Chapter 135 - 135: Overwhelming Strength
"Bang!"
Inside the training chamber of the luxurious mansion, a colossal obsidian pillar etched with countless archaic runes shattered into dust under the force of the powerful strike.
The blow was so strong it even cracked the reinforced floor of the training ground, shaking it violently in the process.
The glowing runes along the walls flared wildly, struggling to absorb the impact that threatened to tear the room apart.
If not for the sound-nullifying magic inside the chamber, the deafening boom would have woken the entire neighborhood.
'So strong?'
Lucien, standing in the center of the training room, couldn't help but stare at the smoke rising from his hand in utter shock.
After all, the obsidian pillar he had just shattered was a training kit he retrieved from his Dimension Vault.
More importantly, according to the system's description, it was capable of withstanding attacks up to the late stage of the Weaver rank with ease.
---
[Blackspire Obelisk:
A tall pillar forged from hardened obsidian, carved with strength runes that allow it to endure strikes up to the late stage of Weaver rank.
Use: Its smooth surface bears faint markings that glow faintly under impact, making it a reliable tool for training halls or battle setups.]
---
That was the description of the pillar he had just destroyed.
He thought he would be able to gauge his strength by observing the markings, yet instead, he reduced the entire pillar to dust with a single punch.
Fortunately, it belonged to him, so there was no need to compensate anyone.
'Is Weaver rank really this weak?'
Lucien couldn't help but doubt, watching the muscles in his arms twist and writhe like a dragon thrashing through the sea.
His aura felt as vast as the ocean, and his perception had deepened to another level.
After activating the A-rank skill, Dragon King's Physique, just moments ago, Lucien felt overwhelmingly powerful.
So powerful that he truly believed he could face his grandfather one-on-one with his bare hands, and he wasn't exaggerating.
When destroying that Obelisk, he hadn't even used his full strength.
It seemed that by absorbing the Lord-level Draconic Essence, his starting point had risen drastically.
'System, show me my attribute panel.'
Feeling invigorated, Lucien commanded the system in his mind, eager to see the changes quantified.
---
[Attributes]
Strength: 318 +50% (477)
Physique: 200 +70% (340)
Agility: 198+20
Endurance: 121 +60% (193.6)
Vitality: 200 +80% (360)
Intelligence: 118
Perception: 115
Charisma/Charm: 68
Mana: 250/250
Lifespan: 10 (extra)
Natural Regeneration: +200%
Damage Reduction (Physical and Magical): 40%
---
'Damn! This is so good!'
Looking at the skyrocketing stat points, Lucien's heart skipped a beat.
It wasn't that he hadn't seen large stats before.
After all, the main reason they were like this was because of his unrelenting debt collection from the large number of people today.
Without his system, he might be stronger than others after the A-rank Physique awakening, but his stats certainly wouldn't be this high.
'I still haven't reached the cap and can use all my power now. Dragon's Physique is truly incredible.'
The main reason Lucien was excited was that, even with such high stats, he felt no restriction in his body.
Unlike before, when his body was too weak and he was forced to use excess stat points to generate a skill, this time he could truly use all those high stats without breaking a sweat.
It seemed that after gaining the Dragon's Physique, the restriction completely disappeared.
In fact, even after such a long time, he hadn't felt fatigue while still using the active form of the Dragon's King Physique.
He felt he could maintain this form for half an hour easily, even while fighting nonstop.
'It must be because of the high endurance and physique stat.'
Lucien noted his high stats and realized how lucky he was to be recognized by a high-rank Draconic Essence.
It showed him how powerful a true A-rank skill could be.
To be honest, he couldn't wait to see the full potential of his SSS-rank skills he got from Lilith and Sera, too.
'I think this much is enough for now. It's already night, and Sera has sent the word. It is time to rush the plan.'
Once Lucien had tested every aspect of his body inside the training ground, he finally released his active skill, returning to his normal state.
He felt that if he wanted to truly know his power, he had to fight someone of similar strength.
And he already had a candidate in mind; he just didn't have time for that now.
Sera had already sent word that everything had been prepared according to his wishes and even provided the location of the meeting place.
