Chapter 149: Advancing to Platinum

Three golden cores joined his collection while the spawning ground returned to its natural state.

Ethan sat down on a crystalline formation that provided comfortable seating while overlooking the entire manifestation zone. The cores disappeared one by one as he consumed them systematically, power flowing through his enhanced physiology with familiar warmth.

<+9 Strength> <+8 Agility> <+8 Intelligence>

Human: Ethan Brandon>

<Rank: Peak-Gold>

<Talents: Volcanic Mastery (D+), Water(D-), Crystal Manipulation (D), Speed (E+), Wind(E+), Protective Shield (F+), Accuracy Enhancement (F+), Regeneration (F+), Dagger Wield (F-), Mental Enhancement (F)>

<Transformations: Dark Wraith(High-Gold), Apex Mane(Mid-Gold), Ironhide Devastator (Mid-Gold), Crystal Butterfly(Low-Gold), Lazy Monkey(Peak-Silver), Tunneler Behemoth(High-Silver), Crystal Ape (Mid-Silver), Panther (Mid-Silver), Silver Serpent (Mid-Silver), Harpy(Mid-Silver)>

<Level 8>

<Health Points: 3880> <Mana Points: 3940>

<Strength: 400> <Agility: 375> <Intelligence: 394> <Vitality: 388>

<Free Attributes: 20> <Skills: Basic Footwork (Apprentice- 1%), Swordsmanship (Novice – 70%), Mana control (Novice – 98%)>

’Peak-Gold rank achieved. But the attributes still need improving.’

His strength had reached 400—a psychological milestone that represented transcendence beyond normal Gold-rank limitations. But his other attributes lagged behind, creating imbalances.

Whilst Ethan could do a half transformation where he could simply advance to platinum by focusing on one attribute, Ethan did not do that. He wanted a perfect foundation, and for that, he needed to level all his intelligence at the same time during a breakthrough.

’I’m not leaving this place until I reach the peak of Gold in all attributes,’ he thought, studying the mathematical progression toward perfect balance.

Each attribute needed to reach 400 for optimal advancement conditions. Strength was complete. Agility required 25 more points. Intelligence needed 6. Vitality demanded 12. Achievable through continued harvesting.

’Systematic advancement through spawning ground monopolization.’

Torrino remained under careful watch nearby, his military bearing subdued by witnessed demonstrations of individual power that redefined everything he’d believed about combat.

The spawning ground settled into dormant energy patterns as magical forces rebuilt toward the next manifestation cycle. Crystal formations dimmed while dimensional barriers thickened, requiring time to reach critical thinness again.

’Six hours until the next spawn cycle, based on previous patterns.’

Time passed quickly. His enhanced perception tracked the subtle buildups that normal observers would miss entirely.

Torrino provided occasional commentary about spawning mechanics, his professional knowledge useful despite their adversarial circumstances. Military intelligence gathering had included an extensive study of Gold-rank manifestation sites.

’Information has value regardless of source.’

Six hours elapsed before familiar energy distortions began appearing around the central manifestation zone. Reality started warping as dimensional barriers approached critical thinness, preparing for another violent emergence event.

’Right on schedule.’

The manifestation erupted with force that scattered loose stones across the amphitheater. Three new forms burst through dimensional rifts, their solid bodies displacing air in pressure waves that rattled ancient trees.

<Ferocious Beast: Ironhide Devastator><Rank: Mid-Gold><Physical Enhancement Talent: C>

<Ferocious Beast: Ironhide Devastator><Rank: Mid-Gold><Physical Enhancement Talent: C>

<Ferocious Beast: Ironhide Crusher><Rank: Low-Gold><Physical Enhancement Talent: C>

’Same species composition. Identical power distribution.’

Three boars materialized in the central spawning zone, their metallic hides gleaming with supernatural enhancement. The creatures appeared virtually identical to the previous batch—same size classifications, same talent grades, same territorial displays.

Torrino’s eyes widened as he recognised the repetition. “Two mid-gold again?”

’Unusual but advantageous. Known combat parameters eliminate variables.’

The boars detected human presence immediately, their enhanced senses orienting toward potential threats with predatory precision. But their territorial posturing carried familiar patterns that would make combat predictable rather than challenging.

’Time for efficiency over experimentation.’

Ethan rose from his crystalline seat with casual authority, his Peak-Gold aura radiating power that made the air itself shimmer with contained energy. The previous encounter had provided valuable combat data—now he would apply it systematically.

“Stay back,” he commanded Torrino. “This won’t take long.”

Enhanced Speed activated immediately, reality shifting into manageable slow motion as his perception accelerated beyond normal limits. The boars’ aggressive positioning became readable patterns rather than coordinated threats.

The largest specimen—another Devastator—charged first with earth-shaking momentum. But known attack patterns eliminated surprise advantages, turning its assault into target practice for refined techniques.

Volcanic mastery erupted in precisely calculated applications. Instead of overwhelming thermal assault, he applied controlled heat to specific stress points where metallic armor showed structural weaknesses.

The creature’s scream echoed across the spawning ground as superheated metal conducted thermal energy directly into vulnerable flesh. Its C-grade enhancement struggled against systematic exploitation of material science principles.

Crystal manipulation followed with surgical precision. Mineral spears erupted through the creature’s charge route, each one positioned to maximize damage while preventing fatal trauma.

Ethan would have to wait an extra six hours before the next spawning occurred, so he decided to take his time with fighting the devetators.

The Devestator attempted flanking manoeuvres that mirrored its predecessor’s tactics exactly. But predictable strategies meant inevitable failure against superior individual capability.

