Re: Evolution Online

"This sounds like mere gibberish," the monk was quick to retort. "I could come up with something better!"

"I hate to admit it, but I agree with this idiot," Alex chimed in, unconvinced. "Are you just spouting nonsense to buy more time?"

Caden winced at their skepticism. He couldn't believe that his words were being doubted even by people like them.

"Mr. Liam," he turned to address the leader directly, disregarding the underlings. "Do you also doubt my words?"

Liam met his question with an indifferent gaze. He was more concerned about unraveling the meaning behind the cryptic statement. "Your words lack clarity."

"I've already told you. I need more time."

"I knew it!" Alex chimed in immediately. "You're just saying random rubbish to buy yourself more time. It means nothing, Liam!"

Standing beside her, the monk nodded vehemently. The two of them suddenly found themselves on the same side, relentlessly taunting the poor man who was outnumbered.

Meanwhile, Liam ignored their remarks as he pondered the implications of Caden's prediction. "Helping, huh? Could it mean that I have to assist others?"

"Yes! Yes! That's certainly one way to interpret it. I would also view it in the same light," the oracle hastily added, earning knowing glances from Alex and the monk.

Fortunately, Liam came to his rescue and herded the group back onto the white fox. "Let's return to the guild base."

A few hours later, as Luna circled back to their home base, Liam made a trip to the magic shop after dismissing the other three.

The Oracle's words continued to weigh on his mind. However, he felt the need to attend to some urgent preparations, especially after witnessing the outcome of their recent excursion.

"May I have a look?" Liam approached one of the fairies manning the front desk.

The fairy bowed respectfully, and in the next instant, a system interface appeared before Liam. Surprisingly, this interface did not display a list of skills, items, or recipes. Instead, it presented a catalog of techniques.

Liam had been eager to explore this catalog for some time now, and he was no longer willing to delay it any further. Besides, he now possessed a decent number of mana cores to invest in.

Liam perused the list, carefully considering each available option. There were fighting techniques, different body strengthening techniques, mana core formation techniques, and under it all… there was what he was looking for.

Mana pathway techniques.

Liam hurriedly browsed the available ones, and after much contemplation, he made his decision.

"Hmm?" Liam's choice even bewildered the fairy at the desk. "Are you certain, Mr. Liam?" The fairy blinked in surprise.

Liam nodded and completed the payment for three mana pathway techniques. Fortunately, the store was still offering a discount, leaving him with more to spend.

The moment the transaction was finalized and the mana cores were deposited, Liam felt a surge of information flooding his mind.

Typically, such an influx of knowledge would cause discomfort, but Liam remained indifferent, to the fairy's surprise.

"Your mental fortitude remains unwavering," another voice echoed the fairy's thoughts. Tilia emerged from the manager's room, her signature smile gracing her face as she greeted Liam.

"It's nothing much," Liam responded with a friendly nod. He was surprised to see that Tilia still maintained her amicable demeanor.

"Your purchases are also quite intriguing," Tilia continued to smile. "However, instead of merely training these techniques in your bedroom, might I suggest something else?"

Liam opened his mouth to respond when another individual abruptly interrupted their conversation. "I told you she was ready. You should put it in her already."

Liam's expression immediately darkened. He watched as the dragon woman barged in, standing beside him, inwardly hoping that Tilia hadn't caught onto the true meaning behind her words.

Liam understood all too well what the woman was implying.

Suppressing his annoyance, he addressed the dragon woman with a stern gaze. "Did you find out anything?"

The draconian princess, undeterred by Liam's reaction, crossed her arms and smirked mischievously. "Nope. Nothing."

Liam let out a long-suffering breath and turned his attention back to Tilia, determined to steer the conversation away from the dragon woman's provocations. "What do you suggest, Tilia?"

Tilia's smile remained unchanged, her eyes glinting with a hint of intrigue as she looked between the two people standing. She then continued.

"We have a special chamber that can enhance the assimilation of these techniques. It's designed to accelerate the learning process and optimize the absorption of mana."

Liam chuckled. "You mean mana gathering array?"

"Oh, so you already know about them. Of course. I should have expected this." Tilia smiled, guiding Liam toward the elevator. "Follow me, and I'll show you the way."

When Liam turned to say something to his partner in crime, he noticed that she was already tinkering with something on the purchase desk.

Now what could be someone like her searching for?

For a second, he felt the urge to walk over and take a look. But he decided against it as that was not even possible to begin with. Only the user and the store manager could probably see the system interface.

Liam turned back to the fairy and followed her. The two of them got onto the elevator and stepped out onto the second floor. Tilia gestured toward a large, ornate door at the far end.

"That's the one you are looking for. But I do have to warn you. The price for accessing that is very steep—100,000 mana cores for 1 hour. Unfortunately, your reputation only gives you access. I can't authorize any discount from my end."

"I understand," Liam answered.

However, for some reason, he seemed to be in a very good mood. Tilia watched as he walked into the room without saying anything else. He even deposited the mana cores required and stepped in.

"100,000 mana cores is nothing for him?" Tilia was perplexed.

She knew that Liam was rich as he probably hoarded all the isons for himself. But he still shouldn't be so pleased with this rate? Why was he this happy?