The endless white expanse faded and was replaced by Amara. I felt Xerxes arrive beside me a moment later and a small stream of emotions filtered through the bond. "So you didn't get a reward? I wonder if that means the System considers you apart of me or if you weren't considered a trial taker?"

  "I don't know. The city has changed in such a short time."

  I nodded my agreement. It had only been fifteen days but it felt like forever. The city had changed with the streets having been cleared. It looked like a proper city and not the ruins of an apocalypse. There were even people selling things at stands now. Based on our position the System hadn't brought us to the exact spot we left. Part of me wondered if there was a reason for that but that part quickly lost. I didn't really care and I had no way of knowing.

  Xerxes and I strolled toward the main building and took in the sights. There was clearly a kind of return to normalcy. Or whatever the new normal was with most of the people around here stuck at level 5 or so. Outside of all the mismatched clothing it would have been possible to forget the end of the world happened. My gut reaction to that was irritation. These people had the chance to become gods. To have the power to crush mountains and they chose to be normal.

  Part of me knew that wasn't fair that no one signed up for this and that people wanted to be safe. It was also clear that not everyone would gain power most would die in the attempt. Were they crazy for wanting to play it safe or was I? We made it half way before I decided to take a break. I hadn't reviewed the new title or its changes and I was pretty sure that something would need my attention.

  Xerxes and I walked up a building much to the shock of the people around us. We sat down at the top and I tossed Xerxes the last of the prepared meat as I pulled up the title screen.

  Chimeric Forest 1st Place: Achieve first Place in the Chimeric Forest Trial: All Attributes +10, All Attributes +5%

  Imperious Strength: First to attain 2500 Attribute Points in world.: Potency of Attributes +5%

  Glory Hound: Gain 25 Titles while in the 1st-Realm: Potency of All Attributes +10%

  I didn't recall getting the second or third titles which were nice bonuses. The trial title was a bit disappointing. It was great but I kind of hoped for something insane. Like +10 percent to everything but I suppose beggars couldn't be choosers. Especially when you considered the second title. I assumed the "First" part referred to people of earth. I doubted I was the first person in the trial to get to 2,500 attribute points. The Crown Prince for one seemed incredible let alone the other princes and their guards.

  My screen might as well belong to an alien when I compared it what it had been. Triple numbers in all six attributes was incredible. Furthermore I could hold a third Limited Title which were the best kind so far. Even my weakest attributes were probably enough to beat everyone in Amara if not the entire world. A fact that was worrying. The Crown Prince didn't provide a token so I needed to find a new way off world.

  Or else my growth would slow. There was no way that I was at the maximum for the realm. I could feel it like a deep hunger in every part of my body. I wanted more I could do more. I stared at the streets below until I felt darkness coalesce behind me. I sent a sense of calm to Xerxes since I had a pretty good idea of who it was. Sure enough the darkness fully formed and revealed Aaliyah.

  "There you are. We got reports of a strange man and his massive dog—" That earned a growl from Xerxes which made me chuckle.

  "People should probably get more used to seeing me. Maybe I should build a statue? You know something like the Statue of Liberty. Something that make Kings of old jealous."

  I watched her shake her head and fight against the smile that threatened the edges of her face through my soul sense. Another benefit of my new level of power. "What do you think they think of me?" I wasn't sure why I asked that question nor was I sure if I wanted an answer. Either way that arrow was already in flight.

  "It is hard to say things have been chaotic since you left. Your little student has helped with that though."

  I turned around at that and mentally did the math. Trey's birthday happened a few days ago. I grinned and then got to my feet. "What happened?"

  "Well the problems between the non-cultivators and cultivators have picked up. Especially now that levels have stagnated. A weird cult has sprung up. Its based around people believing that the the System is punishing us because of the non-cultivators. That they aren't chosen or whatever."

  "What?" I looked out over the city although I knew I wouldn't see anything. "Is The System's Herald doing that? Or is it someone else?"

