cerim
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Chapter 649 - Spark
🕑 Added 2025-06-25 08:37:47 +0000 UTC(Hello?) I send back.
(Hello!) The voice in my head repeats.
This time I follow it properly, and for sure identify that it is coming from the mark that was placed on me when I entered the tower.
(Are you the king of this city?) I ask.
(It seems like it!)
I blink a few times and glance around. Then I decide I should sit down, so I move to a nearby bench.
(Seems like it?) I ask.
(It is difficult to say sometimes, with there being so many of me.) The voice sounds like a man in his thirties, maybe, but it has a sort of innocence to it.
(I do not think I can agree or disagree without more context. Also, are you not busy or something to have time to talk to me?)
(Not really. It is very peaceful here, and other parts of me deal with danger if needed, so I have time to watch the attendees and my people.)
(Are you maybe a stalker?)
(I... I am not going to lie, that definition is close to it, but not really. There are a few more of me doing the same thing. I saw you with rude Weslin before. Are you his disciple or a rookie in the Primordial Knights?)
(I am neither. The same way you are close to being a stalker, I am close to being kidnapped. Are you maybe a mind mage?)
(Do not insult me. I only use my mind and mark to track people, and also observe them through the devices placed in the city. I do not listen to what you talk about, as that would ruin the fun of guessing or observing. But some other parts of me might do that. There are some that are very curious.)
(So the ‘parts of you’ that you are referring to are parts of your mind?)
(Hehe, I can guess why you think that. I can sense that you are trying something similar to what you just mentioned. I noticed it when I placed the mark on you. But no, it is not really like that. It is different from what you are doing, but I will not tell you more. Do you want me to save you from Weslin? Kidnapping someone is not nice.)
(Thanks for the offer, but no.)
(Are you not angry at him? For kidnapping you and taking you to the third floor? I know for sure I would be.)
(A bit, but so far it fits with what I want to do. Are you a Champion?)
(Probably? I personally prefer watching people, but there are parts of me I can call on or ask for help. They're super strong. There are two or three that are fully combat-oriented and could kill everyone in the city in mere moments if they wanted.)
I pause my thoughts there. Yes, that totally sounds like a Champion, even though this one is really fascinating. I would have guessed it was someone who can split their mind like me, but messed up somewhere and created some sort of split personality. But he said that is not it. So maybe it is something more like duplication, intent, avatar, or something similar?
Leaning back, I notice myself tapping my finger on the back of my hand as I think. Maybe it really is something entirely different. But what? A Champion with a main mind, and the one I am talking to is something like a logic core that thinks it is the mind or the Champion? An artificial mind? A program?
Maybe he is some different race, something like a seven-headed hydra, with each head having its own mind?
It could also be a fancy trait, a passive ability, or a skill.
(Can you tell me what exactly you are?) I ask.
(Nope.)
Well, that is it.
I try again. (I am curious, so I hope it does not offend you. Do you want something in exchange for the answer to that question?)
(Hehe, people are rarely as curious and brave as you. But I have to refuse. Still, I quite like you. You really do not want me to ask a stronger part of me to stop Weslin and sneak you to the third floor? I can ask the part of me in control of the portal to let you use it.)
(Thank you, but there is no need to. Is it possible for me to see your body? Or talk to the main part of you?)
(Not really! And there is no main part. Each part is equally real. As for the body, we never leave our room at the top of the tower. Only parts of me move around to observe the city, guard it, run experiments, support the city arrays, and things like that. Our body has not left the room in a few hundred years. I am called Spark. And you?)
I see no reason to lie and give my name to likely one of the greatest introverts I have ever met. (Nathaniel.)
My respect for the guy grows by a notch. I cannot imagine doing something similar, but who knows. Maybe after a few hundred years, I will go on a training arc like that.
(Spark, can you tell me about Faora and Luan? Do you know them? I can give you their descriptions.)
(I can’t.)
(I see.)
(Are you angry?)
(I’m not.)
Spark lets out a laugh. (I can see that you’re not lying, hehe.)
(Why would I? I thought I’d try, but I didn’t have any expectations. So, do you need something from me?)
