The Cycle of Fate

Chapter 31 describes

how Lumian increasingly agrees with the lady in front of him:

He didn't know what abilities higher Sequences might exhibit, but judging from the few supernatural creatures he had "dealt" with, the creature with a vortex-like mouth was far less threatening than the monster with the hunting rifle.

Although this was partly because he had become a Beyonder, greatly improving his close combat and environmental utilization skills, the main reason was still the creature's own issues.

It lacked strong pursuit capabilities, had no long-range attacks, and its "invisibility" was not that formidable, being entirely countered by the "Hunter's" ability to grasp the surrounding environment and subtle traces.

Additionally, it shared the common flaw of most monsters: low intelligence. Unlike the rifle monster, which was cunning in combat, it simply fell into the trap set by its enemy.

All these factors combined led to an expected outcome. Until today, Lumian hadn't even considered that it might be on par with Sequence 7.

He hadn't even compared it to the rifle monster, believing there was a significant gap between them—the rifle monster being strong, and the vortex creature being weak.

Abilities, intellect, preparation, adaptability, environmental factors... So many things can influence the outcome of a battle... Lumian summarized in his mind, then asked with some hope but little expectation:

"Can I directly pray for the power of the 'Contracted One'?"

The lady laughed and replied:

"That's a good way to commit suicide."

She casually explained:

"In theory, you can, since the power sealed within you is more than just that of Sequence 7.

"But do you think your body can handle such a 'blessing' all at once, or rather, the pollution?

"Of course, if you don't mind turning into a monster, becoming a puppet of that existence, or mutating into another kind of creature, then you might consider trying.

"Well, it wouldn't be long before I could enjoy watching you turn your sister into a sacrifice with your own hands."

Lumian was so disturbed by the lady's words that his hair stood on end, and his spine chilled. He no longer dared to think about "ascending beyond his level."

He cautiously asked:

"So, the greatest blessing I can bear right now is 'Dancer'?"

"Yes, that's why I waited until you became a Beyonder and started digesting it before telling you this," the lady replied after taking a small sip of the green liquid in her cup. "Only after your spirit, spirituality, and body have all improved significantly can you hope to resist the pollution that comes with the 'blessing,' and then gradually gain control over that power.

"Over time, as your spiritual body and mental fortitude further strengthen, and your body adapts to the slight changes brought by the blessing, you can then consider the 'Mendicant Monk.'"

For Lumian, the most important thing now was to learn that mysterious dance, to partially but autonomously activate the thorn symbol, greatly enhancing his ability to explore the dream ruins. So, he no longer thought about the "Mendicant Monk" or the "Contracted One," and asked seriously:

"How should I pray?"

He had already learned the binary ritual method, but the sacred name of the being he was praying to, the associated domains, and the corresponding materials were still unknown to him.