Meteor Fall Master in the 'Starry Abyss'
Chapter 118 - 095. Rugged Path

Chapter 118: 095. Rugged Path

[Raiding] Whether or not life can be plundered is an unknown, in any case, players haven’t tested it out, but personality, appearance, corpses, souls, memories—these are all recognized as obtainable.

The [Raiding] series is different from the other five series, under this system there are only two starting professions: [Gambler] and [Raiding], as all attributes are not high, basically all rely on hiding and sneaking, rarely becoming the main force in early battles.

Logically, the [Raiding] series should be even more imprisoned than the [Sovereign] series, there shouldn’t be many people playing it, right?

The actual situation is just the opposite, players actually like this system very much, many people have accounts in this series, several people lie down and wait for occupational talents to take effect, plundering elite monsters for their specialty attributes, and sometimes even their equipment, then run away, extremely joyful.

Li Aozi’s understanding of [Raiders] is not deep, but he is familiar with the general information.

Six main profession systems, almost every starting profession can, at level 180, tread a Supreme Path—also known as the so-called ultimate career.

For example, the ultimate careers of the [Sovereign] series:

[Torchbearer] (Missionary Pathway)—With the power of the soul to twist macro-reality, the radiance of the mind illuminates the cosmos, rightfully called the sovereign of the mental realm.

[Conqueror] (Psychic Pathway)—The fusion of arcane power and physique, controlling one’s own fate, the sovereign of self.

[Ender] (Secret Guest Pathway)—Seeing through the rules of the universe, dedicated to studying the philosophy of the micro level, known as the sovereign of thought.

[Meteor Fall Master] (Echoer Pathway)—Devouring ether, the body forged by starlight, playing with black holes, bursting suns, controlling the pulse of the galaxy, making the stars of the universe completely submit to you, the undisputed sovereign of reality.

And [Raiding]... in the later stages, is still [Raiding].

[Raiding] does not have its own pathway.

Because this system in the later stages, although the panel data is very strong, but fighting... can only say the early stages what it was, the late stages still the same.

From the player’s point of view, the surprises brought by various raids are incomparable joy, looking at it from the NPC’s perspective, might not be the case.

Especially the believers of Flova.

If things go well, maybe suddenly one day your body gains the "dividends" from other believer brothers and sisters, such as a hundred thousand Derby.

If things go bad, that hundred thousand Derby might be squeezing out of your skin pores one by one.

Of course, it’s generally not so terrible, after all, Flova, this "deity," is just an incarnation on Azure Star, and takes good care of the Azure Star people.

In the cosmos, it’s hard to say, Li Aozi remembers that only the [Mysterious] series and [Raiding] series have a chief god behind them, other Supreme Paths, it’s as if they can ascend to godhood on their own.

Behind the Mysterious series are three evil star realm ancient gods: [Master of Souls], [Void Emperor], [Primeval Heavenly Sovereign], although their nature is evil, they are not impossible to get along with, in fact, their fame and reputation are not low.

The [Raiding] series, on the other hand, is endorsed by the mysterious [Greedy Speaker], players don’t even know what she’s called, the only thing known is: this lady is very famous, her followers are spread all over the cosmos.

From Alpha Stage (α, the first Greek letter) to Omega (Ω, the last Greek letter), there are [Raiders].

What these big shots will give to the new players is hard to say.

If it’s [Gambler] it’s not bad, because [Gambler]’s [Dexterity] attribute will be transformed into [Luck], sensing that they are about to receive dividends, they quickly go to the casino to lose a few million, rack up the [Luck], and then wait to thank the [Greedy Speaker].

But [Raiders], they just have to leave it to destiny.

From Jian Neriya’s perspective, the sudden "dividends," also known as Nomi’s soul and personality, are driving her to despair.

She could only watch as her body was given to someone else, with Nomi replacing her, enjoying the pleasures and the freedom of a new life.

As for the real Nomi—[Raiders] only plunder from the dead.

Of course, the result goes without saying.

"Since Nomi came to you a few months ago, she must have died shortly before that."

Li Aozi looked at Jian Neriya:

"I know your situation, it’s not uncommon, there is about a one percent chance of looting personality or soul—I guess it should be the soul because arcane energy follows the soul."

"Is there such a theory?" Jian was somewhat surprised.

This is not surprising, Azure Star’s understanding of arcane energy and spiritual energy is very shallow, only superficially aware of the existence of souls, organizing psychicers (Spirit Medium or Shaman) to eradicate Spirit Monsters.

Talking to them about the relationship between the soul and arcane energy is like discussing controlled nuclear fusion technology with the natives of a primitive tribe.

"I am an expert in arcane energy myself."

