Sanctuary Paradise

Chapter 575: Pioneers and Departures [6.1k words]

Six days later.

[Transmission completed, returned to the exclusive room]

[Tip: The pioneer will enter a special area in one hour: Dead Sea Ruins·Center·??? World]

[Tip: This world progress is a pioneer dispatch mission. During this period, you cannot use the exemption authority to return, and you cannot use world key items to change the world selection.]

……

[Pioneer Mission: Dead Sea Ruins]

Mission Difficulty: LV.30~LV.???
Mission brief: You are the pioneers of the times.

Mission information: Go to the abnormal world ? ? ? (third-order native world) for investigation.

Mission duration: (none)
Mission Reward: The title of "Transcender" is changed to "Forerunner", and the access to the "Exploration Store" is unlocked.

Mission Penalty: (None)
……

[Tip: In this world progress, 3 pioneers will be sent in at the same time. Since the brand communication function will be ineffective after entering the world, the pioneer exclusive contact channel has been opened in advance. There is no limit on the number of times this channel is used. Pioneers can choose to speak anonymously or with their real names.]

Is it finally here?
In the exclusive room, Xin Lailai, who was wearing casual clothes, looked at the light blue text in front of her, squinting her eyes slightly, and a strange color flowed in her dark pupils.

Pioneer mission.

Different from the special combat professions in the other five paradises, the pioneers of the Sanctuary Paradise have always been unique in terms of training treatment among the six major professions. Even among all the special professions, they are second only to the nuns of the Holy Light Paradise.

This can be seen from the process of him becoming a pioneer and the treatment he received after becoming a pioneer. During the Demon Slayer World, because it affected the Death Keepers who were qualified for the pioneer assessment, the Paradise at that time did not hesitate to regard him, who was still an ordinary contractor, as a discarded pawn, and directly chose to open special permissions to the Death Keepers first.

And when he obtained the qualification for the pioneer assessment, Paradise did not hesitate to help him find a supreme remnant soul like Kagus as a guide. He was also given the authority to retreat when encountering the remnant image of the abyss. Even if he returned, the camp store would be specially opened for him again to let him redeem the promotion items of the Book of the World.

As for the treatment after officially becoming a pioneer, it goes without saying that first, the Transcendence Set is delivered directly to his face, then there is the Honor Shop which almost grants all his requests, as well as various unimpeded query permissions, and the "special treatment" that Paradise will arrange for him at any time. These are all the benefits brought to him by his pioneer status.

Although there is a factor of his own increased strength, this is enough to illustrate how huge the gap is between the treatment of ordinary contractors and pioneers. It is no exaggeration to say that from the moment they become pioneers, their status is even higher than that of many leaders of the ninth-level world who do not have extremely strong people in charge. After all, the managers of the ninth-level world can be said to be a dime a dozen in the myriad worlds, while pioneers are the kind that can hardly make up even two handfuls in a whole year.

To put it more intuitively, if a first-order pioneer and a leader of a ninth-order native world go to visit a powerful force in the void at the same time, then the pioneer will most likely enjoy VIP treatment and receive the best hospitality in terms of food, clothing, and accommodation, while the leader of the ninth-order world will most likely have to pay for a place to stay in a nearby shabby hotel at his own expense, and no one will pay any attention to him at all. This is the value of the pioneer's identity.

As for why the pioneers can enjoy this level of treatment, it goes without saying that it is the special job of the Paradise camp. What is more important is the impact brought about by the responsibilities undertaken by the pioneers themselves.

Just as 04296 told them, unlike the special classes like Hunter and Ranger, the mission of the Pioneer is only one from beginning to end:
explore.

These two words are the essence of the title of pioneer.

Explore the unknown, explore everything, explore all areas that no one dares to touch, and become the pioneer of the entire era. This is the true meaning of the word pioneer.

What should we do if the world eroded by the abyss is too dangerous?
Send a pioneer.

What should I do if no one can enter an area that is judged to be of near-fatal difficulty?
Send a pioneer.

