The reason Taran thought that it was a good bargain was that the guild could use this ability. Krune can awaken a Spirit ten times faster than anyone. Depending on the situation, they can have him awaken some big shot's equipment who really wanted to have a Spirit awakened. In exchange, they could obtain some benefits here and there. Besides, they could continue to study his method and might be able to copy it in the future.
'Of course, Krune's actual cultivation level is too low, so he can only awaken low-level Equipment Spirits right now. We will need to invest more resources in him to get his cultivation going faster. His cultivation speed is already quite great too. Perhaps it was because it had been blocked by the Calamity Laws for so long that it got lost now. Maybe in a hundred or two hundred years from now, he'll already be in the God Core Realm.'
With that said, Taran got in contact with the headquarters and passed his idea. Sure enough, it was a good investment, so the headquarters also gave its consent for him to offer Krune that plan. Without wasting any time, Taran went to see Krune in his working room.
Krune was working on a Six Godly Fusion Stars Needle, quite a rare type of weapon. Still, it mattered little to him what it was. Of course, quite a few Spirit Awakeners were looking at him, trying to figure out the Calamity Laws. Taran then pondered for a bit and decided to call his attention nonetheless.
"Krune, we need to talk."
In an instant, the Calamity Laws around the Needle disappeared as everyone looked with unsatisfied expressions at Taran. Well, Taran was an elder of the headquarters, so they didn't complain.
"Oh, Senior Taran. Is there something you need from me?"
Taran nodded as he replied.
"Yes, come with me."
Krune nodded in response as he followed Taran to another room where they could talk privately.
"Are you willing to work for our Spirit Awakener Guild?"
Krune was puzzled by that question, asking in response.
"But I'm already doing just that, no?"
"No, that's not it. Our Spirit Awakener Guild Headquarters wants to become your backer. In exchange, you will work on the pieces of equipment we tell you to do so. This is an incredibly lucrative opportunity for you. That's because the headquarters is willing to support your cultivation to the best of our abilities. After all, once your cultivation becomes high enough, you will be able to awaken much higher-level Equipment Spirits. The fact that you can keep a 1% success rate will be of great help for us as well."
Krune was surprised to hear that. Full support towards his cultivation. That meant he wouldn't need to be afraid of running out of God Stones anytime soon. However, not everything was perfect.
"It is indeed a good offer. However, I won't be able to accept. I intend to travel around the God Realm at some point, so being confined in the Spirit Awakener Guild's Headquarters won't work for me."
Taran was taken aback by that.
"Travel around the God Realm? Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? Not every continent is as peaceful as our continent. Some places won't allow any outsiders and kill them straight away. There are other zones where everything seems fine, but it might just be a figment of your imagination. You won't be able to tell that you got into a life-and-death situation until it's too late. Even so, this is just the tip of the iceberg. I strongly recommend that you don't leave the Zamuria Continent anytime soon. At least not before you can at least fly."
Krune didn't expect the situation to be that serious.
"Is it that bad?"
Taran nodded in response. He wasn't trying to trick Krune into staying.
"If you don't believe me, you can wait until you can go to the Zamuria Empire's Capital and buy information there. They have quite a good deal of information available there regarding the hundred or so closest continents and the sea races' territories. From these hundred, at least half of them would be difficult for you to survive in."
Krune couldn't help but ask.
"But isn't that necessary as well? After all, you can't just cultivate throughout your whole life. Without battles, how can you get used to your power, cultivation, and laws? Your cultivation will become stagnant at some point if you only do that."
Taran noticed that he had spoken wrongly, rephrasing his words as he said.
"Oh, you misunderstand. I'm not saying that our Zamuria Continent is completely safe. What I meant was that Zamuria is quite peaceful if you compare it to most of the continents around. We still have our own danger zones, bandits, sect battles, clan fights, wars, demon beast regions, etc. There's no lack of places for you to go out and get the experience you need. It's just that you at least know where most of the problematic areas are located, so you can avoid them if you wish to do so."
Krune had to admit that it was good. That was basically the same as the Makui Planet where he was born. There, there were several danger zones and similar places that everyone knew where they were located. It was then that Krune thought about something.
"Wait! Demon beast regions? All demon beasts are just as intelligent as any human, no? They can even take their human form at any moment they desire. Why would demon beast regions be dangerous?"
Krune was right. In the God Realm, a demon beast could already take its human form as long as it was old enough to think about it. Their intelligence was also the same as humans, born with baby-like intellect, becoming smarter as they got older. After all, everyone in the God Realm was already born in the 9th Stage of the Mortal Rejection Realm.
Taran was told that Krune didn't know much about the God Realm from Dima before, so he didn't find it weird that Krune didn't know this much. They thought that because Krune had spent most of his life at the 1st Stage of the Mortal Rejection Realm, he was afraid of going out to know more. Of course, that was a lie that Krune came up with and that they didn't doubt. After all, no one should be able to ascend while being in the Mortal Rejection Realm. Naturally, such a thought never passed by Dima and Taran's mind.
