Chapter 129 – A Peculiar Style of Ability

Snap—

Crackle~!

The blue-violet luminous cocoon shimmering with faint starlight shattered abruptly at a certain moment.

A Slime shot skyward.

“I, Dolai, am invincible—!”

Bouncing mid-air, Dolai glanced at its round, plump body and the nearly empty energy reserves inside—like a vast lake reduced to mere droplets—and fell into deep thought.

Where is my power?

Where is my so, so, so abundant power?!

Dolai flopped to the ground with a splat, resembling a flattened glutinous rice ball, its chubby face losing all luster.

It had thought itself invincible.

Without invincible power and without getting to eat charcoal-grilled Lava Dragon, what had it fought so desperately for? Oh, right—it was a trial.

It seemed it had already become a Hero?

Dolai bounced up again, half-revived.

It now existed in its Slime form, its jelly-like body surface shimmering with faint, starry brilliance, though the hue was deeper than before, exuding a subtle sense of mystery while retaining its usual harmless appearance.

The only difference was a medal perched on the right side of Dolai’s head, hanging there like a hat.

「Dolai (Hero)」

「Rank: First Tier, Level 8」

「Strategic Skill: Limitless Devour」

「Hero Talent: Savor the Flavor」

「Hero Aura (Level 2): Attack Level 2, Defense Level 2, Energy Cap +20%, Elemental Power +20%」 (After Deadbone’s class breakthrough, the Hero Aura naturally upgraded from Level 1 to Level 2.)

——

「Limitless Devour: When using this strategic skill, Dolai can massively increase its own energy level in a short time by devouring extensively, wielding power far beyond its current rank. The extent of enhancement and duration depend on what is devoured. After the skill ends, Hero Dolai’s energy level gains a small permanent boost.」

「Note: Using this skill requires a large amount of Soul Sand to minimize the physical strain from Limitless Devour. If specific Treasures are devoured, the effect is even better.」

“Limitless Devour!”

“Isn’t this just a limited youth edition of ‘Trial Dolai’!”

Lord Mu’s expression turned slightly peculiar.

If he recalled correctly, the Xuan Nation’s records described strategic skills as—abilities capable of swaying the tide of war, characterized by wide coverage and affecting large numbers.

Dolai’s strategic skill only targeted itself.

Its style was completely different from others.

Truly fitting for you, Dolai.

“Gurgle~!”

Dolai tried to raise its head proudly—oh, it couldn’t actually lift its neck at the moment—so it extended a pair of hands instead, striking a Slime pose with hands on hips.

To be fair, with Limitless Devour drastically boosting its energy level, combined with killer moves like ‘Blazing Sun’s Flame’ and ‘Resplendent Heavenly Thunder,’ Dolai indeed had the potential to influence the outcome of a battle.

Once it leveled up a few more times—or even a dozen—shattering mountains, severing rivers, and altering terrain would be well within its reach.

As for Dolai’s Hero talent… well… it was also… quite unique.

「Savor the Flavor: Units under Dolai’s command gain increased absorption efficiency for various Treasures and Materials, and their maximum Soul Sand absorption limit is raised. When Dolai hosts a feast, the more attendees under its command, the greater Dolai’s Devour conversion efficiency becomes.」

At first glance, the skill description seemed unremarkable and a bit odd.

But upon closer reflection, one would realize…”This Hero talent doesn’t enhance combat power at all, yet it’s a divine-grade support talent!”

When troops consume Replenishing Fruits, they can increase their energy limit by +3. But if amplified by Dolai’s talent, the energy limit increase might become +4.

The benefit of improving cultivation efficiency is even more exceptional.

Mu Yuan could only say that Dolai’s abilities leaned toward a peculiar style, but he absolutely couldn’t call them useless—this was a divine skill indeed.

Naturally, like Deadbone, Dolai, who cleared the trial with a ‘Perfect’ rating, also obtained a unique upgradable weapon of its own.

It was the badge worn on its head, resembling a hat.

「Shapeshifting Badge」

「Category: Special Hero Equipment」

「Abilities: Possesses characteristics including Advanced Sharpness, Advanced Tenacity, Advanced Resistance, and Advanced Defense, while moderately boosting the wielder’s physique, spirit, and energy. Additionally, the Shapeshifting Badge can transform into forms such as ‘Warhammer,’ ‘Staff,’ ‘Robe,’ ‘Boots,’ ‘Wings,’ etc., each form granting different abilities. When fused with the wielder’s unique power, the Shapeshifting Badge can also extend specific effects.」

「Shapeshifting · Staff Form: Moderately increases chanting speed and elemental destructive power.」

「Shapeshifting · Wings Form: Significantly increases flight speed.」

「Shapeshifting · Robe Form: Generates an energy shield.」

「Further applications await exploration by the user.」

「Note: The Shapeshifting Badge is a compatible equipment for ‘Hero · Dolai.’ It can return to Dolai upon its mental command and has potential for upgrades.」

Dolai was already having a blast.

At times, it transformed the badge into wings; at others, it threw it like a boomerang, catching it as it spun back.

It could even morph the badge into a Large Slime, facing it eye-to-eye, both gurgling in unison.

In this regard, Dolai always seemed exceptionally gifted.

“Let me tell you, back then, this Dolai fought from the west to the east of the Great Wild Forest without even blinking, sweeping through unbeaten all the way. In the end, I even electrocuted a Lava Dragon this big into a charred crisp.”

It vividly recounted the story to Lu Liu, Red Robe, and others.

Under the guise of mentoring juniors, it was actually boasting about its glorious achievements.

After hearing this, Deadbone was also stunned.

Was his imagination so limited and constrained?