What should we do with a world that is cut off by the strong space-time barrier of the past, making it impossible to confirm what is going on inside it?
Send a pioneer.

This is the duty of a pioneer. No matter whether they intend to live in disgrace after entering the world, or whether they intend to unbridled their desires on the local natives, no matter what the pioneer intends to do, one thing cannot be changed:

——That is, once those abnormal worlds or areas are discovered that are so dangerous that the specific situation cannot be detected at all, the pioneers will always be the first to go.

This is why Pioneers enjoy the second-most generous treatment among all special occupations, and why the major forces in the void are generally kind to Pioneers in this era.

After all, the major forces in the void now know very well that if one day their world or force is swallowed up by the power of the abyss and no one from the outside world dares to rescue them, then the only thing they may wait for is a pioneer from the Holy Land.

At the same time, this is why Pioneers are often the most comprehensive of several special professions in terms of development. After all, what Pioneers have to face are never visible and formidable enemies, nor are they difficulties that can be confirmed and detected in advance, but rather the "unknown" that symbolizes the most terrifying things in this era.

In this case, if you cannot ensure that you are comprehensive enough, you may become a corpse before you land because of your shortcomings. Once the Pioneer dies, it involves not only the survival of an individual, but the fate of the entire world. This is not alarmist, but a real "rule". In other words, if you understand the process of the Paradise camp discovering high-risk unknown worlds, you can understand what the life and death of the Pioneer means:
A: Discovering a high-risk unknown world - sending a pioneer in - the pioneer single-handedly handles the abnormal factors - letting the Apocalypse workers team to clean up afterwards - the end.

B: Discover a high-risk unknown world - send pioneers in - the pioneers survive - decide whether to use hunters and rangers to carry out a decapitation operation or send a legion to crush the enemy based on the intelligence provided by the pioneers - let the Apocalypse workers team clean up afterwards - the end.

C: Discover a high-risk unknown world - send a pioneer to enter - the pioneer dies and loses contact - determine the world is a high-risk area that cannot be explored - destroy it or permanently freeze it in time and space - end.

Yes, as long as the pioneer dies, Paradise will directly sentence that world to death. This is the weight of the pioneer's life and death.

It is precisely because of this that the Sanctuary Paradise's selection of pioneers can be said to be extremely strict. From the pioneer assessment, to the war world, to the trial of transcendence, and then to the first pioneer mission after entering the third level, as long as one link fails to pass, the pioneer will basically be directly judged as "unqualified".

As for whether this screening method is too harsh or not, just think about the treatment the pioneers enjoy and the impact of their random deaths and you will understand that if it is not so strict, those who are screened out will not be able to bear the weight that the "pioneers" carry in this era.

You get what you pay for. There is no such thing as enjoying the best treatment while doing the easiest job, nor is there such a thing as doing the most difficult task while enjoying the worst treatment. The better you do, the more you enjoy, and the worse you do, the less you enjoy. This is the unchanging truth in paradise - in paradise, everything is exchanged at equal value.

[Tip: You have a new message, source: Pioneer exclusive contact channel]

Suddenly, a cold reminder sounded. Xin Lailai heard it and looked at the communication channel:

……

Yamu: "@Black Sword, @Death Bearer, it seems that it is just as we expected. This time we have to act together. How about we find a place to talk about the next world in the last hour, or do we do our own things and meet again after entering the world?"

The person holding the dead: "Whatever you want."

The Holder of the Dead: "@Black Sword, I asked for what you want. You will get it after the progress of this world is completed. It will be together with the divination props at that time."

Black Sword: "No problem."

Black Sword: "@Ya Mu, @The Death Bearer, let's meet up in advance. Let's choose the shabby hut as the location. It's a good opportunity to exchange information with Cheng Nuo."

Yamu: “OK~!”

The person holding the dead body: "Yes."

……

The brief exchange was completed quickly. Because it had been anticipated in advance, both he, Yamu and the executioner seemed very calm in their reactions.