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  She sighed and stepped to the edge of the building. "We don't know. That freak has been killing people ever since you left. Thankfully he hasn't come here for a fight but some of the scenes he created a horrible. A former crime scene investigator thinks he's escalating."

  "You mean like he's getting worse? Is it because no one can stop him?"

  She shook her head. "The current theory is that he wants you. You've become the batman to his joker."

  I shook my head at that. "I should be a lot stronger than him now though. I mean you all can't see it but my attributes have skyrocketed. I also learned several tricks during the trial. The Eye of Heaven is stronger now as well. Xerxes is at the level barrier now. It wouldn't be much of a fight."

  "We assumed as much. Which is why there is a second problem. Both the United World Government and the Commonwealth have stopped responding to us."

  I cocked my head at that. "Are their teleporters open?" She shook her head. "So have you heard anything about the System's Herald?"

  "No, the lack of communication has placed us in a information dark zone."

  "I see, do you all think that might be connected? That they might be either dealing with him or trying to deal with him?"

  "We considered it which is why we pulled our people back. We've focused more on the underground areas and keeping our borders secure."

  "Alright, well what's going on with Trey. He got the System right?"

  She nodded and then looked toward the central building. "Oh he did. He ate that fruit early though. In hopes that it would give him a unique title or something. He wants to tell you what he got on his own though."

  "Right? And you've agreed? Well it doesn't matter to me. I imagine I will see him soon enough. I have to go through the treasures I got at the trial. Do you want to join?"

  "No thanks I am tired of looking at alien plants and animal parts. The cooks have gotten better though. The food tastes better and like normal stuff. I am going to take a squad out to patrol. The council was about to decide whether or not to begin building a city underground."

  "Interesting oh what happened with the guard soldier divide idea?"

  "We got several groups who have signed up. The soldiers spend most of their time underground. Christopher and Keshaun would have more information." She activated her movement skill and sunk into the darkness. I waited until she was completely gone before I gestured to Xerxes.

  I sent a message to Azariah and Desbera to meet me in the council room in an hour and to bring whatever identification items they had. I wasn't sure how valuable this stuff would be but it should be amazing. I activated Apportation and we stepped through. Xerxes went into the cultivation chamber while I entered the bathroom. It was time for me to get my shower.

  An hour later I felt amazing, clean and ready to go. Xerxes stood next to me as we waited for the others to join. I hadn't noticed while we were in the trial but Xerxes had grown. He was now closer to large wolf than big dog. Which was awesome it made me feel like a mobster or king with a steady attack monster next to me. I waited for other to file in and shut the door before I began.

  "Hello everyone. Xerxes and I gained a few items during the trial and I hoped that you would help me identify them?"

  "Sounds simple enough Young Master. I would love the opportunity to help you sell your fortune as well." Azariah replied. Her sharp claw like fingernails tapped eagerly on the table as she stared at me.

  "I will provide whatever services I can as well." Desbera replied.

  I held out my hand and slowly summoned everything out of it. I wished that there was a way to do it faster like a "empty all" button. I didn't pull out the beast corpses though. There was no way I would have the nasty just in this room. The appraisal section took three more hours. During which I needed to go into detail about the location of the items and what their natural area looked like.

  The goods were divided into four main piles. One pile that would be sold, one pile that would go to me, one pile that would go to Xerxes and then one pile that would be sent to contribution shop. Of the piles Xerxes and I had the smallest but that wasn't a bad thing. The best items were for us. Not counting the attribute boosting fruit. It turned Xerxes couldn't get a benefit from these kinds of fruit and I was already at my limit. Which meant they were useless. I did set a few of them to the side in a kind fifth pile for Trey but he didn't need much.

  It would take him several days to purchase the items I left for him and then consume them. It was to the point that it was obvious nepotism. I placed my and Xerxes' items into the ring and Desbera took the stuff for the merit exchange. Azariah did the same for her pile.

  "Ah yes, Young Master I have made some inquires about the underwater vessel you wanted. I have found a seller that could provide one if you still have need."

  "Absolutely. Do you have any details? Like size, requirements to pilot and other details?" I asked my excitement building. I hadn't abandoned the idea of exploring the ocean floor.