The Undead General fell into deep contemplation for the second time that day.

……

Dolai’s promotion to Hero meant that, like Deadbone, it could wield some of the territory’s authority and handle many territorial affairs on his behalf.

But Dolai handling affairs? That would be a disaster.

At most, it used its Hero authority to control the Thundercoil Towers, giving itself a few electric light baths.

Currently, the Tianyuan generals and soldiers on expeditions were assigned under Deadbone, benefiting from his aura and strategic talents.

Those on standby at home were placed under Dolai, enjoying the amplification of the ‘Big Eater’ talent.

One for combat, one for support—quite perfect.

……

Though the small Tianyuan Territory now possessed two Heroes, this was no cause for pride. Both Dolai and Deadbone were still far too weak.

Their strength was insufficient.

Mu Yuan still dared not venture into the ‘just around the corner’ Underground Ancient City, fearing unforeseen incidents. The Tianyuan Territory’s ability to withstand accidents and risks remained very weak.

For now, they could only honestly lay low and develop steadily.He placed another order for a batch of Little Skeletons, Slimes, Militia, War Falcons, and Green Vine Snake Remnant Souls, then proceeded with his daily routine of browsing the forums to gather information.

The emergence of the Hero’s Token yesterday still held considerable popularity.

While some veteran Lords expressed envy, they also discussed the trial scenarios.

“Trial scenarios are completely random, but they can generally be summarized into just a few types.

“Conquest campaigns, city defense campaigns, escort missions, and so on.

“However, although they are random, the difficulty of each campaign is not entirely the same. Some trial campaigns are noticeably harder than others. If you happen to get one of these, there’s even a significant possibility of failure.”

Under the questioning of the newcomers, the veteran Lord paused and said, “The Dragon Slaying War, Nightmare City, Hell’s Gate… I just don’t understand why there are trials that are clearly more difficult than the others. Aren’t the trials of heaven and earth supposed to emphasize fairness the most?”

The Hero Trials were still too far away. What the newly promoted Lords looked forward to most was the upcoming Hero Festival, which would take place not too long from now.

“During the last Hero Festival, a commoner Lord successfully partnered with a Hero, which fully demonstrates that everyone has a chance.”

“However, I’ve heard that top-tier second-generation Lords like Wangba Territory and Thunder Territory have already set their sights on those Advanced Heroes. This includes second-generation Lords from the previous and earlier trials.”

“I have exclusive information on Advanced Heroes here. Don’t miss out if you’re passing by.”

“Information on 36 Advanced Heroes, absolutely confidential. Pay ‘1 Soul Crystal’ to download?”

No, no, no!

This was clearly a scam targeting newcomers. It wasn’t entirely fraudulent—the paid information would contain some useful content, or it would have been reported and banned long ago.

However, the useful content wouldn’t be substantial. It was more reliable to spend that money purchasing information through official channels.

The information was divided into three tiers.

Basic information: Free.

Advanced information: Ranging from 1 to 5 Soul Crystals.

Top-tier information: 1000 Contribution Points or more!

「Holy Light High Priestess Windsor」

「Introduction: This Hero first appeared at the festival eighteen years ago. She possesses extraordinary Holy Light power, extensive knowledge, and the Hero talent of ‘transforming eligible individuals into the Nun Unit.’ Recruiting Holy Light High Priestess Windsor is equivalent to being able to continuously train Nun Units.」

「Drawback: Hero Windsor seems to possess the ability to see through people’s hearts. Only those who are pure and flawless have the possibility of recruiting this Hero.」

「Recruitment Difficulty: Extremely High」

「Detailed Information & Targeted Recruitment Intelligence: Please pay 1000 Contribution Points to purchase (Insufficient Balance).」

…

「Flowing Cloud Swordsman Yake」

「Introduction: This Hero has profound sword skills and possesses his own Sword Concept. His individual combat prowess is extremely strong. Under his command, the sword skills of his units can improve at a faster rate…」

「General Strategy: This Hero enjoys alcohol and discussing swordsmanship. Only those with exceptional sword skills have a chance to catch his attention.」

「Recruitment Difficulty: High」

「Intelligence Fee: 1500 Contribution Points」

…

「Amber Witch Rong Lin」

…

「Dragonhawk Knight Warhawk」

…

「Grand Archmage Blaise」

…

The official channels held a vast amount of information, all collected by various Lords during past Hero Festivals.

The more difficult it was to recruit a top-tier Hero, the more detailed the information available.

Some of the Hero information appeared as “gray (unavailable for purchase),” indicating that it had already been purchased by others and would not be sold again.”Hero recruitment is all about catering to their preferences. It’s said that some lords have been preparing for a year just to catch their ideal hero’s attention.”

Hmm… Mu Yuan stroked his chin. He would never do something like that.

To forge iron, one must be strong oneself. Hero recruitment doesn’t focus on combat power alone, but ultimately evaluates one’s overall capabilities.

Talent, territory, troop types, buildings, environment, subjects… it all boils down to these factors.

“Top second-generation heirs like those from Wangba Territory and Thunder Territory have probably already upgraded their territories to Rank 2 by now.”

Mu Yuan didn’t have the connections or financial resources of these second-generation heirs, but he didn’t want to fall behind either.

This wasn’t just because of the hero festival. After territory upgrades, numerous Miracle Buildings could also advance in rank, significantly boosting Tianyuan Territory’s power.

The heavenly blessings bestowed after upgrading would also allow Deadbone and Dolai, currently only at Houtian Rank 8, to rapidly advance to Elite rank.

However, Tianyuan Territory was still missing one condition.

Two chapters totaling six thousand words, no more QAQ

(End of Chapter)