As for the 'things he wanted' mentioned by the Deathbringer, it was referring to the transaction regarding the "Will to Kill" that was completed during the days when they were developing spells. After all, among the people they knew, no one else could use that thing except the Deathbringer, and they happened to lack any means against the Undead, so they simply exchanged it with the Deathbringer for three raw pieces of Death-type gemstones from the Netherworld.

In terms of value, this is a win-win deal. For them, if the three raw gemstones from the Netherworld were put on the market, they would have to spend at least twice the Paradise Points of the market price of the Will to Kill. And for the Deathbringer, it is also a win-win situation to exchange three stones that can be picked up everywhere in the Netherworld for a top negative charm passive that suits themselves.

After turning off the communication channel, Xin Lailai did not immediately stand up and prepare to leave. Instead, he opened his knowledge and skill interface, looked at the soul learning that he had already mastered enough, and clicked on it directly.

[Hint: Yes/No Consume 900 proficiency points + 1 soul coin to upgrade "Basic Soul Rune"]

"confirm."

[Confirmed, upgrade begins...]

[Upgrade completed, Soul Rune has been upgraded to LV.10]

[Hint: The production methods of "Soul-Fixing Rune" and "Soul-Breaking Rune" have been unlocked]

……

[Elementary Soul Rune Literature: LV.10]

Proficiency: 3/1000
1. Soul storage runes: Soul crystals can be used as materials to be carved, and the soul crystals can be given the effect of absorbing free soul energy.

2. Soul-fixing Rune: It can be engraved with soul crystals (complete) or 10000 soul energy. After use, it increases one's own "soul-cutting resistance" by 0.15 points (soul engraving increases the effect by 50%), which lasts until the rune durability is exhausted.

*Tip: This rune can only be attached to the surface of a soul, and the maximum number of effective runes is 1.

3. Soul-breaking Rune: It can be engraved with soul crystals (complete) or 10000 soul energy. After use, it increases the "soul-breaking strength" caused by the current melee attack by 0.15 points (the effect of soul engraving is increased by 50%), which lasts until the durability of the rune is exhausted.

*Tip: This rune can only be attached to the surface of inanimate objects, and the maximum number of effective runes is 1.

Upgrade cost: 3 soul coin

……

As the cold prompt sounded, the skill interface in front of Xin Lailai suddenly changed slightly. He looked at the new runes in front of him, with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

The two soul runes unlocked this time are very effective. You have to know that even for them who have their own soul soldiers, their soul-severing strength and soul-severing resistance are only 0.5 points under normal circumstances. With these two runes, their soul-severing strength and soul-severing resistance can be increased by 30% at once.

Not only that, these two runes can be made into items for sale. Considering the scarcity of soul-slaying abilities in Paradise, one of these runes can be sold for at least 800 million Paradise points. Even if the cost of a complete soul crystal is removed, the net profit is still 300 million Paradise points.

——The only pity is that according to the information they got in their minds, carving these two runes will place a huge burden on the soul. Basically, it will take at least an hour to carve once, and there will be at least a day interval before the next carving. But if converted, it is also a considerable income.

This is the benefit of developing a secondary profession. Although the initial investment is a bit large, once it is truly developed, the rewards it brings can be said to be endless.

Just like Xiaobai's alchemy mechanics, according to Xiaobai himself, although the profit from repairing machinery is not much, but because Xiaobai's level of alchemy mechanics is high enough, he has been able to make a stable profit of 50 to 100 million Paradise Points a day recently, and even has about 1000 million deposited in the small treasury. And Xiaopu is the same, although his progress in pharmacy is not as fast as Xiaobai's in mechanics, but relying on the profit of pharmacy itself, Xiaohuangshen can now make more money every day than his brother, but...

"Why do I feel like our logistics are completely dependent on Xiaobai and his men for survival?"

