Upon hearing Stima's words, I realized that his demeanor was indeed peculiar, though I couldn't quite place why. With a tentative belief, I remarked, "Even if you cannot venture to the *** Continent, you could seek out seasoned adventurers with profound qualifications. A novice like me would likely meet an untimely end before even setting foot on the *** Continent."
"You possess great potential, and I have faith in you!"
"I am not a youthful idealist driven by passion. Could you perhaps use a more refreshing expression to dismiss me?"
In response to my complaint, Mostima chuckled softly and explained, "Those words are not mere flattery. The moment you stepped onto Skull Island, I sensed the power of temporal order within you. Only you have the chance to obtain the Pentagram Bracelet."
"The power of temporal order!" A wave of astonishment washed over me like never before. The ability of the Temporal Order Keeper had long been the deepest secret I harbored, my final bastion of hope, known to no one. Mostima's revelation only heightened my wariness of this enigmatic being.
With a deep breath, I quelled my tumultuous emotions and replied coolly, "However, I have yet to harness the true capabilities of the power of temporal order. As it stands, I can only act as a mere fortune teller, foreseeing my own fate without being able to benefit others."
Mostima shook his head and said, "Time is divided into order and chaos. The power of order is not meant for predicting fortunes. Unfortunately, the intricacies of temporal power elude understanding, and I cannot impart it to you. However, I can grant you other abilities, which will provide additional assurance for your journey to the *** Continent."
I pondered for a moment before a question suddenly struck me. Furrowing my brow, I asked, "I obtained a psychic firearm in Kiri, made from the celestial wood of the Yuan Yuan Continent. If members of the Demon Sealing Mercenary Corps can travel to the Yuan Yuan Continent, why then extend their routes to the *** Continent?"
Mostima smiled slightly and replied, "That reveals your lack of understanding of this world. The Yuan Yuan Continent lies over seventy thousand kilometers to the north of Demon Island, with a tranquil route that poses little danger. Many adventurers from Demon Island have tried their luck there. However, the Yuan Yuan Continent is teeming with formidable beings. Even at my peak, I would not dare to tread lightly there. While some members of the Demon Sealing Mercenary Corps have reached it by chance and returned alive, their strength is far from sufficient to establish a foothold in the Yuan Yuan Continent."
"The difficulty of establishing a base in the Yuan Yuan Continent is a hundredfold greater than unifying Demon Island. Although the route to the *** Continent is fraught with peril, they have discovered Skull Island as an entry point, significantly shortening the treacherous journey by over a hundred thousand kilometers, thus they are willing to take the risk."
"Demon Island, Skull Island, the *** Continent, the Golden Continent, the Ropa Seven Seas, the Yuan Yuan Continent..." I pieced together a rough outline of this world in my mind. Though the magical map I possessed was incomplete, it at least provided me with an understanding of the general landscape surrounding Demon Island.
Noticing my deep contemplation, Mostima refrained from interrupting, displaying a gentlemanly patience as he sipped his drink, a subtle smile gracing his lips, exuding an irresistible masculine charm.
"What assistance can you provide me?"
"Oh! You have already earned the title of Alchemy Apprentice. I imagine you would greatly desire someone to impart basic knowledge to you! I can help you cultivate the Heart of an Alchemist."
"The Heart of an Alchemist? What is that?"
Mostima remained enigmatic, and I astutely abandoned any thoughts of escaping his influence. This being seemed to possess boundless knowledge; no matter where I fled, I could not evade him. It would be wiser to obediently pursue the Pentagram Bracelet, as it might yield unforeseen rewards.
When Mostima mentioned the Heart of an Alchemist, I could not suppress my astonishment.
Mostima chuckled, "Did you think the world contained only the crude notion of a Warrior's Heart?" He gestured toward his chest and spoke softly, "The power of all living beings emanates from the heart. The Warrior's Heart is merely one form of inner strength; the Sorcerer's Heart is another. You are but a step away from awakening the Heart of an Alchemist, and I can provide that final impetus."
With a mere touch of his finger, I instinctively raised my hand to block, yet encountered nothing. Mostima's arm effortlessly passed through mine, landing upon my brow.
First came the Platinum Glory, then the six alchemical magic cards obtained from the bullets, followed by the ancient alchemical incantations, and finally, the "Alchemy Notes of Agzhu." These disparate pieces of alchemical knowledge melded into a singular entity under Mostima's guidance, losing their individual distinctions.
This knowledge intertwined with an unseen energy, coalescing in the back of my mind into a dark golden core radiating vibrant, multicolored light. Through my eyes, I could clearly sense the mysterious power of what was now called the Heart of an Alchemist.
The Heart of an Alchemist felt entirely different from the Heart of the Undead Warrior; the latter was suffused with an eerie stillness, capable of encompassing infinity yet devoid of vitality. In contrast, the Heart of an Alchemist resembled a portable computer, brimming with boundless potential for development.
"Force is not the only means of protecting life; wisdom is paramount. With the Heart of an Alchemist, you will be able to create numerous tools. I hope this ability serves you well."
Mostima's figure gradually became ethereal, and his voice, tinged with exhaustion, delivered a final admonition before he vanished as silently as he had arrived.
When Mostima appeared, the horizon was merely a sliver of dawn; by the time he departed, the sky was already bright. Despite having spent the night awake, I felt invigorated, fueled not only by the excitement of newfound abilities but also by the boundless ambition ignited by an unpredictable future.
"Regardless of the dangers that lie ahead, I shall prevail. I promised Pan Lier I would seek her in the Ropa Seven Seas, and if I have the opportunity to step onto the *** Continent, I shall not let it slip away."
I clenched my fist tightly, a radiant platinum aura enveloping me, with flashes of brilliant lightning dancing along my arm. In the midst of my fervent emotions, I remained unaware that the Platinum Glory had already ascended to the seventh tier. Having devoted myself entirely to martial training for an extended period, I had not focused on this power for quite some time.