(I don’t! I just want to watch you for a bit and talk. But I can’t annoy the attendees too much or the other me will get angry. So, in exchange, I’ll answer your questions. If you ask for something big, I’ll either refuse or ask for something more as payment!)
(That sounds good to me.) I answer, filtering out the background noise a bit.
While sitting on the bench, watching people move around, I anticipate the next question.
(Wait a moment! Another part of me has joined and wants to take part in the conversation too, so I’m trying to send him away!)
(I don’t mind.)
(You don’t?)
(I don’t,) I repeat.
(Great! This is Marble. He’s a bit rude sometimes, so please forgive him,) Spark says as he introduces another part of this city´s King.
That new voice joins. It sounds the same as Spark’s but lacks the excitement and innocence. Instead, it carries less emotion and is deeper.
(Human, there is something off about your body. Will you allow me to use the mark to observe it?) it asks right away.
(What will I get in exchange?)
(Yes! Don’t be rude, Marble. Offer something. It’s very rude to probe attendees like that. Remember what Sunshine always says!)
(I’m willing to offer equal payment to satisfy my curiosity, Spark. I know attendees are greedy, and such transactions make things easier.)
Spark sounds a bit louder now. (That was rude too! Please forgive him, Nathaniel.)
(It’s okay,) I say. (What interesting or useful information could you give me in exchange for probing my body, Marble?)
For a moment, he falls silent before speaking again. (I have a hard time judging what attendees consider interesting or useful. But there are four pieces of information the other me were interested in as of late, so maybe you’ll find them interesting too. You can pick one.)
(That works for me. What are they?)
(Someone threatening to destroy the 1st and 2nd floors of Beyond. The death of someone important. The number of times attendees have tripped over their own feet while trying to look mysterious or intimidating in the past 500 years - the actual number will surprise you. And finally, a detailed chart tracking how many times attendees have tried to secretly feed the sparrows on the 26th floor of the city, only for the sparrows to completely ignore them. This one is long term, observed over the past 1,000 years.)
I sit on the bench and stare into the space in front of me.
Some of these don’t feel like the others.
Both Spark and Marble wait patiently while I make a difficult decision.
(The first question and the second one. What would you want in exchange for both?)
(Are you sure, Nathaniel? The actual number of tripping attendees would really surprise you!)
Spark probably doesn’t realize how close I am to picking that one.
(Maybe next time I come to the city.)
(He has picked his questions, Spark.) Marble says. (For the first one, I’ll probe your body. For the second one I will...)
(What are you two doing!) A third voice joins the conversation. It sounds the same as the other two, just stricter.
(Veil!) Spark says, and I can hear fear in his voice.
I feel Marble trying to slip away, but something holds him here just like Spark.
(You two aren’t going anywhere! What information are you trying to give to the rookie attendee!)
(But Veil! Nathaniel and I are friends.)
(We’ve made a fair trade, Veil. Please don’t interfere.)
(I’ll just sit here, then. Carry on.)
(I’m sorry, Nathaniel. It’s just Veil being rude. Veil, apologize to Nathaniel!)
(I agree with Spark, Veil,) Marble says. (You barged in rudely, even though I...)
(Argggghh, just be quiet. How could I not barge in when you’re about to talk about this information.)
Marble’s voice softens a little. (I see. I guess it really was too much to offer information about the chart of the number...)
(Not that!)
(Veil, you’re getting riled up,) Spark warns.
I reach towards my bag next to me and pull out one of my last, and according to the calculations, around 100 thousand dollars’ worth bar of chocolate. I take only a few pieces before I carefully package it and put it into the bag while eating the ones in my hand.
After a bit of fighting, the conversation shifts when Marble says, (Veil, you probably would want to probe his body too. I got only a hint, but look at this.)
Then there is a long silence, and in peace I finish the chocolate.
(Mmm, I guess we could come to a trade agreement. But the chart is out of the question. Breeze spent too much time on it just to give it away so freely.)
(I’m fine with that.) I say.
(Thanks for your understanding, Nathaniel!)
(You are welcome, Spark.)