Xin Lailai looked at the four black and white mechas about five meters high placed in the team's storage space, as well as the large wooden boxes containing more than three hundred bottles of medicine, with a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

These four mechas and more than 300 bottles of potions were all prepared by the two little guys during their research on spells. According to their understanding, in order to build these four mechas, Xiaobai's small treasury that had saved tens of millions of Paradise points with great difficulty was suddenly left with only a fraction of it, not to mention Xiaopu. Among these more than 300 bottles of potions, apart from a hundred or so bottles that were the other party's "homework" that they had specially saved, the other more than 200 bottles of golden-quality potions were all made by Xiaohuangshen at his own expense. It can be said that the cost of materials alone is more than tens of millions of Paradise points.

——Although it was a bit embarrassing, Xin Lailai had to admit that if it weren't for the support of the two little ones at home, given their situation, it would be an extremely huge expense just to buy all kinds of supplies. After all, the alchemy potions on the market would not be calculated for them according to the price of materials.

"Well, Xiaobai and the others are really working hard, but it's a pity that we are so tight on time, otherwise I would really like to spend more time with them."

Ling Yuzi looked at the small golden door on the wall of the exclusive room, looked at the three little guys sleeping in the room, and a warm look appeared in his eyes.

"Once the matter of the Dead Sea ruins is over, I'll find a way to go on a trip again, as a way to compensate them."

"Ah."

Xin Lailai looked at the sleeping faces of the three little guys in the room with gentle eyes, and said to Ling Yuzi in her mind. Upon hearing this, Ling Yuzi nodded slightly and agreed with Xin Lailai's proposal.

Pioneer missions are not released every day. After the Dead Sea ruins are over, they will most likely have to enter the third-level accumulation period, which means changing from desperately improving their strength to finding ways to save more money. By then, they should be able to spare some time to accompany the three little guys.

"Let's go, don't keep them waiting too long."

Finally, Xin Lailai put on a black windbreaker suit and silver-white arm armor and leggings. After checking the items in the storage space, he opened the branding interface, selected the location of the dilapidated hut, and disappeared on the spot with Ling Yuzi.

……

……

Sanctuary paradise, shabby hut.

Crunch——!!

"Sorry, I was delayed a bit while upgrading my soul learning ability."

In the slightly shabby wooden house, Xin Lailai pushed the door open and walked in. He looked at Yamu and the executioner who had been sitting on the sofa, and said something apologetically.

"Nothing, we just arrived here."

"Ah."

A frivolous and indifferent voice sounded, and Yamu was seen sitting casually on the sofa, holding a newspaper in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, looking contented, while the holder of the dead was casually flipping through the newspaper collection in his hand, without even looking up at the two of them, but simply responded.

"That's good. By the way, Mr. Promise, should it be okay for us to disturb you here for a while?"

Xin Lailai nodded, then seemed to think of something, looked at Chengnu who was sitting behind the counter reading a newspaper, and asked.

"It's okay, you can do whatever you want, and besides, I owe you this time."

Chengnuo shook his head and spoke, his voice sounding a little tired.

"Thank you for the promise, sir."

Upon hearing this, Xin Lailai glanced at Chengnu's expression, his eyes moved slightly, and he didn't say much, just nodded slightly, thanked him, and then sat directly next to Yamu, looked at the two of them, and said:

"Now that everyone is here, let's follow the previous process and share the information. I'll start with myself this time. I've developed a spell that can improve the body's reaction speed and a gravity spell in the past few days. By the way, I've upgraded the healing spell I mentioned to you before, and can draw new soul runes to increase the strength and resistance of soul chopping. You can try to integrate them after entering the world and reuniting."

"Wow, you can increase damage, heal, and exert gravity. Brother Black Sword, you are really developing towards the goal of being an all-rounder."

"Brother Yamu, you are joking. I just had no choice but to resort to this last resort. I wonder if there has been any progress over there recently?"

Xin Lailai said this, looked at the two people in front of him, and waited for their answer.

"As for me, as I said before, I went to the church and did some work. I was able to ensure that each of us would have a bottle of World Thunder Potion after we get in. I also got an extra good thing, but I don't know if I can use it."

