Chapter 197: Bread, the Three Divine Peaks, and the Celestial Seal

Sizar returned and sat opposite Truman once more. Truman sat down politely and asked, “So, what do you want? What are you planning to sell?”

The situation forced his hand. This reckless kid wasn’t afraid of death. He’d caused such huge trouble and then turned himself in to The Church. Truman could only accept his defeat. If he could seize this final chance and get the original virus sample, he’d be the only one on the entire continent who had it once this kid was inside a Church prison. The Church might study the Virus, but they would never develop or use it. Back then, Zero Ring would still be one step ahead of other forces. This deal wasn’t a loss.

“What I want to sell is, naturally, the original Virus. Besides that, I also have the vaccine development method for suppressing infection. With the former, you can develop it further. Making weapons capable of widespread infection or creating super demonic soldiers are both good choices. As for the latter, developing the vaccine allows you to control the Virus immediately. When that time comes, you’ll definitely make a huge profit. Plus, with such a great achievement, won’t The Church be sure to reward you?” Sizar envisioned.

“I’m not a fool. These things might not be as good as you say. However, I can’t confirm the truth. Alright, I’ll give you an opportunity. Tell me your terms. If they aren’t excessive, this deal can still be discussed.”

Seeing the greed barely concealed in Sizar’s eyes, Truman regained his confidence. So it all comes down to you wanting benefits! Time is this short; you must be even more desperate than I am. If I just drag this out a bit longer, won’t you have to agree eventually?

“Although the Virus is precious, circumstances force me to sell it dirt-cheap. However, you must compensate me for certain losses. One of my arms was blown off by your Byron, costing me my only clone body. Then, to evade your pursuit, I… Also, wasted materials making Undead… Traffic expenses… Accommodation costs… Souvenir purchases… Prelim ticket costs… Even yesterday’s breakfast money… And…” Sizar listed offhandedly.

“Have you finished? Get to the point!” Five minutes later, unable to bear Sizar’s rambling any longer, Truman roared loudly, his voice strained.

“Oh, that’s all!” Sizar shut his mouth and smirked slyly.

“What exactly is the total? How am I supposed to remember all that?” Truman rolled his eyes. This kid was clearly just making trouble.

“Here’s the materials list…” Sizar pulled a prepared list from his pocket.

“Are you messing with me? An Affliction Level clone body! You’ll be taken away by The Church in a few hours! How can you clone it? The cost for that alone is tens of millions, extremely time-consuming! If your Bloodline is special, it might not even be possible to cultivate! Can we talk about something realistic? You know very well the worth of your Virus. Don’t be too unreasonable, otherwise this deal is off.” Truman discarded the list, looking helplessly at Sizar.

“No problem! That sheet was just to lighten the mood. This one is the genuine article, please review!” Sizar took out a second list. The contents of the first one were so excessive even he felt a bit embarrassed. But haggling required seizing the initiative – start by quoting high prices to leave room for bargaining later!

“Ahem, cough… These materials are very rare. Our branch doesn’t have much. And these few are clearly stuff Necromancers use. Zero Ring is a legitimate bio-company; we don’t dabble in Death Power!” Truman pointed out.

Compared to the first, the second list was much more reasonable. Though it still felt like pushing his luck, it was now within Truman’s acceptable range, even slightly lower than he’d anticipated.

“Alright, you can cross off these spots. But you must give me these. My losses are massive this time. I’m about to be taken by The Church; who knows what I’ll face later? I need things for self-defense!” Sizar pulled out an ink pen and crossed out a few items on the list.

During the day, to raise his Zombie army, Sizar had not only used up all his Blood Honey, but also most of his Soul Syrup. Moreover, the previously reclaimed Heart Engine, the two bottles of Blood Fusion Agent bought in Northern Territory, and some high-level Undead components, all were wasted, sunk costs. This spur-of-the-moment idea to trade with Zero Ring was mainly about recouping losses. Once inside The Church, he’d have no contact with the outside world. Now, he needed material for at least one Mummy to quickly create Byron for protection.

After intense bargaining with Truman, the two finally reached an impasse and settled on a final price.

Sizar promptly handed over a prepared vial of original Virus solution and transcribed the vaccine development method from memory. Truman, in turn, sent his secretary to fetch a high-grade briefcase. Inside, neatly arranged, were various reagents and perfectly sealed materials. Plus, several vials of pure Death Attribute Magic Fluid, enough for Sizar to cultivate for a whole year.

Taking the case and checking its contents, Sizar’s face was crestfallen, but inwardly he was laughing joyfully. A vial of bodily fluid Virus exchanged for all this stuff! What a bargain! Beside him, Truman felt similarly, thinking he’d struck a fantastic deal. Merely a batch of cheap materials for an immensely promising Virus mother strain! Totally worth it! In short, both were very satisfied.

Carefully storing the case beside him, Sizar couldn’t resist drumming his fingers rhythmically on the closed lid. Pure profit! How delightful! The small case’s contents were worth several times more than the enormous pile of materials he’d ruined today.