This time Veil addresses me, (Well then, the information about someone threatening to destroy the 1st floor and the death of someone important in exchange for a deep probe of your body. We will not touch your mind and will place an oath to not share it with anyone other than pieces of us, even if it would mean death for us.)
(I agree.)
As I do so, Veil recites the oath, (We swear by our name, by our mark, and by our bond with this city. The knowledge we gain through this probe, or that any part of us gains by any means in relation to this act, will not be shared, shown, spoken of, or otherwise conveyed to any being or force beyond ourselves. This includes all parts of us, present or future, known or unknown. This oath binds us wholly and without condition, and shall hold even if our ruin or death be the cost. This is our word.)
I confirm its reality because of the feeling these oaths have, and observe the entire process. As always, calling the system as a judge is very interesting.
(Go on,) I say.
Then these three presences, through the mark placed on me, start examining my body. It isn’t as creepy as I expected it could be, and it doesn’t feel too intrusive either. They are doing it very carefully and never going deeper. And the mark is great. With their work, it expands through me and allows for a deeper scan.
While they do so, I continue to hear their voices.
(Nathaniel, how are you still alive!)
(Isn’t that Cycling similar to The Absolute’s?)
(There is so much mess. How can all these things fit there?)
(Two hearts. You are so cool, Nathaniel! The demons must love you!)
(Statistically, he shouldn’t be alive right now.)
(When was the last time you saw someone with such stat distribution?)
(Nathaniel, how are you still alive!)
(What is this?)
(Connection? Maybe to bond?)
(It feels scary.)
When it’s finally done, Veil leaves after a brief thanks.
(Thanks for your patience, human. Spark, you're coming with me. Right now.)
(Sorry, Nathaniel, I have to go. They probably want to reprimand me again. I will see you later!)
(See you, Spark.)
Only Marble stays, and from him I get two pieces of information.
About a certain Absolute who escaped the tutorial and threatened to destroy the two Beyond floors. Something Marble and the other parts of the King noticed, and even feared, as it was happening, unable to push back against that incredible power.
The second piece of information connects to this as well. The Ruler of Envy is dead, killed by the imitation of The Ancient Monster that tore through the Beyond. She is now trapped on the 12th floor, where her fate remains uncertain.
And the last piece of information I get is for free. The death of the Ruler of Envy means one of his Masters will sooner or later be crowned as the new Ruler of Envy. Then they will gain privileges and the opportunity to pass the floors the same as the other Rulers before and head deeper into the First Dungeon to prove themselves.
They might stop at the 11th floor like the other Rulers did. Or maybe they will head deeper, to the 12th floor, to kill the monster entrapped there.
***
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Author Note: I might post chapter 650 sometime today. I could be busy tomorrow, but I’ll see!
Comments
Ryan Thomas
Lol at Biscuit’s mark being scary even to a Champion
Extra16
Typo at the start
Jayden Martinez
Nathaniel constantly hides his mana, lissandra probably wasn't bothering by that point
Javen
enter the 12th floor with cockroachsandra in there? that new ruler of envy will have the shortest term ever.
Sandra Bong
Thank you for an awesome chapter! I love Spark! I do have a comment/complaint though. Monster description. Like "a jelly like creature with flames along it's spine" . What kind of creature??? Bipedal? 4 legged? More legged? Is it see thru? How does the jelly look? Can you see the muscling? Bones? Tell me about the creatures!!!
Manther
How does this Champion know what The Absolute's Cycling looks like? If he couldn't recognize it without deep scanning Nat, there's no way he deep scanned Lissandra to sense it the first time.
PoeticSaint
The Ancient Monster......... I LOVE THIS LORE for Lizz! Uggghhghgh more!!!! NOW!...... am i spoiled? I feel spoiled. This story is epic. Man I love this!
Joel
I bet it's a big gaping hole cerim has yet to fill lol
Briar Rosier
I’m curious. How did the beyond starter level up at first? The first floor starts at level ~250. Or do they go through an even harder version of the 13 tutorial floors? Also, if it weren’t for this beyonder, I would say Nat would be set as the future absolute of Earth. On the other hand, if my theory that Nat is the beyonder, but time traveled back to the beginning of the tutorial by the system is correct, then that would mean they’re the same person. They’ve both been described as crazy by beyonders. Though how they wouldn’t figure out they’re the same person, and greed and someone talked about whether to focus on Nat or the Beyonder, so there’s that. Unless the system is somehow making him appear different to even the rulers.