  Azariah pulled out an information crystal from her dress and handed it to me. "It is all in here including the price. If you would like me to make the purchase you have two days to decide."

  I grabbed the crystal and sent a thread of energy inside. It took me less than a second to process the information. The ship's specs were a mixed bag. It would do what I needed it to do for sure but it wasn't exactly a grand vessel. It was classified as both Low Quality and First Realm. Which meant it was only a little better than just making a submarine out of earth materials.

  It did have one thing going for it. The ship could be upgraded fairly easily. If you didn't count the cost of parts. The whole thing was designed to be modular which was why it was so bad now. The original owner just lowered the quality of each part until it landed here. The price would take a chunk out of what I had but I could afford it.

  I reviewed the data on more time before I sent my confirmation to Azariah. "Alright, buddy what should we do next?" I asked Xerxes now that we were alone.

  "Do you want to check on that human? Trey?"

  "I do. Honestly I am a bit confused on why he hasn't found me already. I half expected him to come running through the door." I closed my eyes and expanded my Soul Sense to its maximum. I searched the main building and then every building nearby. It wasn't until I got to the academy that I found him. What I saw made me question my senses. Not only was he much stronger but he already had an aura and killing intent. I would put him around level 12 or 13 which wasn't much for me but compared to the rest of the world it was pretty impressive.

  "So he definitely got some nice benefits from the fruit though I can't tell what they are. He doesn't have an eye. You want to go and see him?" I asked though I already knew the answer. I was about open a portal when I thought better of it. Why not strut around the place like a peacock? It would be good for people to know I was back and it would be fun.

  "Lets have a little fun." I grinned and left the room. I double checked my robes, hair and face just to be sure there was nothing that would ruin the attempt. When I was ready I straightened my back and did my best important person walk.

  Xerxes and I drew quite a few eyes as we moved through the city. Most of the eyes were on Xerxes which only made the arrogant Qilin more arrogant. The view people who focused on me had complex looks on their faces. Some were happy that I was back while others seemed afraid. Like I would come offer beat them all which wasn't completely unfair. If you took my reputation into account. We arrived at the academy just as group of what I assumed were the soldiers left. The foursome looked at us saluted and then continued on their way.

  "I am leaving now!" Trey's voice echoed as we entered the building. I looked as Trey stepped to the top of a set of stairs. His head was turned toward someone behind him. I raised an eyebrow as he turned around and saw me. The smile on his face grew wider and brighter and the he bounded down the stairs.

  "Yo, I was just about to come see you. How did the trial go?"

  I grinned, pulled up the Chimeric title and showed it to him. His eyes widened for a moment and then he laughed. "First place as expected. I am level 15 now so can I come with next time?"

  I considered it for a moment and had to admit it would be nice to have a second or third person around. "Your level is a bit too low for the kind of stuff I would do but we might be able to grind you up. I don't have any quests right now."

  Trey's face brightened as I spoke which was more than enough to convince me this was right. "Great I can set out now if you're free?"

  I chuckled and held up a hand. "Slow your roll. I am going to set out again soon but now I am taking a break. I heard you got some unique titles?"

  He nodded and got that far away look in his eyes. "I got one for upgrading my species and getting a Tao before getting the System."

  "So nothing from the fruit? Or did it help with the species thing?"

  He shook his head and grinned. "Nope, no title but I got something pretty amazing."

  I looked him up and down but there was nothing different about him. "Well what is it? You didn't get a magic eye that's obvious. Did it change your channels or dantian?"

  His grin only grew wider as he shook his head and started toward the door. "Outside I don't want to get yelled at again."

  I looked back to top of the stairs to find Desbera glaring at both of us and raised an eyebrow in an unasked question. When she let out an exasperated sigh my interest was piqued. Xerxes and I chased after him. When we were outside we found Trey standing in the middle of a mostly empty street. I watched the energy surge from his dantian and into two spots in his shoulder blades. My eyes widened as the spiritual energy left his back and took on the form of a pair of majestic ten foot long wings.