Chapter 145: Reward, a Difficult Choice

I don't know what that means.

The owner of the huge golden eyes gave a light sneer.

The irresistible power of the rules descended.

The God Slayer's figure, risen to mid‑air, froze instantly; its pure black wings fell away, its jade‑white bones turning to dry bones, and it completely lost consciousness.

The gap was so great, it was like their relative positions and their sizes.

One was in the heavens, the other on the earth.

One was a towering giant that reached the heavens, the other a lowly ant.

The next second, the God Slayer who had not been killed appeared in a circular tomb chamber and fell into a deep sleep.

Continue to accompany his daughter in eternal sleep.

The insectoid god died, unable to die again.

The world origin, after being roasted and having all deathly aura expelled, was absorbed.

Dust returns to dust, earth returns to earth.

The stolen source power was returned to its original owner.

The owner of the golden eyes did not disdain killing the God Slayer who dared to resist and fight him.

But there was another reason.

A world has two sides, black and white.

Usually, black and white are opposed and incompatible.

The insectoid god is pure black, the cancer of the world, a blood‑sucking worm, all negativity, the darkness of the world origin.

There also exist special circumstances.

For example, the God Slayer.

The jade‑white bones are his essence, the pure black wings the source of his power.

Within white there is black, within black there is white.

He is both the world's light and possesses the world's darkness.

To fully preserve the world origin, an anchor point is needed.

Select one from between the insectoid god and the God Slayer to retain.

Compared to the God Slayer who dared to resist and fight, the owner of the golden eyes chose to crush the insectoid god to death.

Not for any other reason, just because the insectoid is too disgusting!

He did not kill that bold, reckless ant of a God Slayer, but that does not mean he imposed no punishment.

The owner of the golden eyes stripped the God Slayer of his source of power and fused it into the world origin.

"All the dead plants and animals of the world" also turned entirely into vital essence, supplemented into the world origin, becoming nutrients.

The world origin, originally the size of a fist and dim and lightless, after being roasted by the "karmic fire," recovering source power, and replenishing vital essence, underwent a qualitative change.

It shrank to the size of a thumb, yet a vibrant "seed."

The rivers, lakes, mountains, flora of the deficient world were each placed into the "seed."

Like a mustard seed containing Mount Sumeru.

Afterwards, under the effect of the rules,

All matter, except where the God Slayer and his daughter's coffin lie, turned into energy and was absorbed one by one by the "seed."

Having received ample nourishment, the "seed" grew more vigorous, becoming ever rounder and fuller.

Yet its surface luster gradually dimmed, turning dull and gray, utterly unnoticeable.

Divine things conceal themselves.

"Go."

The owner of the huge golden eyes whispered the command.

The "seed" then flew toward an unknown place, soon disappearing from sight.

On the huge screen of the light gate's base, no image remained.

A vast expanse of white.

The comparative apprentices could no longer see the scene of the "world."

"The Two Districts Grand Comparison has ended."

All the comparative apprentices' wristwatches received a brief notice.

Afterward, the wristwatches turned into specks of starlight and vanished, leaving no trace.

The light gate then burst forth in a shower of splendid light.

It concealed everything nearby.

Not long after, the light dispersed.

All the light clusters on the base plaza were absorbed by the light gate, their destination unknown.

A towering existence, as huge as a galaxy, revealed its form and appeared near the light gate.

He wore a cloak like seven‑colored rosy clouds, the hood covering his cheeks, revealing only two golden eyes the size of planets.

If anyone dared to look closely, they would find that the pupils of both eyes were each a vortex‑shaped miniature star system.

The towering existence, though seeming slow, was actually swift as it raised its right hand.

With two fingers he pinched up the light gate and slipped it into his clothing pocket.

Just like pinching up a bean.

Afterward, the towering existence slowly turned, and the huge golden eyes, planet‑sized, shot out two golden beams.

Wherever the brilliant golden light reached, the void rippled with waves.

An equally huge being revealed its form.

Muscles bulging, naked all over, intricate black patterns covering the vital parts, preventing exposure.

Rat scum!

The golden-eyed owner snorted, then hid their form and disappeared.

Taking the world origin of a shattered small world under the very noses of the Gods' World is already enough.

This was itself an unexpected delight.

Delaying further would likely bring more rat scum to surround and attack.

Though unafraid, it's unnecessary.

……

Lin Ke found he had not returned to the plaza where the interworld transfer gate stood.

Instead, he came to a small space whose up, down, left, and right were all white light walls.

Alone.

He had no companions at his side.

Linke Grand.

A voice from somewhere began to recite in a mechanical, stiff tone.

Main Quest 1: Choose a Faction. Score: 84.

Main Quest 2: Faction Confrontation. Score: 82.

Main Quest 3: Save the World. Score: 91.

Side Quest 1: Investigate the Truth of Decay. Score: 76.