Andrew Miller
This chapter made me think that Biscuit might actually have a skill like [Sense], a high level concept skill that allows him to detect/read different energies such as emotions/mana/primordial. Biscuit's skill might actually have a similar effect to what this king of the third city possesses and can [Sense] deviations through his mark.
Zaim İpek
I hope so.
Mark Bullock
I believe the cliff in this chapter is Cerim teasing us about another chapter..
TBONEMAN
Even the king is afraid of Biscuit's bond with Nat
Moonfrost
he just found out after they gave him the info
asdsa fasfas
How exactly you expect them to die now when her mana heart is gone? No way she winning now even vs absolutes, much less rulers
Al
Really liking the King. Also I can’t remember, does Nat know Liss made it to the 12th floor and killed envy?
13L00D13ANE
Im absolutely imagining this multiple-mind champion as being some kind of animal.
Andrew
Thank you!
Subliminary
Interesting computer AI hive mind sorta beings. Love it!!
Fdrugc
Are you certain nat knows this i think we got this info from the absolute with the eyes when he was watching stuff happen
Fdrugc
Tftc
Zaim İpek
Assuming Liss doesn't clear it by herself in the time it takes Nat to become a Ruler. Seems like the whole point of becoming a Ruler is to get the opportunity to freely challenge the First Dungeon. Liss just hacked the system and bypassed that whole process. Even more amazing is Myrra getting free access to such an exclusive place before even reaching Champion level.
Zaim İpek
They are 100% my new second favorite, and the very first to get close to threaten Biscuit's #1 favorite position.
Zaim İpek
This is a perfect chance to let Marble know that he already knew the second piece of information. That means he can find out how many people tripped!
Bob
He did nothing, it is just the champion self imposed rules.
Benji
I think the king is my new favorite character(s). Thanks for the chapter!
zoarian
Huh, so potentially Liss could be the final final boss. If she stays locked up, it could go: Nat becomes an Absolute -> Kills Pride -> Becomes Ruler -> Meets Liss. Together they clear Beyond? Ngl, that'd be fire
Blaxxun
Probably our Animal Overlord. Liss was mentioned in the mana cycling method, so they would prob recognize the mark if it was hers.
WhiteLeeopard
Hilarious. Not sure why the new ruler would considering they owe her their new status though.
Oaktree
So is it biscuits mark or liss I can’t remember if liss’s mark still on him. Cause both would be equally terrifying. Between the future ruler of gluttony being his bond, the cockroach being his teacher, and greed most likely being his handler, nats got some seriously powerful beings claiming him.
Adrian Rake
So, he gained the true information about Lissandra. So early! Nice development 🤔🙂👍
Ken Horne
Nat could actually bargain some information on her. And how can they call a cockroach a monster?
Oaktree
(Nathaniel, how are you still alive!) Nat: oh simple 100 thousand dollars chocolate.
Woojoe
O man! New ruler is going to enter the dungeon, meet cockroach and die on the 12th floor. I wonder if this will be a ruler death loop until Nat is strong enough to rescue them.
Gio
woudn't it be funny if the newly crowned ruler of envy goes to the 12th floor and dies xD
Tyrant Villager
And Nat has finally learned of her deal. Wonder how he’s gonna react? I’m betting on him attacking the other rulers eventually
Joe Woodhouse
Nat's negotiation skills approach outright scamming. [said with admiration] He gave away information that he could not prevent a Champion from knowing in exchange for information likely unknown in Beyond below the Champion rank. Literally priceless and it cost him nothing. If anything he even gained a bit from their comments during the probe.
Niclas Elmers
Tftc
Nerø
Nice!! I'll be waiting for the early chappy while also waiting for the bus lol
Nerø
TFTC! Damn these guys are really fast.
vEnviouz
TFTC!!!
Snake With An Aurora Borealis
Tftc
Andrey Barragan
Thanks for the chapter