Li Aozi did not explain further, after all they would understand eventually.

"Nomi must have been killed by a [Raider] in the last few months, I think it is very likely someone from the Four Nations faction."

Li Aozi thought for a moment, recalling Nomi’s deep loathing for the nuclear waste lake, said:

"Her hatred for the Four Nations ran deep in the soul, maybe the memory of the Rose Army came from you, but that kind of hatred is definitely her own."

"An enemy of the Four Nations... that’s our comrade, too."

Jian nodded, not saying much.

Qiu Ran shrank closer to Li Aozi, her eyes wary and full of distrust.

Even though the other party is the real Rose Army warrior, compared with Nomi—she just didn’t feel that Jian was likable.

Her personality was the complete opposite of Nomi’s. Nomi was that kind of good kid who, despite being verbally indifferent and prone to swearing, always silently helped others.

Neriya was different.

She appeared pretty and determined, but she was hot on the outside and cold on the inside, caring for nothing but her career, lacking even a hint of human warmth.

"I just want Nomi back..."

Qiu Ran said softly,

"I know it’s an unreasonable wish... but I wish it were Nomi who could be revived. She was such a good person; why did she have to die... Why did it have to be a good kid like Nomi that died?"

As she spoke, the pain in her heart deepened.

Perhaps because Nomi was similar in age to the siblings she had in her mind, blossoming but malnourished and thin due to a lack of nutrition, and lacking the finances to dress up, making her look plain.

But no one could answer her "why".

They had saved someone, which should have made them feel happy and relieved, yet the person they saved was not the one they wanted.

For a moment, Qiu Ran felt extremely bothered by Neriya’s existence.

’You might as well die too, accompany Nomi in death!’

Her eyes briefly showed a dark red hue, and then she was taken aback, shaking her head immediately.

’How could I think such a thing... after all, Neriya is also Nomi’s body, no, she is also a victim of Mingji...’

Li Aozi saw the expression on her face.

’Qiu Ran has started to develop a sense of rejection too... It’s inevitable for those who are not Mutants to have such a reaction when they possess Arcane Energy.’

Li Aozi wanted to say something comforting, to relieve the other’s inner pressure and conflict.

It’s just that Nomi was dead, and had been for a long time.

This fact was settled, and for the moment, he couldn’t find the words to say "don’t dwell on it."

Even he couldn’t just let it go.

Unconsciously, he’d grown accustomed to the girl who would always curse and swear yet silently care for others, harboring dreams of a brighter future.

Jian Neriya, with her arms crossed, watched the two familiar strangers in silence.

She had the face of an actress: composed and serene, with no one able to discern her true thoughts.

Unlike Nomi, whose emotions were clearly reflected in her changeable moods.

The atmosphere fell silent.

"Jian Neriya, since you recognize us, it means that some of Nomi’s memories are still preserved, right?"

Li Aozi was the first to break the silence.

"Yes."

Jian replied blandly.

"We have to continue the Slaughterous Nether Path, rescue Xeno, free all the Infected, and then send Qiu Ran back to Frost Plated Country—what are your plans?"

Li Aozi made his point clear.

They were able to work together because Nomi trusted him, and they shared common goals.

If the other party was unwilling to continue, they would just go their separate ways. Li Aozi would act as if he had never met the other party, but he would also need to reclaim some interest—Li Aozi hadn’t held back in investing in Nomi.

The past was the past; they had to be more realistic about the matters to discuss next.

Having a good relationship with Nomi didn’t mean he had a good relationship with Jian Neriya, and it certainly didn’t mean he had a good relationship with the Rose Army.

The Rose Army, which sought to usurp the Frost Plated Country, valued legal succession and certainly would not engage in the slaughter of Civilians. Li Aozi and Qiu Ran were openly set on exterminating the Mingji People—would Jian, as a regular member of the Rose Army, agree?

Or what if she just left, and then exaggerated the events, spreading a bad reputation about Li Aozi using the Rose Army’s name and slaughtering Physicians—what then?

Not only would Li Aozi’s emotional investment in Nomi have been in vain, but he would also end up at a loss.

Reality was that cold-hearted—at the very least, he needed to retrieve Nomi’s Arcane Energy to feel a bit more at ease.

"My plans? Are you worried I’ll spill the beans about Mingji?"

Jian looked at Li Aozi with a hint of surprise,

"Comrade, you must be confused about something?"

"I’ve never been against wiping out those anti-human militants from Mingji."

"My plan is this: to temporarily withdraw, use Mingji’s long-wave radio to directly contact the northern war zone of the Rose Army, thoroughly settle the crimes of Mingji Humanity, and make it public."