Chapter 200 - Earlier Than Expected

"So I'm not being pranked by a Dragon, huh… I really spoke with the Tree of Life's consciousness which is the dead Dragon."

Cyril nodded as he allowed the Demon to continue with his words.

"That's correct, Contractor. So yes, the voice is telling you the truth. You have to sacrifice your Artifacts and depending on the power contained within these Artifacts, the higher the number of fruits you will get from the Tree. I also do not sense any hostility from the voice so it should be safe to assume that this is not a prank or a test made up by the Dragon to weaken you."

As expected, Xagan realized what he was worried about this.

After all, if he really sacrificed most of his Artifacts, it means that he will weaken as well and there is a chance that he would no longer be a match against a Dragon.

If that was the case, it is the perfect opportunity for the Sand and Sea Dragon to eliminate him.

"Thank you, Xagan… Since that's the case, I don't have to hesitate anymore."

Since the Demon confirmed that the voice's statement was real, Cyril took out several Artifacts from his Dimensional Storage Space.

The Dragons probably didn't expect that he will have so many Artifacts with him so he will take this as an opportunity.

"Wait, how should I sacrifice the Artifacts?"

Cyril asked.

Luckily, the voice continued giving him instructions and was told to just let the Artifacts touch any part of the tree.

Cyril acknowledged the instruction and found a nearby rock to sit on.

Well, the Tree's large roots are everywhere so Cyril no longer needs to stay beside the trunk.

He then organized his Artifacts to be sacrificed. It took him about half an hour to do this since he has to think carefully before giving them up.

The lowest set of Artifacts that he has is some of his Rank-E Artifacts. Cyril no longer counted how many each of them and just sacrificed the items if they're not Rank-A Artifacts.

Rank-E Goblin Grenades

Rank-E Goblin Muskets

Rank-D Goblin Daggers

Rank-D Goblin Mage's Staff

Rank-D Goblin Pickaxe

Rank-D Skeletal Mage Staff

Rank-C Shaman's Glove

Rank-C Quiver of Enchanted Arrows

Rank-B Centaur Long Swords

Rank-B Centaur Long Bows

Rank-B Giant Wraith Sword

Rank-B Lich Robe

Rank-B Elemental Lich Staff

Rank-B Bone Helmet

Rank-B Bone Necklace

Rank-B Bone Spear

Rank-B Clawed Gauntlet

These are the Rank E to Rank B Artifacts that Cyril had no problems separating with. These items may be sold for a lot of money and can be used in an emergency but with the existence of the Demon Servants, Cyril knows that finding a chance to use these things would get harder and harder.

Nevertheless, Cyril felt that this was still not enough. He needed to show his sincerity about this. He wanted to get many Fruit of Life from the Tree with this chance given to him. After all, he might no longer have another chance to do this, or perhaps there's a rule that this can only be done once. This is why he needed to settle everything now.

In the end, he decided to give up his Rank-A Artifacts as well after carefully thinking. As long as he has enough things to protect him, he shouldn't be worried about being weakened a lot.

Rank-A Elemental Magic Crystal Ball

Rank-A Doom Knight's Skull

Rank-A Death Knight Commander's Left Glove

Rank-A Lycan's Leather Armor

Rank-A Elven's Ironbark Folding Shield

These are the Rank-A he had to give up.

In truth, Cyril was hesitant to give up the Doom Knight's Skull since he thought that it has a powerful ability and will be very useful against the Abyssal Beasts in the future.

Possessing the body of a Doom Knight is something that is very unique after all. He had never seen any other Artifacts with such an ability.

However, if he thinks that its sacrifice can extend his life, Cyril felt a little better… He decided to give it up as well in the hopes of getting more fruits he could eat to hopefully extend his life.

Right now, he only has a few Artifacts left with him.