Wind blades carved through its approach with mathematical accuracy, invisible cutting edges finding gaps in metallic protection that thermal stress had already weakened. Blood sprayed in geometric patterns as enhanced durability met systematic technical assault.

The Crusher completed their coordinated positioning, its smaller bulk targeting what should have been his vulnerable flank. But Low-Gold capabilities represented target practice for someone operating at Peak-Gold potential.

Water manipulation created hydraulic pressure that hammered the creature against crystal formations with pile-driver force. The impacts produced wet cracking sounds as bones shattered under compound trauma.

All three boars lay bleeding among volcanic glass and mineral fragments within minutes rather than the extended encounter their predecessors had provided. Known tactical parameters eliminated experimental delays.

Fire magic provided the finishing touches, controlled flames that cooked damaged flesh while preserving the golden cores that represented advancement materials.

’Efficient resource extraction. Mathematics of systematic superiority.’

Three more cores joined his collection as the spawning ground returned to dormant energy patterns. Each manifestation cycle brought him closer to the perfect attribute balance needed for Platinum advancement.

<+8 Agility> <+7 Agility> <+9 Vitality>

His new attributes were ever so close to reaching the peak.

<Strength: 400> <Agility: 390> <Intelligence: 394> <Vitality: 397>

…

Six hours passed in systematic resource harvesting as Ethan methodically eliminated each spawning cycle with increasing efficiency. The progression had brought him tantalizingly close to perfect attribute balance.

He was still short of peak Gold in vitality by exactly three points, but patience had reached its limits. Waiting another six hours for such minimal advancement seemed wasteful when alternatives existed.

’Free attribute allocation. Simple solution.’

Three points flowed from his accumulated reserves into vitality enhancement, bringing the final attribute to optimal levels.

<Human: Ethan Brandon>

<Rank: Peak-Gold>

<Talents: Volcanic Mastery (D+), Water(D-), Crystal Manipulation (D), Speed (E+), Wind(E+), Protective Shield (F+), Accuracy Enhancement (F+), Regeneration (F+), Dagger Wield (F-), Mental Enhancement (F)>

<Transformations: Dark Wraith(High-Gold), Apex Mane(Mid-Gold), Ironhide Devastator (Mid-Gold), Crystal Butterfly(Low-Gold), Lazy Monkey(Peak-Silver), Tunneler Behemoth(High-Silver), Crystal Ape (Mid-Silver), Panther (Mid-Silver), Silver Serpent (Mid-Silver), Harpy(Mid-Silver)>

<Level 8>

<Health Points: 4000> <Mana Points: 4000>

<Strength: 400> <Agility: 400> <Intelligence: 400> <Vitality: 400>

<Free Attributes: 17>

<Skills: Basic Footwork (Apprentice- 1%), Swordsmanship (Novice – 70%), Mana control (Novice – 98%)>

Perfect balance. All primary attributes at the peak of Gold-rank potential. His enhanced physiology hummed with contained power that approached the limits.

’Peak-Gold in all categories. Almost ready for territorial assault.’

Ethan turned to Torrino, who had watched the systematic advancement with expressions mixing awe and growing dread. The prisoner’s usefulness was approaching its expiration date.

“Lead me toward your base.”

’Time to test Peak-Gold capabilities against organized resistance.’

Torrino nodded with resigned understanding, his military training recognizing inevitable tactical progression. Professional soldiers understood when strategic situations evolved beyond salvage.

They traveled through jungle terrain that grew increasingly familiar to the prisoner, his knowledge of patrol routes and defensive positions guiding their approach toward Lord Vance’s territorial stronghold.

An hour of careful movement brought them within sight of outer defensive perimeters—watchtowers and patrol routes that marked the edge of organised territorial control.

They stopped approximately one kilometre from visible fortifications, close enough for reconnaissance but distant enough to avoid casual detection.

“This is the ba—”

Torrino’s words ended abruptly as enhanced speed carried Ethan’s strike faster than perception could track. The prisoner’s head separated cleanly from his shoulders, the execution performed with surgical precision that prevented suffering.

’No longer needed. Liability eliminated.’

Torrino had served his purpose with acceptable cooperation—guidance to the spawning ground and territorial approach routes.

The headless corpse collapsed among jungle undergrowth while Ethan stored useful equipment in dimensional space. Military maps and communication devices might prove valuable during the coming assault.

’Intelligence gathered. Guide eliminated. Tactical preparation continues.’

But direct assault represented poor strategy despite overwhelming individual capability. Lord Vance commanded hundreds of subjects within prepared defensive positions—numerical superiority that demanded respect even from Peak-Gold opposition.

Ethan retraced their approach route, enhanced memory guiding him back toward a cave system he’d noted during their journey. The natural formation offered concealment while providing secure space for critical advancement procedures.

’Platinum rank advancement…’

The cave stretched deep into the hillside geology, its chambers large enough for comfortable occupation while narrow enough for easy defence. Perfect temporary laboratory for systematic transcendence.

He withdrew the accumulated herb specimens from dimensional storage—Tier 6 and Tier 7 advancement materials that represented weeks of careful cultivation and evolution. Each specimen pulsed with concentrated enhancement potential.

’Everything I’ve worked toward. Time to transcend Gold-rank limitations.’

Just like previous advancements to gold-rank, platinum-rank demanded the same approache. The herbs needed simultaneous integration to achieve qualitative breakthrough rather than incremental improvement.

Ethan arranged the specimens in geometric patterns around his seated position, their magical signatures creating harmonic resonances that made the air itself vibrate with contained potential.

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