Xingtie: Can’t you just let me focus on completing the commissions?

In this universe, any civilization can be destroyed by a sudden catastrophe: the legions of omnics, the remnants of the insect king, the legions of destruction, the blessings of abundance. If one's luck is extremely bad, like Izumo and Takamagahara, they may be completely swallowed by a black sun. Even if the power of the entire universe is gathered, it may be difficult to pull them back to the real world from that void of shadow.

After the Pinocchio film set, even a four-person team in the game can create a hellish joke. Sand Gold is the last Evgeny, Yomi is the last Izumo, Firefly is the last Grammer Knight, and Potio is the last Apash. When the four of them stand in a team, anyone with a shred of morality would not dare to say anything to their family or relatives, because just opening their mouths would be crushed by guilt.

The Izumo Kingdom, the homeland of the Yellow Springs, swept through the entire Takamagahara. They were already considered a formidable civilization in interstellar space, but in the end, they encountered an IX and were reduced to nothingness and shadows.

Survival is by no means easy. Relying on others will only turn you into a living beast, a walking battery. Don't forget that seven hundred years ago, Yalilo VI still owed a huge debt to the Interstellar Peace Corporation.

If a civilization or nation does not take the initiative to wield its own power, then it is beyond redemption.

"Stepping onto the path of destiny is quite troublesome, and no one's success can be completely replicated. Why don't you try other systems?"

The group of people in the universe are not on the same level as the fragile group back home. Their average lifespan and vitality level are far beyond that of ordinary people. Even ordinary children of Hook's age seem to run at a level close to that of athletes. If they are at this average level, perhaps he could try to develop Nen. Maybe he could develop a meaningful Nen ability, and then his mastery of the Thief's Secrets would have room to be put to use.

"While the Thief's ultimate technique has been somewhat localized, it seems to have no effect on those who have embarked on the Path of Destiny. It can work on some non-Nen techniques, but it cannot steal the Path of Destiny itself. It's because the power of the Path of Destiny is actually in the hands of the 'Star God.' I wonder if the power of the Path of Destiny of the fallen Star God can be stolen."

"However, we should wait until another opportunity arises to study this matter. For now, let's find a few locals to test whether the opening of the energy channels can be achieved as desired."

Chapter 029: Who are you calling a loser? (1/4)

The threshold for acquiring Nen ability is actually not that high.

It's just a matter of judging a person's potential energy level based on their physical condition. Even if someone has a high potential energy level, they don't necessarily have an absolute advantage. After all, if someone has too much potential energy, their mental strength may not be able to control their vital energy during the opening process, and they will die from exhaustion.

However, people with too low potential energy cannot even reach the critical point of opening their energy channels, nor can they even touch that threshold. Even if they manage to cross that threshold by chance, their energy level is too low, making it impossible to develop and use their abilities, which would be of little use.

Even with certain selection criteria, Nen ability remains a widely applicable field. Unlike magic systems that require magic circuits or chakra systems that require chakra seeds, Nen only requires you to pass the test of opening holes and be able to control your energy to become a Nen user.

"Although Nen ability is not very meaningful to someone like Black Tower, it is a good path for those who have not yet embarked on their destiny."

For beings like the Black Tower, who have already reached the level of Commanders in their intellectual destiny, developing Nen abilities from scratch is not very meaningful. It would be better to spend their energy on researching other things rather than wasting it on that.

However, when Black Tower helped develop some abilities while on the space station, it mentioned that her body had completed self-opening, proving that the concept of "fine holes" actually exists.

“Natasha is probably the most suitable candidate, but... we still need to find a way to get her to entrust this matter to us.”

Making it clear that asking someone to entrust him with a task might allow that person to take advantage of him. He may be willing to take on tasks, but he has no intention of being someone else's servant.

Why was his well-behaved and adorable younger sister hunted down by Ainsworth's people for so many years? Wasn't it because the Child of God possessed the ability to grant wishes? Although he could later block others from making wishes and avoid being used directly as a wish-granting tool, this ability still existed, and he was still relentlessly pursued by Ainsworth's people.