He knew the vial’s Virus had value. If placed on Earth, a single vial could destroy the whole world. But that didn’t mean a vial could be traded for a planet. The buyer hadn’t charged him cost price; that was remarkably fair. The Virus Sizar handed over was merely a third of the amount generated digesting a single piece of bread.

Stowing the Virus and vaccine method away, Truman spoke again. “There’s still a little time. Would you like to do one more deal?”

“Huh? Another deal? What else do you want? Could it be… the key?” Sizar’s eyebrows rose, and he smiled at the bearded man.

“Exactly. That key. It’s useless on your person. Better sell it to us.” Truman nodded in confirmation.

“Trading is fine, of course. But shouldn’t I at least know what it actually is? It caused me so much trouble! It must be extremely valuable. Don’t take advantage of my ignorance to drive down the price.” Sizar pressed warily.

“Let me be direct. This key, in my hands, is naturally priceless treasure. But in your possession, it’s just junk. Moreover, it brings disasters, exactly like that Virus.” Truman stated bluntly.

“You’re saying I’m too weak, unworthy of owning such a thing?” At this point, Sizar felt deeply helpless about the key. It was a windfall falling from the sky. Unfortunately, his strength was insufficient; having treasure without strength brought misfortune. If I were Harm Rank, squashing a Radish would be nothing! Can’t beat his friends? Just run away! But I wasn’t strong enough. Luck tipped over into bad luck.

“Exactly! You’re too weak. But don’t worry, I won’t forcefully take it. You can sell it to me. Or, obediently surrender it to The Church.” Truman looked at Sizar with complete confidence.

“Can you tell me its origin?” Sizar took the key from his pocket and placed it on the table, signaling willingness to trade.

The hexagonal metal prism was covered in intricate geometric teeth and grooves. Within its complicated, densely packed metallic seams flowed a faint, reddish glow. A fusion of sci-fi and fantasy, it looked both mysterious and beautiful.

“So beautiful! This item… it’s not the world’s rarest secret, but it relates to hidden knowledge few possess. Knowledge is wealth. Are you sure you want to know its origin? If you don’t ask, my offer will be higher. If you insist on hearing it, the key’s price will drop accordingly.” Truman squinted at Sizar, awaiting his answer.

“I’m quite interested in the secret you mentioned. Whatever price you set is yours to name anyway. As long as you aren’t outright greedy, give me a fair estimate and I’ll be content.” Sizar played along cooperatively.

“Rest assured, I won’t deceive you. Earlier, you mentioned your arm was destroyed by an outer member and you wanted a clone body? An Affliction Level clone isn’t practical. At your current stage, your body undergoes rapid evolution. Your Bloodline form, genetic information, tissue structure—every little detail is constantly adjusting, changing, evolving towards greater perfection. Making a body now would be obsolete in a month after more changes. Even attaching a new limb would require a long time for adjustment and adaptation.” Truman began unexpectedly. “The true, fundamental purpose of Affliction Level clones is rebirth. If you suffer a crippling defeat and transfer your soul in time, you could then bind to the new body and resurrect. Not many Ability Users meet those requirements. Fewer still can create clone bodies themselves. We rarely get such orders.” Truman explained.

“So, what are you offering to trade for the key?” Sizar asked, intrigued.

“You won’t lose! I ordered a batch of goods from White Hall’s biggest spell store recently. Very suitable for your situation.” Saying this, Truman pulled out a rectangular Box and opened it, revealing three long loaves of bread. “This is a spell from a very famous restorative Ability User in Central Territory. If your limbs are damaged, cut off a corresponding length of bread and attach it to the wound. The lost limb will regrow rapidly, perfectly matching the original. Satisfied? Expensive stuff!”

Seeing the three loaves, Sizar’s heart suddenly raced! Sheep’s blood! Scammed! I never thought it was so incredibly valuable! Elsa has a few of these at home! I thought it was just food! Didn’t bring any with me! Made that cheap old man rich instead! What a huge bummer!

“Uh… Awesome spell! I agree to the trade. About that key…” Sizar stammered.

“Wait! Said the price drops! Take one out!” Ignoring Sizar’s pitiful expression, Truman reached in and took one long loaf, leaving only two behind for Sizar.

Quickly snapping the Box shut, Sizar hugged the bread tightly. His weak restorative spells could potentially reattach severed limbs… If the limb was gone, he was hopeless, relegated to the mutual aid association for the disabled with one hand. Two loaves changed everything completely! Elsa will never worry about my limbs again! Relief washed over him.

“Good to see you’re pleased.” Seeing Sizar clutching the bread protectively, Truman reached out and took the metal key, his face filled with admiration. “Ever heard of Celestial Mountain?”

“Celestial Mountain? No. What is that?” Sizar shook his head. Its name clearly implied colossal importance—mountains reaching the heavens!

“Do you know, what’s the highest mountain peak in all this world?” Truman countered instead of answering.

“Infinite Mountain? Legend says its where True Gods live.” For this question, Sizar was equally ignorant and merely guessed a vaguely plausible answer.

“Correct! Although Infinite Mountain is the tallest peak on this planet, it isn’t unique.”