Side Quest 2: Draw the World Map. Score: 72.

Side Quest 3: Collect Water Samples, Analyze Components. Score: 78.

Side Quest 4: Collect Soil Samples, Analyze Components. Score: 78.

Side Quest 5: Prepare Plant Specimens. Score: 81.

Side Quest 6: Prepare Animal Specimens. Score: 79.

Side Quest 7: Sustainable Development Strategy. Score: 71.

Total Score: 792.

This score is neither low nor high.

Lin Ke felt it was quite reasonable.

Many things could have been done better, more meticulously.

If time were plentiful and the environment peaceful.

Unfortunately, there are no 'ifs'.

Lin Ke could only make trade-offs, seeking completeness over perfection.

Recalling the past few days' experiences, he couldn't help but sigh.

The freshman Two Districts Grand Comparison, a simulated 'interworld pioneering,' thus often sees accidents.

From small to large, one can see how high the difficulty and how complex the situation of true interworld pioneering are.

That voice continued reciting.

Total Ranking: First.

Rewards:

1. One-year exclusive use of a large comprehensive laboratory;

2. One use of an apprentice-level cultivation secret realm;

3. One school of innate witchcraft and its corresponding resources;

4. Additional rewards.

The more Lin Ke listened, the more delighted he became.

The rewards were surprisingly abundant.

Far more abundant than the rumors circulating on the forum during the autumn semester.

No wonder that even families as wealthy and powerful as the Clarks, or even more so than the Clark family, actively urge their members to excel in the Two Districts Grand Comparison to secure higher rankings.

Among the first three rewards, just the one-year exclusive use of a large comprehensive laboratory is enough for Lin Ke to recoup his expended rune items and witchcraft tools, with plenty to spare.

What is a large comprehensive laboratory?

It means Lin Ke can basically complete any experiment he wants to do there.

Whether botany, zoology, microbiology, pharmacology, alchemy, or destructive witchcraft experiments.

Only Lin Ke's abilities fall short, and without a laboratory nothing can be satisfied.

This will become a happy worry.

Because many high-end instruments are destined to gather dust.

The knowledge he lacks is truly too much.

The second reward: one use of an apprentice-level cultivation secret realm.

For Lin Ke, who has just been promoted to third-rank wizard apprentice, this is like sweet rain after a long drought.

According to Tina Witch's earlier saying, training once in the apprentice-level cultivation secret realm can raise one's mental and magical power to the critical point.

What does that mean?

Taking Lin Ke as an example, having just become a third-rank wizard apprentice a few days ago, his mental power is still 75.

The critical point of mental power for a third-rank wizard apprentice is 99.

Lin Ke only needs to return to the academy, then immediately enter the secret realm for training; upon exiting, he becomes a Peak Third Grade Wizard Apprentice.

As long as his knowledge reserves keep up, he can immediately attempt to inscribe the True Core Witchcraft.

After a while longer, once the True Core Witchcraft finishes remodeling his body and soul and his life essence undergoes a leap, he can consider advancing to Formal Wizard.

This is hardly just a simple secret realm training session.

This is a high-powered booster for cultivation progress!

Core Witchcraft and its corresponding resources need no further explanation.

Literally.

Lin Ke's only curiosity is which Core Witchcraft the academy will issue him.

From the fact that the academy assigns each Wizard Apprentice the most suitable Meditation Method,

This Core Witchcraft need not be the strongest among First Circle Witchcrafts, but it is certainly the best fit for Lin Ke's overall situation.

Lin Ke knows the academy has his complete file.

The wizards in charge of these matters likely understand him even better than Lin Ke himself.

So, he's merely curious; no need to be anxious, just wait quietly.

What interests Lin Ke most is the extra reward of the fourth option.

The unknown is what's most exciting, isn't it?

Perhaps it sensed Lin Ke's thoughts.

That voice sounded again: "Please choose your extra reward from the following options."

"One, Divine Power Essence Analysis;

"Two, Divine Rank Essence Analysis;

"Three, Divine Body Essence Analysis;

"Four, Divine Kingdom Defense Breakthrough Explanation;

"Five, one Dormant Unknown Seed."

Of the five rewards, four are related to Divine Essence.

Such knowledge is extremely hard to obtain.

Even the academy's "credits" may not be exchangeable for it.

Knowledge is power.

The more people who understand it, the more knowledge will spontaneously "come alive."

Within the Wizard World, deities might spontaneously arise,

or those who reach the end of the Wizard's Path might turn onto the Road to Divinity.

becoming a traitor to the Wizard World.

This has happened more than once in the history of the Wizard World.

Therefore, within the Wizard World, the dissemination of divine knowledge is subject to extremely strict restrictions.

Considering the hostile relationship between the Wizard World and the Gods' World, if Lin Ke could acquire such knowledge in advance, the benefits would be immense.

