The drop system recently became available, and Rasoul is eager to explore its potential but hasn't had the chance to test it yet. Like Beast cores, drops appear as items released upon a Beast or Human's death.
Unlike Beast cores, only specific Beasts produce drops, which come in the form of Orbs, each displaying a color indicating its value. During the Monster Tide, Rasoul received a few drops, systematically collected by the System following his instructions. Initially, the drop looks like an orb but transforms into an item when broken.
Rasoul had around 30 orbs, with the most remarkable one being Emerald-colored. The drop ranking system includes Copper, Silver, Gold, Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, and Diamond. Obtaining an Emerald drop was a significant achievement. Rasoul took out the Emerald orb, carefully examining it before shattering it on the ground. A purple forge emerged, moving calmly before changing shape and eventually settling into what looked like a book.
The Book appears rusty, but with a quick look, it's clear it's no ordinary book. Rasoul examined it for a while before delving into the information within.
Ding...
[Necromancy Encyclopedia - The Complete Guild in Necro-Smithing has been successfully formed]
[Rank: Spiritual Realm]
[Host is advised to create a soul contract with the Book]
[Does the Host want to form a soul contract with the Book]
>>Yes
>>No
'Yes
Ding...
[Soul contract successfully formed]
Rasoul disregarded any caution and accepted the contract, throwing all reservations aside. It wasn't recklessness or arrogance on his part; when he held the Book, a calm and welcoming sensation enveloped him, prompting him to sign the contract.
Ding...
[Does the Host wish to mend the Book with the System]
>>Yes
>>No
'Yes
Ding...
[Mending successful. The Host can now access the Book or inquire from the Book by just thinking it]
'That makes it simple. I thought I would read the book page by page...' Rasoul thought inwardly, but before he could complete his thought, another message arrived, and immediately, a flood of information started streaming into his mind.
Ding...
[Downloading content: 5%]
[Downloading content: 25%]
[Downloading content: 45%]
[Downloading content: 65%]
[Downloading content: 85%]
[Downloading content: 100%]
Ding...
[Download successful]
Immediately after the download, Rasoul immersed his mind in a vast sea of information. The amount of knowledge flooding his thoughts surpassed everything he had encountered since birth. Most people would have succumbed to unconsciousness or, worse, suffered brain damage, but Rasoul's remarkably strong mental resilience saved him from such consequences.
The information primarily detailed the Book's origin and Necro-Smith's capabilities.
Rasoul quickly accessed this knowledge, but his world momentarily darkened as soon as he delved into the vast sea of information. Upon opening his eyes, the scene before him differed significantly from what he had witnessed moments earlier. Attempting to move or scream proved futile; he found himself paralyzed. Efforts to access the System were in vain.
He had experienced this before when he first died as Clay. He knew he was currently in a trance-like state. When he partially died in the dark forest, he entered a similar state, so based on that experience, he remained calm. He waited, and soon enough, his surroundings changed again, transporting him to a room where two people could be seen conversing in what seemed to be their lab.
"Kross, my friend, there's nothing like bringing new life from the deceased. The concept of creation usually involves living things, not the departed," remarked a person with dark hair, a slender build, and glasses, concentrating on a book in his hands.
"Just because it hasn't happened before doesn't mean it can't. If the law of creation pertains to living things, there must be a law regarding death as well," replied the other youth, engrossed in writing a book similar to Rasoul's.
The appearance of the two youths suggested they were scholars or scientists. Deeply involved in research on transforming deceased entities into living ones, Kross aimed to create and enhance things from lifeless materials. His motivation lay in the belief that combining two or more entities could yield something stronger or wiser.
"As a scientist, like me, you know there's a way to merge two living things to form some kind of mutation. The same thing could be done with dead things. I just haven't figured out how to reanimate them yet," Kross said again as he continued to write in his journal.
"Even if you unravel the mystery to create something like this, where will you get enough energy to sustain your creations? Even the smallest human body runs on vast, powerful energy that can't be harnessed.
"Look, I know you're ambitious and want to prove to your family that researchers like us also contribute to society. I'm saying this because I'm your friend. I would hate to see you dive too deep into something you can't come back from," the individual spoke, hinting at Kross's most apparent concern.
Conversely, Kross paid little heed to his friend's concerns. He continued to jot down notes in the Book, but after a while, he halted, checked the time, and then remarked:
"I understand you might think I'm just wasting my time, Vin, but I believe in my research. I'm convinced I'll soon create something so extraordinary, even the universe might envy it..." Kross said as he stood up and began packing his belongings.