'Probably that's why he wants to travel the God Realm right now. He had always been confined due to his cultivation. Now that he can cultivate, he wants to see everything for himself. However, this is naive, too naive.'
Taran then explained.
"Of course, demon beasts are as intelligent as any human. Well, some take much longer or much less to grow up. However, it matters little. It's not because they have similar intelligence to humans that they want to live with us. There's no lack of races who prefer to adhere to their culture and keep themselves isolated in their territories. You can even find a few demon beast cities where only demon beasts are allowed entry. Well, there are also human cities that only allow humans, so we really can't say anything."
"In any case, those who are more territorial won't allow anyone else inside their region, even other species of demon beasts. You can check these things later if you want to."
"That's not all. Everyone knows that battles are necessary if you want to cultivate faster. That being said, there are some regions where you can go and fight. Feel free to use those places as you like."
Taran then took in a deep breath as he continued.
"Anyway, you have everything you need to cultivate here in the Zamuria Continent. In fact, you don't even need to leave our Sector for that. For example, just 23 thousand kilometers from here, you have the Four Sectors' border trade routes where many merchants and travelers pass through. That region is enormous, so it's almost impossible for the Four Sectors to watch over that area."
"That being said, bandits who want to earn quick money are stationed everywhere there. It's quite common for caravans to be attacked there if they don't have enough warriors to defend. You could go there and follow smaller caravans. Although the chances of being attacked by bandits are low due to the size of the area, you will eventually find some of them. Some cultivators and demon beasts like to go there to fight against the bandits for the sake of training. Or perhaps they prefer to enter the bandits' groups for the same reason."
Krune pondered for a bit before asking.
"Wouldn't allowing me to go to such a place be risky for your Spirit Awakener Guild Headquarters? After all, I might die there, you know? If that happens, all your investment will go to the drain."
Taran shrugged his shoulders as he replied.
"Obviously, we will give you some life-saving treasures before you go out. Then again, even if you die, it won't be that big of a deal. Sure, your 1% average success rate is amazing. However, you're far from enough to shake the Spirit Awakener Guild's foundation. At most, we would have lost some resources. The situation will simply go back to what it was, which isn't bad either. Remember, you're just a single Spirit Awakener. There's a limit to what you can do, even if you're ten or more times faster."
"Of course, we can't allow you to go to other continents while you work for us since we need your abilities. So, what do you say?"
Krune pondered for a bit before saying.
"I have a condition."
The reason Taran thought that it was a good bargain was that the guild could use this ability. Krune can awaken a Spirit ten times faster than anyone. Depending on the situation, they can have him awaken some big shot's equipment who really wanted to have a Spirit awakened. In exchange, they could obtain some benefits here and there. Besides, they could continue to study his method and might be able to copy it in the future.
'Of course, Krune's actual cultivation level is too low, so he can only awaken low-level Equipment Spirits right now. We will need to invest more resources in him to get his cultivation going faster. His cultivation speed is already quite great too. Perhaps it was because it had been blocked by the Calamity Laws for so long that it got lost now. Maybe in a hundred or two hundred years from now, he'll already be in the God Core Realm.'
With that said, Taran got in contact with the headquarters and passed his idea. Sure enough, it was a good investment, so the headquarters also gave its consent for him to offer Krune that plan. Without wasting any time, Taran went to see Krune in his working room.
Krune was working on a Six Godly Fusion Stars Needle, quite a rare type of weapon. Still, it mattered little to him what it was. Of course, quite a few Spirit Awakeners were looking at him, trying to figure out the Calamity Laws. Taran then pondered for a bit and decided to call his attention nonetheless.
"Krune, we need to talk."
In an instant, the Calamity Laws around the Needle disappeared as everyone looked with unsatisfied expressions at Taran. Well, Taran was an elder of the headquarters, so they didn't complain.
"Oh, Senior Taran. Is there something you need from me?"
Taran nodded as he replied.
"Yes, come with me."
Krune nodded in response as he followed Taran to another room where they could talk privately.
"Are you willing to work for our Spirit Awakener Guild?"
Krune was puzzled by that question, asking in response.
"But I'm already doing just that, no?"
"No, that's not it. Our Spirit Awakener Guild Headquarters wants to become your backer. In exchange, you will work on the pieces of equipment we tell you to do so. This is an incredibly lucrative opportunity for you. That's because the headquarters is willing to support your cultivation to the best of our abilities. After all, once your cultivation becomes high enough, you will be able to awaken much higher-level Equipment Spirits. The fact that you can keep a 1% success rate will be of great help for us as well."
Krune was surprised to hear that. Full support towards his cultivation. That meant he wouldn't need to be afraid of running out of God Stones anytime soon. However, not everything was perfect.
"It is indeed a good offer. However, I won't be able to accept. I intend to travel around the God Realm at some point, so being confined in the Spirit Awakener Guild's Headquarters won't work for me."
