Ascension of the Sylvan Cosmos

Chapter 63. Cinderielle's Realization.

After three days of resting, Ignatia finally returned to her nest with the rest of the ants, having dealt with everything she could do around Liu Shu. Despite the unfortunate loss of around 40 of her children, the remaining 60 had experienced a remarkable surge in their strength. This was not just a mere increase in Levels but a breakthrough in tiers, a testament to their resilience and potential.

Still, the remaining 60 weren't stronger than the initial 100 as a unit, so it was nothing to celebrate.

The fairies, too, faced a similar fate. Their losses didn't bring them any closer to compensating for their winnings, leaving them in a state of unfulfilled hope.

Nobody complained, though, and the presence of the humans and Sylvan was greatly welcomed into their community. While they were careful and wary at first, after seeing them fight with them, many of the youngest Rose Fairies approached with curiosity-filled eyes to see the giants that came to their terrain.

Imagine that suddenly, five humanoids around fifteen meters tall appeared in your city. You would either be terrified at first or in awe and full of curiosity.

Most fairies initially felt the former way, but now that these giants turned out to be helpers during the terrifying beast tide, their way of looking at them had changed.

Ariel couldn't help but be captivated by these enchanting creatures. Standing at a mere 15 to 25 centimeters tall, with the mature Rose Fairies reaching a height of 20 centimeters, they were a sight to behold. Their bodies, slender and delicate, were adorned with a leafy green dress that draped over their chests and waists. Their hair, a vibrant shade of rose red, and their eyes were unlike any he had ever seen.

Unlike a normal eye with a sclera, iris, and pupil, theirs were gem-like and completely red. They had a glossy surface with a darker red circle in the middle that worked as a pupil. It was complicated to see where they were looking for Ariel and the other humans, but once they managed to distinguish the pupil, it became increasingly easier to distinguish where they were looking.

Rober had two young rose fairies clinging to his bear while they giggled, making him feel helpless. Still, he didn't dislike it.

He had worked a long time as an explorer in the past, and the times he fought and killed a Rose Fairy were not few. This situation would naturally not make him feel remorseful, as the Rose Fairies were much more aggressive at those times.

Still, their petite size and cute appearance could even soften the hearts of a battle-hardened warrior like him.

For Robert, becoming a strong adventurer was a dream that was cut short very early. He was relatively quick to reach Level 9 and accumulated enough experience to tackle the Level 10 barrier. Sadly for him, he lacked the innate talent to cross that first barrier.

So, since he was young, Robert has been stuck at Level 9, with his experience, skills, and everything else maxed out and unable to get stronger.

Moreover, as years passed, the time when his stats would start decreasing was approaching. That state, while called aging by some in the profession, was called the deteriorating stage.

Because of the nature of the Ternary Essences, if a, let's say, 70-year-old average human suddenly broke the barrier and reached Level 10, he could've reversed the aging of his body as his strength and stats increased, going back to peak condition for a while longer.

There were treasures, items, potions, and other things that helped people cross the Energy Cycle barriers. Still, they were uncommon and expensive, and more often than not, even if you had the money, most would be reluctant to sell them.