed, getting to grade 6 in a day is feasible.

Without a doubt, this combination is a bug. If this were a game, the GM would fix it immediately, banning the conversion of a Spore Spreader into a dark idol. Unfortunately, or fortunately for me, it isn't a game, and balancing can be thrown out of the window.

Shaking my head off those thoughts, I looked at Primrose and made a decision.

"Give Primrose Controlling Authority." - I thought.

 

{Dark Idol: Nameless Kin - Large Spore Spreader - Land Variant is now controlled by Zealot: Primrose Goodman.}

 

At that moment, Primrose suddenly shook before looking at me.

"Iver?" - Primrose blinked her eyes in confusion, slow on the intake.

"From now on, this idol will be under your control. It is an important responsibility. Can you handle it?" - I asked with a smile.

"I... Yes, Iver. I will do my best!" - Primrose nodded vigorously.

"Good." - My smile widened.

I then turned to Lord Arnerd.

"As you might have overheard, Primrose here will have authority over it." - I said.

"... Hah... Very well. Seeing things developed to this point, want the other 14 batches?" - Lord Arnerd sighed and asked.

"Ah... Seems like he stopped caring." - I thought.

"Sure. But, if you want to evolve the Spore Spreader, I would need another 900,000 crystals. The energy I gave it will deplete soon." - I pointed at the Spore Spreader.

Lord Arnerd looked at the plant that was hungrily consuming energy.

"I also thought it was a bit too little." - He nodded.

And then he looked at his still-stunned guards.

"Wake up! Get me another 2,300,000 crystals!" - Lord Arnerd roared.

Hearing his words, the guards were jolted awake.

"Yes, Lord!" - They responded and ran to the treasury.

And then, we waited for half an hour before 2,300 crates were placed in front of us.

"These are all of them. You better hold up to your end of the bargain..." - Lord Arnerd said.

"I know. Primrose, offer these to the idol." - I pointed at the crates.

"Yes, Iver. I offer these Minion crystals to the dark idol. Dark Offering." - Primrose said while extending her hand.

The next moment, all the crystals inside the crates went up in flames, floating into the throne. Again, it only took less than ten seconds.

"Good work." - I said to everyone.

Though, perhaps it sounded like an insult to Lord Arnerd.

"Mmrr..." - He grumbled.

His initial enthusiasm about becoming a Kin Ruler diminished by nine-tenths.

Well, I can't blame him. What I was doing probably gave him a sense of loss of control. Even if I gave him the tastiest and most luxurious food you can find for free, it would somehow feel like he is eating shit. You feel like eating shit but still can't pass up the luxury food.

I honestly felt a bit sorry for the guy.

Just a bit.

And, just then...

 

{Dark Idol: Nameless Kin - Large Spore Spreader - Land Variant automatically consumed 300 Basic Energy and reached Grade 4}

 

Dark Idol Statistics:

Name: —

Type: Kin - Large Spore Spreader - Land Variant (Amorphous Organic Living Structure)

Controlling Zealot: Primrose Goodman(Always controlled by the Host as the overruling power)

Grade: 4(0.6/1,500) (Automatic grade improvement enabled)

Influence Radius: 80m(Grade 4) + 8,046m(Body)

Influence Power: 8(Grade 4) + 300(Body) (The higher it is, the easier it is to convert others into believers.)

Passive Mental Energy Regeneration Boost: 8% (108% regeneration rate)

Praying Mental Energy Regeneration Boost: 24% (124% regeneration rate)

Energy Storage Capacity(Any): 1,207,531,000(Energy capacity is based on the body only)

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 0.6(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 210(Self-use) + 240,000(Stored), Enhancement Energy A: 240,000(Stored)

 

"Yep, it's broken..." - I thought.

The price rising and improvement trends were the same. It will reach grade 6 in a day.

"Iver... Is this supposed to happen?" - Primrose made a weird face.

"Hehehe... Try ignoring it." - I laughed awkwardly.

"As expected, even Primrose thinks this is weird." - I thought.

"Ascended one, I fulfilled my end of the bargain. Now it is time to uphold yours." - Lord Arnerd said.