Taran was taken aback by that.
"Travel around the God Realm? Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? Not every continent is as peaceful as our continent. Some places won't allow any outsiders and kill them straight away. There are other zones where everything seems fine, but it might just be a figment of your imagination. You won't be able to tell that you got into a life-and-death situation until it's too late. Even so, this is just the tip of the iceberg. I strongly recommend that you don't leave the Zamuria Continent anytime soon. At least not before you can at least fly."
Krune didn't expect the situation to be that serious.
"Is it that bad?"
Taran nodded in response. He wasn't trying to trick Krune into staying.
"If you don't believe me, you can wait until you can go to the Zamuria Empire's Capital and buy information there. They have quite a good deal of information available there regarding the hundred or so closest continents and the sea races' territories. From these hundred, at least half of them would be difficult for you to survive in."
Krune couldn't help but ask.
"But isn't that necessary as well? After all, you can't just cultivate throughout your whole life. Without battles, how can you get used to your power, cultivation, and laws? Your cultivation will become stagnant at some point if you only do that."
Taran noticed that he had spoken wrongly, rephrasing his words as he said.
"Oh, you misunderstand. I'm not saying that our Zamuria Continent is completely safe. What I meant was that Zamuria is quite peaceful if you compare it to most of the continents around. We still have our own danger zones, bandits, sect battles, clan fights, wars, demon beast regions, etc. There's no lack of places for you to go out and get the experience you need. It's just that you at least know where most of the problematic areas are located, so you can avoid them if you wish to do so."
Krune had to admit that it was good. That was basically the same as the Makui Planet where he was born. There, there were several danger zones and similar places that everyone knew where they were located. It was then that Krune thought about something.
"Wait! Demon beast regions? All demon beasts are just as intelligent as any human, no? They can even take their human form at any moment they desire. Why would demon beast regions be dangerous?"
Krune was right. In the God Realm, a demon beast could already take its human form as long as it was old enough to think about it. Their intelligence was also the same as humans, born with baby-like intellect, becoming smarter as they got older. After all, everyone in the God Realm was already born in the 9th Stage of the Mortal Rejection Realm.
Taran was told that Krune didn't know much about the God Realm from Dima before, so he didn't find it weird that Krune didn't know this much. They thought that because Krune had spent most of his life at the 1st Stage of the Mortal Rejection Realm, he was afraid of going out to know more. Of course, that was a lie that Krune came up with and that they didn't doubt. After all, no one should be able to ascend while being in the Mortal Rejection Realm. Naturally, such a thought never passed by Dima and Taran's mind.
'Probably that's why he wants to travel the God Realm right now. He had always been confined due to his cultivation. Now that he can cultivate, he wants to see everything for himself. However, this is naive, too naive.'
Taran then explained.
"Of course, demon beasts are as intelligent as any human. Well, some take much longer or much less to grow up. However, it matters little. It's not because they have similar intelligence to humans that they want to live with us. There's no lack of races who prefer to adhere to their culture and keep themselves isolated in their territories. You can even find a few demon beast cities where only demon beasts are allowed entry. Well, there are also human cities that only allow humans, so we really can't say anything."
"In any case, those who are more territorial won't allow anyone else inside their region, even other species of demon beasts. You can check these things later if you want to."
"That's not all. Everyone knows that battles are necessary if you want to cultivate faster. That being said, there are some regions where you can go and fight. Feel free to use those places as you like."
Taran then took in a deep breath as he continued.
"Anyway, you have everything you need to cultivate here in the Zamuria Continent. In fact, you don't even need to leave our Sector for that. For example, just 23 thousand kilometers from here, you have the Four Sectors' border trade routes where many merchants and travelers pass through. That region is enormous, so it's almost impossible for the Four Sectors to watch over that area."
"That being said, bandits who want to earn quick money are stationed everywhere there. It's quite common for caravans to be attacked there if they don't have enough warriors to defend. You could go there and follow smaller caravans. Although the chances of being attacked by bandits are low due to the size of the area, you will eventually find some of them. Some cultivators and demon beasts like to go there to fight against the bandits for the sake of training. Or perhaps they prefer to enter the bandits' groups for the same reason."
Krune pondered for a bit before asking.
"Wouldn't allowing me to go to such a place be risky for your Spirit Awakener Guild Headquarters? After all, I might die there, you know? If that happens, all your investment will go to the drain."
Taran shrugged his shoulders as he replied.
"Obviously, we will give you some life-saving treasures before you go out. Then again, even if you die, it won't be that big of a deal. Sure, your 1% average success rate is amazing. However, you're far from enough to shake the Spirit Awakener Guild's foundation. At most, we would have lost some resources. The situation will simply go back to what it was, which isn't bad either. Remember, you're just a single Spirit Awakener. There's a limit to what you can do, even if you're ten or more times faster."
"Of course, we can't allow you to go to other continents while you work for us since we need your abilities. So, what do you say?"
Krune pondered for a bit before saying.
"I have a condition."