Physical kidnapping is a form of kidnapping, but isn't moral kidnapping just as much?

Therefore, Mr. Emiya would never openly discuss his abilities in front of anyone. Even if others guessed something, he would not say it directly. Smart people always know how to maintain a proper balance, while fools... need not be considered.

Just as he was thinking about how to prompt Natasha to accept the mission, the leader of the Earthfire came to his door alone, presumably having already reached an agreement with his own organization.

“Mr. Emiya, we have made up our minds. We need that endless bag of rice, and we are determined to keep it in our hands.”

She was as straightforward and decisive as ever, which was very reassuring. After discussing it with Seele and Ogre, she had no more hesitation. Her pupils seemed to hold the power of a lion... Of course, this is not to call her a loser.

"We will do everything in our power to gather intelligence on the Star Core for you."

"However, I must make it clear to you that, compared to the Silvermane Iron Guards, our Earthfire members have no advantage whatsoever except that we also have a life."

"Therefore, besides the endless rice bags, we also need to buy other things from you..."

Upon hearing Natasha's words, Emiya remained silent for a moment before suddenly bursting into laughter and clapping his hands.

“Good, very good, excellent! Miss Natasha, I’m growing to like you more and more. It was definitely the right decision not to deal with that Great Guardian.”

"Smart people know what to ask of whom, while fools... always think they are the only smart people in the world."

"Therefore, please help us again. We need more than just food; we need... the knowledge and strength to survive in this world. We need to know the meaning and rules that you 'nameless guests' or 'city builders' represent in this universe."

You have received a new commission!

[Armed Force (Client: Natasha)]: Help the Earthfire Organization build an armed force, at least ensuring that the other party has a certain degree of self-sufficiency.

Rewards: 120 points + a limited-time random weapon gacha pool

Difficulty: One Star

[Logistics Requirements (Client: Natasha)]: Help the Earthfire Organization complete the accumulation of logistical forces, and at least ensure that they have enough food to feed 20,000 people for six months.

Rewards: 120 points + a limited-time random ingredient gacha pool

Difficulty: One Star

[Survival Conditions (Client: Natasha)]: Help the Earthfire Organization disseminate basic information about the forces and destinies that constitute the universe beyond Yalilo VI, so that they know the basic conditions for survival in the universe.

Rewards: 80 points + a limited-time pool of random books and blueprints.

Difficulty: 1 stars

Yep!

That's so right!

This woman understood all too well what he wanted. Perhaps she didn't understand that Emiya needed to entrust the matter to obtain a reward, but she understood the meaning behind Emiya's previous words. This person hoped that they could stand up and resist, rather than leaving this matter to others.

“Ms. Natasha, you are very smart. You not only want to obtain armed forces, but also want to know information from outer space. This shows that you have a complete understanding of the current situation.”

"In that case, I will fully inform you of all this information, whether it's about the 'Nameless Guest,' the 'Star Core,' or the 'City Builder.' If you fail to understand the dangers of the 'Star Core' and the power of the 'Antimatter Legion,' and act blindly, then... you might have to bear a far more devastating price than the current situation."

"Someone in my hometown once said that weakness and ignorance are not obstacles to survival, but arrogance is. This statement is equally true in the universe."

"This statement is thought-provoking, and I will keep it in mind."

After Natasha nodded, Emiya began to explain to the leader of the Earth and Fire, who already possessed the qualities of a true leader, the various forces in the universe and their corresponding Star Gods.

"Hunter", "Fairy Ship", "Sea Ranger", "Void", "Self-Destroyer", "Chaos Physician", "Interstellar Peace Corporation", "City Builder", "Cripper"...

In this vast and boundless universe, even the heroes of the world seem insignificant. Because of ideas, interests, religions, ideals, ethnicities, nations, survival... countless races and forces are all contained within it, belonging to the path of each star god. Countless ideas are like an enlarged version of the Hundred Schools of Thought, creating the current cosmic environment where all things compete freely under the frosty sky.

