NOVPUBNoan stared at the black crystal in his hand, immediately sensing a potent surge of elemental energy.
Though it was only the size of a tennis ball, its weight was immense—it felt like holding a 100-kilogram object compacted into that small form.
🔔 [Ding! Congratulations, you've obtained an Earth Elemental Core – Rank B | Level 4.]
Seeing the system notification, Noan inhaled deeply.
Unlike energy crystals, elemental cores didn't help Lords increase their level or rank. But their value lay elsewhere—and it was tremendous, especially in areas like territory development and weapon crafting.
Back at the Academy, he had learned that a single Rank D | Level 1 Earth Elemental Core could be exchanged for 100 Rank D Energy Crystals.
Additionally, such cores were essential in alchemy and forging.
Not basic smithing, of course—but magical augmentation, infusing gear with the Earth element to grant it powerful traits.
Earth element not only increased durability, but also enhanced defensive stats.
When used properly, an Elemental Core could raise a weapon's rank by an entire tier.
Naturally, the value of Elemental Cores didn't stop there. They had numerous other advanced applications.
That was why they were so highly prized—and also so incredibly rare.
"Looks like I'm not entirely unlucky after all," Noan murmured. "A Rank B | Level 4 Elemental Core like this can be used for a lot."
"With this, I hope Thalira can forge me something impressive."
Thalira was one of the two special NPCs under his command. She was a Rank D blacksmith, and Noan held high hopes that she'd be able to surprise him with her craftsmanship.
He stored the Earth Elemental Core safely in his Storage Space, then continued venturing deeper into the forest.
Aside from the Black Bear earlier, he didn't encounter any more high-level monsters—and as expected, no more Elemental Cores either.
After all, such cores were exceptionally rare, and just finding one Rank B | Level 4 core had already surpassed his expectations.
"Master, there's something strange ahead," Vylyss suddenly said.
Noan looked in the direction she indicated and noticed—just a few miles away—a massive tree stump that had been cleanly severed, leaving only the base.
Even as just a stump, its diameter was over 20 meters.
That alone was enough to show how gigantic the tree must have been in its prime.
But what puzzled Noan even more was: what kind of force could cut down a tree of that size so cleanly—like slicing through a birthday cake?
Atop the flat stump, a thick cluster of mushrooms had grown.
These weren't ordinary fungi—each mushroom was between 50 to 100 centimeters tall, densely packed across the tree's surface.
Không chỉ một loại nấm mà là đủ mọi loại nấm với đủ loại màu sắc.
"Ah! Poisonous mushrooms?" Noan muttered, narrowing his eyes. He knew full well—the more beautiful a mushroom looked, the more deadly its toxins were likely to be.
Just looking at those vibrant, colorful fungi sprouting across the massive stump was enough to make him keep his distance.
"Master, wait here for a moment," Vylyss suddenly said excitedly, and without waiting for a response, she darted off.
She flew directly into the center of the mushroom patch. A few moments later, she returned, holding a small, peculiar mushroom in her hand.
Unlike the massive mushrooms around it, this one was only about the size of two fingers. Its cap was jet-black and covered in small, round, multicolored spikes. Tiny glowing particles drifted around it, giving it an almost magical appearance.
"This is…" Noan looked at the odd little mushroom in her hand, puzzled.
"Hehehe…" Vylyss giggled mischievously. "Master, this is called a Plunder Mushroom. The name comes from its… rather strange function."
"See these rounded spikes here?" she continued, pointing to the top of the mushroom. "Pay close attention. If you plant this mushroom inside your own body, and let others eat the spiky bulbs, a special connection will be formed between you and them."
"A special connection?" Noan raised an eyebrow. "What kind of connection?"
Vylyss explained, "It's a plundering bond. Meaning—if the person who eats one of these spikes has any active buffs, you'll be able to steal them."
Noan's eyes widened in shock. "Seriously? Are there no limitations?"
"Almost none," Vylyss grinned. Then as if remembering something, she added, "There's only one—the effect lasts for just one hour."
"To be precise," she said, "once the other person eats the spike, the mushroom's effects only last for one hour. After that, the connection fades."
"Ah!" Noan nodded in understanding. "So during that one hour, any buffs the target possesses can be stolen by me?"
"Exactly, Master," Vylyss beamed. "Even if it's a long list of buffs—they can all be transferred."
Noan nodded thoughtfully. "How do you even know about this mushroom?"
Vylyss didn't hesitate. "Because in the Demon Realm, this mushroom is highly sought after. It's commonly used to poison rival demons and steal the power of their slaves."
"However, it's extremely rare. I've only ever seen one once before in my life."
Noan smiled as he accepted the mushroom from her. So this tiny little thing holds such terrifying potential…
Then—a name popped into his mind.
Zeka.
His heart raced with excitement.
Because Zeka possessed a talent ranked SS+, which allowed her to permanently convert any buff into a permanent one.
If Noan used this Plunder Mushroom on himself… and then had Zeka eat a spike...
Then—every buff Zeka owned would become his.
And knowing Zeka's system of stacking and converting buffs, that would be an unimaginable treasure trove.
Noan counted the rounded spikes on top of the mushroom—five in total. He smiled and placed the Plunder Mushroom into his Storage Space, then turned to Vylyss with a grin.
"You did well, Vylyss. Do you want a reward?" he asked.
Vylyss glanced at him, her cheeks flushing red with seductive warmth.
Seeing her expression, Noan instantly understood what she wanted.
And just like that, the two of them began a wild, unrestrained battle beneath the towering canopy of the forest.
…
Five days later, Noan and Vylyss returned to the Void Tower.
Their spoils from roaming the Singularity Point weren't enormous—Noan hadn't found another Elemental Core or another Plunder Mushroom—but even so, he felt more than satisfied.
Amidst a field of grass over a meter tall, the black tower, standing over a hundred meters high, loomed silently.
Its structure was bizarre—assembled from seemingly random, jagged stones, bound together into a towering monolith.
A thick violet mist swirled around its exterior, giving it an ethereal, otherworldly presence.
With a flick of his wrist, Noan summoned a doorway before him. The door opened on its own.
He and Vylyss stepped inside.
At the top floor, they found Isabell seated gracefully, leisurely sipping tea.
The room around her had been lavishly decorated with purple flowers and plants, making the space both enchanting and just a little eerie.
"Ah! You've returned," Isabell greeted with a gentle smile. "Would you like some tea?"
Vylyss scowled and pouted. Her eyes burned with irritation and defiance.
Even now—with her newfound Void power—she still couldn't shake the feeling that she wouldn't be able to defeat Isabell.
Hmph! Just wait... give me some more time, she thought bitterly. I'll definitely surpass her one day.
Noan gave Isabell a silent nod. "Tomorrow, I'll be returning to the Chaos World. But I'll be coming back here frequently."
"Hahaha… of course. You're welcome here anytime," Isabell replied cheerfully. 𝚗ovp𝚞b.𝚌om
Noan remained quiet for a moment. The way she spoke made it sound like this was her home.
He shook his head and said, "You still haven't told me what you plan to do with your new organization."
"Hahaha… You'll know when the time comes," Isabell said lazily, resting her head on her hand while gazing at Noan with an alluring smile. "Right now, I just want to relax."
Noan shrugged, no longer interested in pressing the matter.
He turned and took Vylyss with him to another room.
Pleh~ Pleh~
Vylyss stuck out her tongue at Isabell before stomping away, pouting like a sulking child.
Isabell chuckled softly, finding the girl's antics amusing. She murmured to herself:
"Not yet, Noan… not just yet. You still need to become stronger… just a bit stronger."