"You're exceptionally talented, Vin, so don't let family restrictions hold you back. Demonstrate the power of the mind. I'd hate to see your skills go to waste," Kross added as he continued packing.
"Where are you off to, Kross?" exclaimed Vin. He could sense Kross was behaving differently.
"Every research endeavor demands sacrifice, Vin. I'll be away for a while, returning when I succeed. The path to greatness isn't a straight line; you have to navigate some curves, and I, for one, am about to take my curve..." Kross replied, displaying absolute focus and a hint of determination.
"I'll be joining the latest enlistment and heading to the frontline in the army. I need deceased bodies for my experiments, and the battlefield provides abundance. I genuinely believe I'll return with something significant to astonish you all.
"Never forget, 'Whatever the mind can conceive, it can be achieved.' Farewell, my friend and brother. I hope to reunite with you someday..." Kross spoke as he closed the door behind him.
"Farewell to Kross Necrosmith... I hope our paths cross again someday."
Kross departed, leaving his only friend and brother behind. Despite coming from different families, their bond was forged through a shared passion for revolutionary thinking. While others engaged in meaningless wars, Kross and Vin chose to dedicate themselves to their research, earning significant hatred from those around them.
As time went by, Kross's name faded from the memories of many, but the name Leonardo da Vinci endured. Celebrated for his substantial contributions to the innovation of numerous inventions, Leonardo da Vinci became a lasting legacy—a testament to the enduring impact of his ideas and creativity.
Unknown to all, Kross NecroSmith achieved groundbreaking success in his experiment. He emerged as the pioneer of Necromancy, accomplishing the extraordinary feat of breathing life into the lifeless. Expanding his research, Kross integrated numerous formulas and theories, pushing the boundaries of Necromancy.
Many years after his passing, word of his accomplishments spread among necromancers.
Legend has it that Kross NecroSmith crafted seven enigmatic beings during his era—profound and potent entities sealed away and lost to time. Whispers circulated among the circles of necromancers, hinting that whoever could discover Kross's long-lost laboratory would unravel the mysteries of his experiments and inherit a distinctive and mutated form of Necromancy.
This advanced class, dubbed NecroSmithing, was said to bestow its practitioner with unparalleled abilities, marking a significant leap in the arcane arts of Necromancy. The quest to find Kross NecroSmith's hidden sanctum became a pursuit shrouded in mystery and sought after by those who aspired to wield the extraordinary power of NecroSmithing.
Unbeknownst to Rasoul, fate had already woven two crucial keys into his journey. The first key lay in his inheritance of the Necrosmith ability that granted him a way to create life from the lifeless. Unbeknownst to him, the second key lay in the mysterious Book he had just formed from the enigmatic orb. These seemingly unrelated elements held the power to unlock a destiny more significant than any being had ever known.
Should Rasoul stumble upon the hidden laboratory of Kross NecroSmith, the convergence of these keys would usher him into a future of unparalleled significance. The intricate wheels of fate were silently and steadily weaving a complex tapestry, connecting Rasoul to something profound.
A monumental destiny loomed on the horizon, and soon, the entire universe would become aware of the extraordinary power that Rasoul might harness. The unfolding saga hinted at a cosmic revelation that would transcend the boundaries of ordinary existence.
Ding...
[First Enlightenment as a necromancer is complete]
Ding...
[Your ability Necro-Smith has been upgraded]
Ding...
[The Host can now absorb another blood essence]
'What the heck... I can now absorb more bloodlines.
[Yes, but I advise you to enter the Semi-Saint Realm before absorbing.]
'Why shouldn't I absorb it now?
[Your body is still weak, so absorbing the bloodline now will not be as beneficial as when you become a Semi-Saint.]
'I'll trust you on this one.
[It's not like you have any other choice.]
'Stop the negativity, System. You live inside my body.
[That's because I have no other choice.]
'You say that, but I think you secretly like me. You're just playing tough.
[Keep dreaming.]
[4th Wall: Perhaps I should take matters into my own hands and end him.]
Rasoul was flabbergasted. He wanted to shout, yet he controlled himself. Rasoul witnessed a significant change in his body since he absorbed the two blood essences from the God of War and the Supreme of Death. He desired to absorb another essence, but according to the System, his body needed to develop to a certain level before he could do so.
Additionally, there was an issue with the upgrade in his Necro-Smith ability. He aimed to access the ability and inspect the upgrade, but just as he was about to, he received a telepathic message from his first slave, Jude Charlson, the heir of the Charlse Great Family...
'Master, we have a problem.'