Rank-S Modified Elven's Light Armor

Rank-S Conqueror Staff

Rank-A Appraiser Book

Rank-A Spatial Bag

Rank-A Magi's Robe

Rank-A Doom Knight's Incomplete Black Sword

Rank-A Transcendent Shoes

Rank-A Identity Shroud Mask

These are the only Artifacts Cyril has. As for his Pixie's Lucky Token, it was actually left behind in his room as he was afraid of using it repeatedly and it might get destroyed by his aura.

After confirming that he had given up everything he could give, Cyril spoke to the mysterious voice.

"This is everything… Isn't that enough?"

Cyril said as he looked above.

The Tree of Life was so huge and its height should reach over 200 or perhaps 300 meters.

"You have shown your sincerity and supplied enough Arcane Energy to the Tree of Life. However, it takes time for the Tree to use this energy to ripen the fruits above."

The voice explained. However, Cyril didn't feel cheated at all. After all, he's seeing the Tree glow beautifully right now as if all the nutrients from the Artifacts are being sent to the top of the tree.

"How long will it take?" Cyril calmly asked.

The event here should've been noticed by the Demon Servants already. He can only hope that they won't do something stupid like provoking the Dragons without his permission.

"Five days, young man… That should be enough for the Tree to convert all the Energy you gave."

"Five days… I should have a good result, right? How many Fruits of Life will I get in return?"

Cyril asked.

"I don't know. This is the first time someone wanted to take a fruit from me. You're the first human who managed to approach the tree so be grateful about it."

The voice of the Tree of Life echoed to his ears before becoming silent again.

"Alright… I will patiently wait here."

Cyril also brought a bunch of food supplies with him so he's not worried about staying here for long. Aside from that, this place looks peaceful and has fresh air. There are even some palm trees around and drinkable water…

In the end, Cyril thought of just practicing Melody's Spear Art in this place.

Although he has already practiced enough with her, he still needed to be able to utilize the Aura Technique without using a spear. It is, of course, harder and requires great precision or else, he would just hurt himself while practicing.

"Hmm… I wonder what Melody is doing right now…"

Cyril muttered as he closed his eyes to concentrate.

***

While Cyril was inside the Dragon World, Bonnie was relaxing in the house and watching the news on the TV.

Because of her recent successes in creating a better Healing Potion, she decided to take her deserved rest and let her employees do their jobs at the Store without getting pressured.

Now that they have a connection to the Merchant Union. They no longer have to be bothered about not having enough customers since the Union can provide it to them using their connection to the whole continent.

As a matter of fact, they even have to limit their sales to avoid large organizations from bulk buying and reselling their product for a higher price.

Bonnie didn't think of this at first but was reminded by Vanessa so they could slowly create a prestigious brand under the store's name.

"We should make your shop exclusive and limit your customers… I have a proposal…" This is Vanessa's words as she spoke to Bonnie about her business plan to make their Timeless Store known.

In truth, Bonnie and Cyril didn't really mind whether their store will be famous or not. They just want enough supply of money coming into their pockets to survive.

However, because of Vanessa's enthusiasm and kindness, they have decided to allow her to continue with it.

Anyway, Cyril also trusts this young lady since he's aware of her future endeavors and how she would be a very successful woman in this country. She would become very influential later known and would no longer just be known as the President's Daughter.

"Eh?"

As Bonnie was watching the TV, she was greatly shocked upon hearing a piece of disturbing news in a nearby city!

"Vampires! Vampires everywhere! We are here live at Flushdenn City just 40 minutes away from the Capital! The Vampires that should only exist in the Arcane World have suddenly started pouring out after a huge explosion inside the Saint Torida Clan's Headquarters and creating chaos! Aaacckk! They're here! Help! Aaa---"

The live feed was cut off as the reporter had probably died from that attack.

"This…"

Bonnie stood up from her seat and covered her mouth in shock.

She wanted to know whether this was just a prank but it doesn't seem so. She changed the channel and even checked online and confirmed that it's really happening!

This is the Vampire Outbreak!

***

End of Volume 1