"Star cores possess individual consciousness and even life, and can be confirmed to have intellect and wisdom. They have a function similar to a wish-granting machine, responding to the wishes of others, but the way these wishes are fulfilled is often destructive and irreversible."

"What is certain is that this 'cold wave' was most likely initiated by someone's wish. That person probably learned of the 'Star Core's' abilities and, for the next seven hundred years, completely isolated the 'Star Core's' existence, perhaps wanting to possess it, or perhaps wanting to isolate the Star Core altogether."

"Based on the current situation, I can be fairly certain... the location of the 'Star Core' is inextricably linked to the 'Great Guardians' at the very top of Beloborg."

"Unless you fully uncover the secrets of the Great Guardian, the possibility of your civilization's revival is virtually nonexistent."

Chapter 030: The power gap between the upper and lower city areas. (2/4)

The star core can bewitch people.

Each generation of Great Guardians, upon assuming this management position, will face the brainwashing indoctrination of the Star Core.

Belloberg's early period was undoubtedly a golden age, producing a galaxy of outstanding women.

All three generations of Grand Guardians were individuals of exceptional ability, skill, and shrewdness.

If it were just a normal disaster, with three generations of wise rulers guarding the post, not only would the revival of a city be possible, but the great revival of a country and a nation would have already been accomplished.

Unfortunately, they were facing an intelligent, invading natural disaster called a star core. Even with wise rulers, they could only barely maintain the normal operation of the city and were never able to expand outwards. At most, they could only dig deeper underground.

However, the existence of wise rulers in successive generations is ultimately like a gacha game, with too many uncertainties.

Especially puppets like Cyril Rand, who were pushed into the position of Grand Guardian, could inflict a heavy blow on Belloborg in just one generation.

The current eighteenth generation, the one who took over by Belloberg, can't be said to be riddled with problems, but at least he has reached a point where he is almost out of resources.

The power of the cold wave is waning, and the ever-growing rift creatures are further encroaching on this final fortress. The resources that can be produced underground are dwindling, and coupled with the relentless allure of the star core day and night, the Great Guardian's heart is already on the verge of collapse. The endless despair that can be seen is more powerless and painful than the inability to see hope itself.

In this context, being drawn by the vision promised by the star core and ultimately turning against the planet, her fall can be understood from all aspects, but... it is not a reason for those who suffer to forgive her.

"The Great Guardian".

Having been directly informed of the enemy they needed to face at this stage, Natasha's expression was unusually blank. In fact, apart from the decree to seal off the upper and lower city areas, Natasha herself did not have much ill will towards Cocolia, the current High Guardian. However... there were now real clues pointing to the fact that her actions were genuinely "malicious".

"I can take care of the weapons and logistics for you, but you will need to handle the intelligence yourself."

"This is only natural."

"Speaking of which, besides weapons and equipment, I can also provide you with a kind of power. This power is not within your destiny, but can be considered a technique for developing bioenergy."

There are actually some martial arts manuals on the celestial ship. Developing bioenergy within the body is not a rare thing under this universe. However, in a poor region like Beloberg where even staple food cannot be met, there is no soil for mining bioenergy.

"If more than ten people can develop this ability, you should be able to put up a fight against the Silvermane Iron Guards."

The number of Fate Walkers in the Upper City is not large, but it is still more than that in the Lower City. Among the Silvermane Iron Guards alone, there are people like Jepard, Bronya, and Pera. This is only the part that Emiya knows. Similar to the many characters who appeared later in the game, Belberg may also have some hidden characters.

Aside from the three mentioned above, there should be at least six Destiny Walkers, including Hilva, Linco, and Cocolia.

Once someone masters "imaginary energy," their life energy level leaps to a new level. Putting aside everything else, at the very least, ordinary small-caliber firearms cannot penetrate their defenses. One against a hundred, given enough time, is not impossible.

Moreover, imaginary energy is not only effective in strengthening itself; its ability to enhance allies or defeat enemies is on an overwhelming level.

On the other hand, underground, it's impossible for Hook to actually go to the battlefield. There are only three people left: Seele, Luca, and Natasha. It's a miracle that Sambo, the Masked Fool, won't be a hindrance.

