Treasure-hunting: Into the Unknown

"Make a choice!" Zachary crossed his arms over his chest as he stared down at the Supreme Cloud Lion. The truth was that he was not sure what to do at that moment. Although he really could absorb the soul of the Supreme Cloud Lion with the Soul-gathering Bell, it wouldn't be an easy feat. His body wouldn't be able to withstand the power of the Supreme Cloud Lion, and right now, it was impossible for him to create another Holy Bone Bracer out of nowhere. Moreover, Anne could only stay out of the system for two hours, and he couldn't possibly absorb the soul of the Supreme Cloud Lion within that time frame. So, his words were mostly empty and alarming to the others.

Of course, he was fully aware of his situation, and that was why he summoned Andrew to threaten the Supreme Cloud Lion into submission. However, in all honesty, neither he nor the Holy Bone Bracer could absorb another beast soul at the Holy Level.

As he was trying to find ways to persuade the beast, the Supreme Cloud Lion, who had resigned to death, roared at Zachary with a ferocious face. It was still unwilling to give up, but couldn't do anything to fight back. It was smart enough to realize that it couldn't destroy the power that it had painstakingly cultivated all its life.

"If I submit to you, then you have to prove that you are strong enough to be my master," the Supreme Cloud Lion bargained.

"No problem. What do you want me to do?" Zachary asked immediately to keep the beast hooked.

"Climb to the top of the ladder," the beast replied, raising its head to look at the altar.

"Well, that's too easy," Zachary said disapprovingly.

"Easy?! How arrogant and ignorant you are! Do you think of this as an ordinary altar?" the beast roared. "This is the Ghost Altar. It was built on the bodies of live humans and beasts, and hence it is filled with powerful resentments that you cannot even begin to imagine. Not even a Holy Level warrior could make it to the top unscathed, and if you are not careful enough, you will not survive the climb." Saying so, the Supreme Cloud Lion threw back its head and laughed loudly.

"So, you are saying that you will take me as your master if I reac

to distinguish between reality and illusion; he began to wonder whether this was real, but he continued to move towards the top of the Ghost Altar without hesitation.

Anne, Tania, Alisa... Every woman he had met in his life appeared in front of him one after the other, trying their best to stop him, but he didn't waver. With every few steps he took, a phantom he was familiar with would appear in front of him, challenging his emotions and his limits, touching the most fragile parts in his heart.

As he ignored the people he loved, he felt a heart-wrenching pain. Many distinct scars were left on his body by these people or their illusions, he wasn't sure anymore. It was like a divine punishment.

Before long, Zachary's body was covered in wounds. He was on the verge of collapse after going through the constant physical and mental torture. Without strong willpower, no matter how powerful a warrior was, he wouldn't survive the climb.

Anne and Sophie, at the foot of the Ghost Altar, were heartbroken. But this was Zachary's choice, and they could do nothing but pray silently for his safety.

'He has held on for this long. He has potential and grit. Is he the one I have been waiting for?' the Supreme Cloud Lion wondered inwardly.

When Zachary was about to reach the top of the Ghost Altar, another phantom appeared in front of him—someone who looked just like him. He was weak, pale and sick. The phantom was him—another Zachary.