Later, when he goes to the frontline battlefield, enters the Myriad Heavens World, and clashes with the Gods' World, he won't end up blind as a bat.

One, two, three, four—these four options, no matter which is chosen, are sure to profit without loss.

But Lin Ke's gaze locks onto the fifth option: one Dormant Unknown Seed.

The extra reward, according to Lin Ke's guess, should not be a common reward.

It is very likely linked to the "world" of the Two Districts Grand Comparison.

Options one through four are good, and they also seem related to the "world."

After all, the "world" is also a world that once had lofty deities.

But it's not special enough.

Its connection to the "world" is merely weak.

Only the fifth option matches Lin Ke's deduction.

The unknown and the extra are a perfect match.

After some thought, Lin Ke decides to take a chance.

Give it a shot, and a bicycle becomes a motorcycle.

"I choose the fifth option: one Dormant Unknown Seed."

Lin Ke declared loudly, his tone firm.

"Is the choice confirmed?"

"Yes!"

As the voice fell, a dull, inconspicuous seed appeared before Lin Ke.

Lin Ke hesitated not, reaching out to take the seed and slip it into his pocket.

Putting it away for safety, right?

But then the voice sounded again.

"Linke Grand, the unknown seed you selected is actually the condensed world origin of a broken world, possessing certain growth potential and requiring further processing; you have the following options:"

"One, apply to the academy to sacrifice the seed's growth potential and refine it into a Space Storage Witchcraft Device;

"Two, apply to the academy to sacrifice the seed's growth potential and refine it into a Space-type Attack Witchcraft Device;

"Three, apply to the academy to sacrifice the seed's growth potential and refine it into a Space-type Defense Witchcraft Device;

"Four, apply to the academy to sacrifice the seed's growth potential and refine it into a Space-type Transmission Witchcraft Device;

"Five, preserve the seed's growth potential, invest substantial resources, and cultivate the seed."

Please make a decision within ten minutes.

After hearing a long string of prompts, Lin Ke's hand stopped in front of the "seed," and he froze.

It was another difficult multiple-choice question.

Each option was very tempting.

Whether it was a storage magical device, a space-type attack magical device, a space-type defense magical device, or a space-type transmission magical device, they were all treasures that wizards dreamed of.

Even if Lin Ke closed his eyes and picked one of those magical devices, he wouldn't lose out.

However, when the voice announced it, although the tone was mechanical and stiff, the wording was biased toward having Lin Ke choose the fifth option.

It kept emphasizing "growth potential"!

"Listen to advice, eat your fill."

After a difficult internal struggle, Lin Ke suppressed his strong desire to own a space-type magical device and made a decision.

"I choose the fifth option."

Lin Ke shouted loudly, his tone less firm than before.

"A wise choice."

The voice sounded again, its tone suddenly changed somewhat.

It seems the academy mage who has been controlling the direction of the Two Districts Grand Comparison and the distribution of rewards behind the scenes is very satisfied with Lin Ke's choice.

But before Lin Ke could feel delighted, relieved that he had made the right decision,

The evil multiple-choice question came again.

"Linke Grand, already inside your 'seed,' there are two independent life consciousnesses, with the potential to become 'spirits.' You have the following options:"

"One, erase the mature, defiant, rebellious and combative consciousness that could immediately help you;"

"Two, erase the immature, innocent, kind consciousness that would not help you for a long time and would instead require resources to nurture;"

"Three, erase both life consciousnesses and then cultivate a 'spirit' anew."

Lin Ke instantly fell into silence.

Given such a detailed and precise description, how could Lin Ke not guess the true identities of the two life consciousnesses?

Besides the God Slayers and the God Slayers' daughter, who else could it be?

The mature one is the God Slayers, the immature one is the God Slayers' daughter.

"Can we keep them all?"

After several hesitations, Lin Ke asked hopefully.

He was a bit greedy, wanting both.

"Impossible."

The voice refused Lin Ke's probe without hesitation and urged him on.

"Please make a choice."

Lin Ke took a deep breath, made his decision: "Please allow me to communicate with the other party."

"Okay."

At the core of the "seed."

The slumbering God Slayers consciousness awakened.

He raised his head, looked toward the "sky," and saw a pair of eyes with pure black pupils.

In an instant, the God Slayers understood everything.

The flickering, flame-lit hollow eye sockets locked gazes with the pure black eyes for a long time.

The proudly raised stubborn head lowered.

He lifted his pale, bony hands, interlaced his fingers, and placed them on his brow.

He earnestly prayed:

"Almighty and merciful Lord"

"Your humble servant begs You"

"Please grant Your grace"

"Please grant Your mercy"

"Please let me see my daughter again"

"Please let my daughter live forever in Your kingdom"

"Almighty and merciful Lord"

"Your humble servant begs You"

"Please grant Your mercy"

After the prayer, the God Slayers' head drooped.

Hoping.

Ah, it finally came out after all.

(End of chapter)