[Max's POV]
After checking out my new inventory/realm and understanding the workings, I have to say that my little protectors didn't disappoint me at all. I should give them a namememe if nothing else.
I came out of the realm, leaving Vault-kun wandering around and thinking of the best argument to make me change his nickname, but alas, he didn't know that it won't matter. I decided to just lie down for 2-3 hrs and gave both of them the shock of their life.
[Fiona's POV]
I woke up refreshed; all the soreness of my muscles had faded, replaced by energy roaring to go for the same schedule today.
After freshening up, I made my way to the hall for breakfast. There Luna and Boss were seated, waiting for me. We exchanged greetings and began breakfast. I noticed a slight quickness of Boss; I mean, he was always quick in everything he did, but today it seemed he was in that extra hurry.
Everyone finished their meal. Boss turned towards Luna and addressed her, "I am giving you the same contract as Fiona. If you want to spread your hotel business to the higher floors, you'd also have to grow in power. You can take your time and tell me in the evening or tomorrow."
"I accept," Luna hurriedly replied.
"Well...that was fast. Why?" Boss reacted almost warily.
"I had already gotten information about the contract; I was already thinking of asking you for it. After reaching Rank S, I have become stagnant and not cleared many floors for almost 3-4 years now. So if I could grow stronger, I am all for it," Luna explained her eagerness for accepting the contract.
Boss Max nodded and continued, "In that case, I have something for you guys. Hold yourself; you may feel a bit overwhelmed."
Luna and I also looked confused; we were sitting on a chair, but I knew Boss enough to know he was serious.
Suddenly, a new system notification panel chimed in, but before I could look at it. I felt like mana, endless mana, connecting itself to me; a pleasing voice, "Ahh," escaped my mouth, and I hurriedly covered my mouth.
I had started to relish this feeling, but once again the clarity and my thought process increased.
Not like using the Attribute crystal type, when I felt I could go two steps instead of one; now I got the feeling that I could leap the highest building and not even feel a small strain on my mind.
I raised my head to look at Boss first; he was smiling, a real smile I have seen on his face for the first time. I was slightly embarrassed, so I turned my face towards Luna, and she looked like she was in a trance, and a small, pleasing voice escaped her mouth at small intervals.
I couldn't explain what was happening to both of us; Boss said we would feel overwhelmed, but this was not such a feeling. Instead, it felt like we were drowning in multiple seas at once.
The only thing that came to mind was system notification, so I looked at my system panels, and with my clarity and speed of thought process, what I read still left me baffled.
[You have received two titles from Player Max.]
[Boundless Nexus, Keeper of the Infinite Vault]
Both sounded very powerful and majestic. I couldn't wrap my head around that Boss gave us such a title; giving titles was a privilege of the powerful at much higher floors, and here Boss was giving us such a title before even crossing the 10th floor.
I focused on the first title, 'Boundless Nexus,' and the system panel appeared with information.
[Title: Boundless Nexus]
[Description:]
A duplicate title granted and created by the holder of the original 'Boundless Nexus.'
This title grants you access to three of the infinite traits of Player Max.
[Title Effects:]
- Infinite Communion
Provides Infinite Mana, Stamina, and Mind to all holders of this title.
Connection cannot be severed by time, death, or dimensional separation.
- Omniversal Range
Nexus threads ignore all the boundaries of space and time.
These links can exist across timelines, worlds, and realms.
- Eternal Flow
Beings linked through this title receive limitless regeneration derived from the infinite essence of Player Max.
Vitality shared helps in the adaptation of the titleholder's soul's structure from this overflowing energy and prevents collapse and decay of the soul.
My understanding of Boss's power was elevated to a whole new level; now all his feats seem possible from a perspective but still overwhelming.
I looked at Boss and nervously asked, "Boss, you have more than three of these traits, don't you?"
He just gave me a smile, the same smile as when I asked about his affinities.
Luna also came out of her stupor, looking at me, then Boss Max, then at me again, and said, "Now I could relate to you more on how both dreadful and amazing it is to watch him do something incredible."
"There's more." The boss voiced his opinion and snapped his fingers.
Before I could complain that such a mind-boggling feat was enough for today and I really wanted to test this sea of power I was feeling, a portal, or more like a gateway, opened in front of us.
Large towers and floating buildings were visible from the other side. Boss Max entered the opening as he ordered, "Follow me."
We followed him, mesmerized by the scenery in front of us, and then a hexagonal crystal appeared in front of us. Floating, while spiral-shaped multiple somethings akin to mana or energy swirled around him.
Then it spoke, "Sovereign, are these two people who I felt a link with a few moments ago?"
I was bewildered, and Luna had the same confusing look; we both looked at each other and then towards Boss Max. He saw our confusing face and smiled slightly and explained.
"This is my inventory, in simplest terms, and now you both also have access to this realm to store your things and many other benefits. This crystal shaped structure you see is Sentience of this Vaultscape, Vault-kun."
"My name is Astral Vaultkeeper, Sovereign." The floating crystal protested, but Boss just ignored him.
"Boss, are you some all-powerful entity trying to live among us puny mortals?" I abruptly said, seeing all the absurdity happening in front of me.
A freaking Realm? My boss has a realm with sentience for an inventory. Just how and what was he? I was forced to ask myself the same question again.
"No, I don't think so," Boss replied.
I also felt little awkward saying this so I corrected myself "Sorry Boss, it just that I feel that you are on a whole different level.
Till now I thought you were just powerful due to your talent, class, or affinities, or maybe having some unique Bloodline or Physique. However, this is something for which a new word needs to be created to explain this."
"Well, you are not half wrong; I do have those," Boss answered, and I was almost sure that he had a smug smile on his face, but he interrupted my chain of thoughts. "You guys can further check this out later; you can access this realm at your will."
He then turned toward Luna, who was mostly silent during the whole episode, and asked, "Do you want to ask or say something, Luna?"
She just shook her head negatively, still looking perplexed with all that was happening, and I couldn't blame her. It's just that I have seen Boss fight and had some sense of his power, so I was first to accommodate.
Boss turned toward the crystal and addressed it, "Vault-kun, take care and tell me if there is anything that needs to be done."
The crystal responded, "Sovereign, would you like to entertain the idea of not calling me Vault-kun?"
"What do you think?" Boss answered with another question, and I felt that Crystal was sighing at the response.
"Now that's enough dilly-dallying for today; we have to clear 2 floors today, as usual," Boss said as he looked at me.
"Yes, Boss" I nodded.
We came out from same gateway and Boss transported us to the 8th floor and today I was ready to unleash this new found power and help in clearing the floor faster, if possible.
[Luna's POV]
I was seated in my chair, still reveling in my thoughts of all that happened today, from contract signing to gaining such overwhelming titles to entering a personal realm. It was eye-opening, to say the least.
I had thought that Max was some powerful, rich player who wanted to create his Syndicate or League to gain some foothold in Tower Politics. However, after today, I feel he is not here to gain footing but rather to uproot whatever stands in his way.
I had become complacent after reaching Rank S, pinning it on my talent and situation, and I limited myself to where I am today.
From today onwards, I promise myself that I won't become complacent again and will prove myself worthy of being the recipient of such a title and privileges.
I, Luna Aurvix, promise myself to never be stagnant again and move forward as I climb the Tower.
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[AN: Support this chapter with Powerstone guys and give your comments about Luna or Fiona or whole chapter in general.]