"Ah, right."

"Primrose, how about you test your newly given authority? Use Evolution to give Lord Arnerd 150,000 Evolution Energy and the Spore Spreader 90,000 Evolution Energy. Let them use food energy." - I said.

"Yes, Iver." - Primrose nodded and closed her eyes.

And then, after ten seconds, she pointed at Lord Arnerd and the Spore Spreader.

Suddenly, black flames emerged from the ground, covering Lord Arnerd and the Spore Spreader.

"W-What is this?!" - Lord Arnerd said in a panicky voice while flailing his burning hands.

But then, the flames were soaked into his body through the armor, disappearing. Similarly, the black flames on the Spore Spreader were also absorbed.

"Hah... So you can do it like that... Is it because we are inside the dark idol's area of influence?" - I thought.

Seeing the black flames gone, Lord Arnerd slowly calmed down.

"Is it done?" - He asked to confirm.

"Yes, it is done." - I nodded and looked at the remaining energy.

 

Stored Energy: Basic Energy: 17.3(Stored), Evolution Energy A: 89,830(Self-use), Enhancement Energy A: 150,000(Stored)

 

Yep. As I requested, 150,000 energy was absorbed by Lord Arnerd, and 90,000 into the Spore Spreader. I could have given him less... But I decided to give him the whole deal and uphold my end of the bargain. I got 240,000 Enhancement points and even this cheat-like dark idol, so I got a huge bargain. I would feel guilty not giving it all.

"Thank you, Ascended ones!" - Lord Arnerd thanked the both of us.

Perhaps he started accepting Primrose as my representative... Not that he has a choice in the matter.

"No problem, I got my share, too." - I smiled.

Under the soles of my feet, black flames silently entered my body before disappearing.

 

{Gained 150,000 Enhancement Energy A}

Enhancement Energy A: 10,305 -> 250,305

 

"Hahahah! Jackpot! A quarter of a million!" - I secretly laughed in my heart.

"Now, I can finally go home without worries!" - I thought.

While thinking about that, Lord Arnerd suddenly said something unexpected.

"Hah? Humans again?" - He said, sounding confused.

"Humans? They are back?" - I asked, also confused.

Logically, after such a devastating blow, they wouldn't dare get anywhere near the Kin Field unless they were about to bomb it with their entire arsenal, which was the same as throwing a tantrum.

"Yes, but it is weird. The report says there is only one land vehicle." - Lord Arnerd said.

"One vehicle? Where are they?" - I asked.

"South-east from here." - Lord Arnerd replied.

With that, I sent a message to the southeast side and soon got feedback from one of the observing Stalkers.

Connecting my vision and hearing to it through the crystal network, I saw the vehicle.

It was a lone Jeep with four men in space-suit-like military outfits, and one held a large white flag made from sewed-together cloths that I suspect were white shirts.

And on it, there was a painted message, as if they used a large brush or something.

It read: Parley.

That made me start thinking.

"They want to negotiate with me? Why? Do they want their cars back but fear I would kill them if they try? Those are mine now, and I don't think they are stupid enough to request them back, either. Is there another reason? Do they want help? Why? What would make them so desperate as to negotiate with the one they were chasing and destroyed their army less than two hours ago?"

I pondered on it, feeling confused and suspicious.

"Killing them now would be evil, and accepting the request is slightly risky... Should I ignore them?" - I thought.

But then, something even more unexpected happened. The guy holding the flag courageously walked over, unarmed, stepping closer and closer to the Kin Field.

That impressed me... And also told me just how desperate they are.

Reaching that conclusion, I turned to Lord Arnerd.

"Lord Arnerd! The human wishes to parley. Please don't attack him." - I said.

"Hm... Very well. But, if it attempts any hostile act, he is dead." - Lord Arnerd replied.

I nodded and transmitted to all the Kin at the border.

"Do not attack the Human unless he attacks first." - I said.

Slowly, the human reached about 30m from the edge of the Kin field and stuck his flag to the ground.

And then, he spoke.

"Ascended, please listen to my selfish request, my people need your help!"