"As for the rest... I tried to find out about the world we were going to, but in the end, I didn't find out anything except that it was an original world that was dragged into the center of the Dead Sea ruins. On the contrary, I heard a lot of useful information about the world that Dao Ji and his team entered. Oh, by the way, there is also this, Brother Black Sword, these are the alchemical dolls you wanted."

[Tip: You have a new email to be received, sender: Yamu]

[Tip: All mails have been received, and the following items have been obtained: Standard Industrial Doll Type II * 30]

A cold reminder sounded, and Xin Lailai glanced at the 30 new alchemical dolls in the storage space that had almost no advantages except for being sturdy, and nodded with satisfaction.

"Thank you, Brother Yamu. I've asked you to help me with so many things."

"Well, I am personally quite happy about it. After all, it is rare to find a big customer like Brother Black Sword who sells for tens of millions of yuan."

Yamu shrugged his shoulders and spoke in a teasing tone with a somewhat evil smile on his face.

"Well, what about you, the Death Bearer?"

"One Netherworld Seed can theoretically destroy the origin of a world. Also, if the rescue signal transmission module is upgraded to γ ​​level, it should be able to break the space-time barrier of that world."

"..."

After hearing the answer from the executioner, Xin Lailai and Yamu fell silent at the same time. Even Chengnu, who was leaning on a rocking chair, couldn't help but twitch his eyelids.

"Ahem, alright, we've already understood your preparations, Death Bearer. Please preserve the Netherworld Seed as well as possible. Remember to let us know when you need it. Now let's discuss other things..."

[Tip: You have a new email to receive, sender: Argo]

Suddenly, before Xin Lailai could finish speaking, a cold reminder sound suddenly rang in his mind, startling him slightly.

New mail? Argo?

Wait, could it be...!
Xin Lailai looked at the source of the email in front of him, a look of confusion appeared in his eyes at first, and then he quickly chose to receive it. The next second, a piece of white letter paper fell directly into his hands, causing Yamu and the deceased to look at him curiously.

"Brother Black Sword, this is..."

"Nothing, just a letter from a friend."

Yamu asked curiously, while Xin Lailai looked at the mark on the letter with a gentle smile on his face.

Bell, has there finally been some news?

Then, Xin Lailai opened the envelope, opened the letter inside, and read it carefully.

For a moment, the atmosphere in the entire wooden house seemed to quiet down, and the expression on Xin Lailai's face changed from joy to seriousness, and then from seriousness to solemnity. Finally, he suddenly paused and showed a relieved smile.

"This kid actually got an excellent evaluation..."

Xin Lailai looked at the letter in her hand and smiled. The contents of the letter flashed through her mind, and a gentle smile unconsciously appeared on her face.

[Hint: You are about to enter the "Dead Sea Ruins·Center·??? World", preparing to teleport...]

Suddenly, the transmission prompt sounded, causing the expressions of the three people present to change.

"Brother Black Sword."

"Ok, I know."

As Xin Lailai spoke, he glanced at the letter in his hand, put it away, took a deep breath, looked at Yamu and the Death Bearer in front of him, who also had a serious and murderous look on their faces, lowered his eyes slightly, and began to mobilize the sword power and body protection energy in his body.

Om-! !

For a moment, an invisible sense of oppression permeated the three people. The three of them looked at each other, and it was obvious that they were prepared.

"Let's go..."

Finally, Xin Lailai looked at the two people in front of him and spoke calmly:
"It's time to set off."

【Transmission starts】

Boom——! !

The next moment, a huge roar exploded from the wooden house, and the figures of the three people disappeared instantly. Only Chengnu, whose hair was messed up by the wind, was left sitting there, staring at the space crack in front of him. After a long silence, he looked up at the dome of the wooden house. His gaze seemed to pass through layers of buildings and look at the distant uninhabited land.

"Bon Voyage."

……

(End of this chapter)