In the game, Seele is the first character with a limited level of five, but in reality, she's just a little girl who's learned a few awkward scythe techniques and can accelerate rapidly using imaginary numbers. When she encounters a problem that speed can't solve, she'll immediately be rendered useless.

Both are five-star patrols, but while the Great Victory General can slaughter countless bountiful creatures until they cry for their parents, this one can only bully wanderers and automatons at most.

You can fool your brothers, but never fool yourself.

If the upper and lower city districts really start fighting now, there's absolutely no chance of winning. Even if we provide a batch of equipment, unless we directly equip the lower city district with Titan mechs or Gundams, they really won't be a match for the upper city district.

"Ten men are enough to fight against the Silvermane Iron Guards?"

Natasha's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this, and she quickly replied,

"The technique for developing bioenergy, in other words, this power doesn't require any external replenishment, right?"

Belleburg could already be called a poor backwater. Even the upper town wasn't considered well-off, let alone the lower town, which was essentially a poor village bullied by local bullies.

"Two priority conditions: at least a strong and healthy young person with relatively ample physical strength, preferably someone who has undergone some professional physical training; secondly, someone with a resilient character and strong self-discipline."

Strong self-discipline and a resilient character are also manifestations of mental strength. Such people have always had a stronger ability to endure and execute than ordinary people, and they have an advantage in the test of controlling their energy.

The first point goes without saying: magnanimity is also a threshold for Nen abilities.

When Natasha heard the two conditions proposed by Emiya, she immediately lost her nerve. There were not many people in the lower city who met these two conditions. Although there were many people with strong character in the Earthfire Organization, the requirement of being physically strong had indeed filtered out many.

"Then please guide me through the practice."

You have received a new commission!

Emiya glanced at the request page. Teaching Natasha Nen was a one-star difficulty... Hmm, that seems like a good option.

His eyes lit up slightly; judging from the commission level, the other party's potential aptitude for Nen seemed promising.

Moreover, this method should be able to generate a considerable number of commissions.

[Note: This task can only be completed ten times per level.]

Seeing the follow-up bets below, Mr. Emiya couldn't help but shrug. This system still didn't have that many loopholes for him to exploit, but ten missions were not bad either; at least it was a round of ten consecutive missions.

Add two stars or even three stars... but that would take a lot of effort, so it's not worth it. It would be better to complete it later when you have more time.

"Row."

Black Tower is a special case. The monsters in those genius clubs are selected from eighty-four individuals chosen from the vast and boundless galaxies. Although Black Tower is only ranked 83rd, she is an existence who has met with the Venerable Master of Wisdom multiple times and has saved Azure Star from catastrophe several times. Let alone mere Nen abilities, I reckon if you gave her Superman A-Guang's products, she could replicate them for you.

But setting aside monstrous individuals like Black Tower, Emiya was also somewhat interested in how Natasha, an ordinary pathfinder, would perform in developing her Nen abilities.

“I’m not good at teaching step by step, so the following methods will be a bit rough, so you have to be prepared.”

"did not ask……"

Before she could finish speaking, the man in her sight suddenly seemed to transform into a ferocious beast. An extremely dangerous sense of oppression emanated from every inch of his skin, and the surrounding air seemed to solidify, causing her body to tremble instinctively.

I'm going to be killed!

Chapter 031: Natasha's Resolve. (3/4)

I'm going to be killed!

The sense of threat and oppression emanating from that figure made her feel as if she were in a frozen wasteland, with an insurmountable and terrifying beast standing before her.

The oppressive feeling conveyed was not murderous intent.

If it was genuine killing intent, Natasha had no doubt that her taut spirit would completely break down, and she would uncontrollably attack the man in front of her like a trapped wild beast.

"Thought is a power that unlocks the potential of life through willpower."

"The moment I truly consider you an enemy, you will be able to clearly perceive my 'thought,' and understand that my life energy level is above yours, just as a herbivore will have the urge to flee when it senses the presence of a carnivore."