“Eh?”

“On the planet Ceylon, there exist three mountains. Located in vastly different planetary positions, their heights all breach the atmosphere, thrusting well beyond the planet to interface with the infinite cosmos. Their true heights remain measureless. Collectively, they’re known as ‘Three Divine Peaks’.” Truman began his explanation. “The Celestial Mountain I mentioned? One of those three—the mountain accessing the Celestial Realm. The other two? The ‘Pillar of Gods’, Infinite Mountain you mentioned yourself, and Spiral Mountain, location of the Observation Tower.” Truman concluded.

“Celestial Mountain! Infinite Mountain! Spiral Mountain!” Sizar’s eyes widened unblinkingly as he repeated their legendary names aloud, stranded without sensible questions. Sounds awesome even if I don’t understand all of it!

“Celestial Mountain falls under the domain of the True Gods. Mortals remain incapable of probing its secrets; I likewise know little beyond uncertain rumors. Spiral Mountain? Occupied by Neutral force Observation Tower. Jointly managed by The Association, The Church, and Observation Tower themselves. Essentially human territory. I’ve never visited its peak yet hear that high within the endless cosmos rests Ceylon’s largest Ferris wheel. Known as ‘Spiral Eye’, it commands supreme views overlooking the entire planet below, observing all existence beneath cosmic heaven.” Truman paused dramatically. Sizar absorbed every word like absorbing magic rumors as Truman continued revealing word magic unheard before… “As for the final Celestial Mountain? Easily the strangest one. Nobody truly knows its location. None comprehend its surface layout either. Just a hazy puzzle.”

Truman drew breath, pressing onward. “Endless rumors swirl around Celestial Mountain. Mostly fake. One point transcends doubt however. The very first Royal Pineapple—its origin stems uniquely from epic powers within Celestial Mountain. This key unlocks an ancient armored shell. That venerable machine bears marks upon its soul—infected forever by mysterious forces beyond terrestrial ken. Forming together one powerful imprint uniquely named: ‘Celestial Seal’! Merge key with chassis and during narrowly ordained events aligned between star paths, you shall feel Celestial Mountain’s overwhelming call upon your chosen spirit. Enter utterly… Return utterly transformed… Standing alongside True Gods themselves!”

“Scam? Liar?” Sizar reflexively gaped wide asking.

“It’s legitimate! Since the first Mecha-King inaugurated his throne, others returned later. Some returned alive having endured mightily, becoming towering juggernauts—whether human souls or skillfully crafted automaton puppets seized wondrous abilities unfathomably deep!” Truman declared intensely. “Currently, those rare treasures called ‘Celestial Seals’ circulate hidden worldwide; some discover sparsely coveted seals seeding unspeakable ambition far and wide.” Truman spoke cryptically holding enormous secrets. “Our latest investigation reveals Celestial Mountain functioning essentially cosmic gladiatorial heaven battlehell… Celestial Seal offers one-time entry ticket guaranteed through violent bloodshed against impossible competitors. Emerge again alive… You emerge peerlessly powerful! Now… Understand why bronze ranks hunt you ceaselessly?”

“Completely understand! Yeah—utterly worthless junk inside my own two hands!” Sizar shook his head relieved. He harbored absolutely zero interest towards Celestial Mountain. Mount Infinite honestly brims False Gods beyond mortal trespass! Observation Tower controls Spiral Mountain alongside powerful Good Organizations. That suggests powerfully guarded mountains barely survive dangerous explorations. Future proves bright without becoming pit fighting slave slowly killed inside cosmic supergladiator arenas! Accessing heavenly levels necessary?! Insane death sentence aimed solely suicidal wrestlers! Self confidence high; inheritance good; plenty growth pathways; utterly pointless.

“How did something this insanely valuable end up with that clown Radish?” Confused, Sizar visualized Rogier laughing meaninglessly yesterday. Fathomless gratitude mixed bitter envy understanding mysterious grand entrapment aiming someone unknown. Gift probably poisoned.

“This part I’ve investigated completely.” Truman answered knowingly. “Rogier’s father discovered traces indicating this mecha held a Celestial Seal—worth pursuing exclusive heavenly arena combat himself. Rogier however remained ignorant concerning larger schemes. Young Rogier possessed innate talent qualifying amazing Ability User studies beyond teenage dreams. Yet cruel disappointment awaited when the father forced unwanted military enlistment and mecha warfare camp nightmares.” Truman explained gently. “Someone whispered poisonous encouragement secrets late inside barracks. Stealing the key traded upwards transmission Ability rank? Rogier accepted foolishly—thus encountering merciless hunters pursuing stolen artifact… Afterwards, surprisingly Sizar finds such a wondrous lying nearby… Then flops disastrously unlucky becoming substituted primary suspect.” Truman smiled unable suppressing laughter remembering absurd pathways sheer misunderstanding meeting.

“Uh… Talk about sheer ‘luck’!” Sizar shook his head, truly speechless. Fortune overflowing strangely twisted whirlwind maliciousness? Fate remains persistently ambiguous!