All that remained now was for him to go outside the Bellenford capital and start his plan.
A plan of total massacre and plunder.
'Heh… Hugo and the Lionheart family… didn't you say you'd kill me if I took a single step outside the capital? Let's see how that works out now.'
Lucien thought, a faint smirk on his lips, his eyes cold and filled with murderous intent.
His previous threat to erase their lineage wasn't empty words.
He would see it through, no matter what.
His pride wouldn't let him hesitate… more importantly, his dragon pride would never accept that.
If before Lucien had been bound by his weakness at every step of his plan, then now, after obliterating that obelisk with his bare hands, his confidence had soared through the roof.
And maybe because of his strong alignment with a dragon, Lucien's pride and aura were nothing to scoff at.
Of course, it didn't mean he was obnoxious. It just meant that whatever he had planned before, he would now do it with style.
"Velmara, let's go. It is time to leave."
As soon as he stepped out of the training ground, Lucien spoke seemingly to no one.
Then, without waiting, he pulled out a thin, tattered cloak and draped it over his body… concealing his figure.
---
[Veil of Forgotten Steps:
A thin, tattered cloak that erases all traces of presence; no footprints, no scent, no magical trail.
Method of Use: Wear the cloak and infuse it with mana; its effect activates instantly.
Cost: Continuously drains mana while active.]
---
This was the uncommon artifact he got from the Dimensional Vault from Velmara.
Although he was strong enough to save himself from any danger now, that didn't mean he was safe.
He hadn't forgotten about the Duke Castor, who was at peak Weaver rank and was a Berserker.
Rather than placing himself in danger stupidly now, Lucien preferred to wait a little longer before gaining enough strength to destroy every enemy in his path.
And he had a strong hunch the wait wouldn't be long.
"Is your training already over?"
Just when Lucien hid his body under the tattered cloak, a faint voice of Velmara appeared in front, seemingly confused.
After all, Lucien didn't spend much time inside at all. He just entered the room for a while and exit it right after.
"Yeah, it's over. Let's go outside the capital now. I got news that the meeting I ordered has already been arranged."
Lucien nodded, urging Velmara to increase his size. If he wanted to leave the capital, without his help, he could do nothing.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Velmara's big eyes widened as he understood his words. So, he immediately changed his shape enough for Lucien to climb, while simultaneously conveying the news to Malcolm.
After what had happened today, he had already decided not to hide anything from Malcolm, as he couldn't afford any mistakes from now on.
'You two can go. I will keep an eye on that Castor. Be careful.'
Fortunately, Malcolm replied almost instantly, giving a green flag to their departure.
And to be honest, after seeing Lucien's strength at the Dimensional Vault today, neither Velmara nor Malcolm was particularly worried about him.
It was just a routine precaution that was necessary.
"Climb on top. We are leaving."
As soon as he got the order, Velmara didn't waste time and asked Lucien to ride him.
Then, immediately, his figure began to soar into the sky at a rapid pace, directly leaving the capital in the direction pointed out by Lucien.
The speed was as fast as ever, and in no time, both of them were already above a massive mountainous region teeming with dense forests and winding rivers.
From above, besides the treetops and rocky cliffs, they couldn't see anything else.
If Lucien hadn't revealed the location, Velmara would never have guessed that some kind of gathering of powerful people was taking place in this area.
"Hey, Lucien. Can I ask what you are trying to do in this place?"
Seeing such a hidden location that was clearly related to the black market, Velmara couldn't help but ask in curiosity while slowly landing below.
Although he knew that Lucien had arranged some kind of meetings tonight, besides that, he had no idea what he was trying to do.
"You will know when the time comes. Now, just follow me silently."
But Lucien wasn't in the mood to explain.
Instead, he went straight to the base of a massive cliff, placed a token given to him by Sera into the groove at the right corner, and opened a shimmering, dreamy portal out of nowhere.
Then, with Velmara perched on his shoulder, he stepped directly into the portal, leaving the dense forest outside in silence.
"Tch… boy, can you stop acting mysterious already? It's honestly kind of cringy."
Well, except for Velmara's annoyed voice, that is.