RE: LORD OF TIME

’If you are asking about benefits, then there will definitely be something good inside,’ The spirit spoke. ’It’s a place where the source of a world is located. Although it is just a small fragment of the original source, it is still something that once held an entire world together. The things that are naturally born in a place influenced by the source of a world will definitely not be ordinary.’

William’s eyes narrowed at the spirit’s words.

’And I presume it won’t be easy to get my hands on those good things, right?’

’Very likely,’ The spirit did not deny his words. ’In fact, because of the influence of the world’s source, there is a very high possibility that the rules of this rift will be weakened inside. As a result, monsters even at the Star Commander Realm might appear within.’

’Star Commander Realm...’ William frowned upon hearing the spirit’s words.

Although he was strong, he wasn’t arrogant enough to think that he would be able to sweep through a group of monsters that might have reached the Star Commander Realm.

’How many monsters do you think I will have to face if I go in?’

The spirit carefully sensed the passage and spoke after a moment.

’The aura of the source that I can feel is actually very weak. It means that only a very small fragment of the world’s source survived after its original world was destroyed...’ It paused before continuing.

’Considering the intensity of the aura of this world’s source, I actually think you will only have to face one monster because this source isn’t powerful enough to nurture more than one. Similarly, there won’t be many treasures inside this area because the source itself is too weak.’

’Only one...’ William breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

But facing only one monster was merely a possibility, not a certainty, so he still asked another important question.

’Can I leave this source area at any time after entering? It won’t be like I have to defeat all the monsters before I can leave, right?’

’Yes. This area won’t trap you. You will be able to leave whenever you want.’

’Good.’ William finally gained some confidence in entering the area and took a deep breath.

From his storage ring, he took out a Minor Healing Potion that Lucas had donated him after his death and gulped it down in one go.

Although his headache had eased considerably over time, he still wasn’t in perfect condition.

Before going in, he wanted to recover as much as possible.

A soothing sensation enveloped his entire body as the Minor Healing Potion took effect.

Although the main reason for his headache was the strain on his Sea of Consciousness and soul, and the Minor Healing Potion could only heal physical injuries, the cooling sensation that spread throughout his body still brought some relief to his aching head.

"And thirty gold coins are gone just like that..." William muttered with a pained expression as he glanced at the empty potion bottle.

Shaking his head, he turned toward the dark passage and took a step forward.

’Since the spirit said there might only be one monster inside, it shouldn’t take me long. I should be able to return before Alicia and Liam finish exploring the mine.’

Before entering, William used Earth Elemental Energy to conceal the entrance to the passage. That way, even if he was delayed and Alicia or Liam came looking for him, they wouldn’t discover it.

As soon as he stepped into the passage, William felt the same sensation he had experienced when entering the Astral Rift.

His body lost all weight, and he began falling through endless darkness.

It was just that this sensation was much more powerful than actually entering an Astral Rift.

Around three seconds later, William suddenly felt scorching air currents slam against his body, as if he had entered a region where blazing winds were constantly blowing.

A bright light flashed before his eyes, and the sensation of falling disappeared.

As his feet touched solid ground, William’s vision also recovered.

He immediately looked around for any possible danger, and the more he observed his surroundings, the more shocked he became.

"This..." William looked around with a stunned expression. "This place is completely different from the environment outside."

The Howling Desert Astral Rift was filled with endless sand and raging winds.

But the environment surrounding William now was completely different.

It was a volcanic region with a towering black mountain standing before him. At the summit of the mountain, he could see the mouth of a volcano, with streams of lava flowing down its sides.

The ground beneath his feet was pitch black, as though it had been formed from cooled, solidified lava.

Smoke rose from countless cracks spread across the ground, while waves of scorching heat continuously rushed out of them.

Under the intense heat, sweat quickly formed across William’s body to cool him down.

However, the powerful winds instantly evaporated the sweat, making him feel extremely uncomfortable.

He turned around and saw a portal leading back to the Fire Essence Crystal Mine.

Only after confirming that he could leave at any time did William feel somewhat relieved.

’William, whatever treasure is being nurtured here, it is at the top of this mountain,’ The spirit suddenly said.

William was surprised when he heard the spirit’s voice because it was the first time he had heard it sound so serious.

’I don’t know what kind of treasure is up there, but it is definitely extraordinary. Its energy fluctuations are very weak at the moment, but that weak energy is filled with an unparalleled sense of dominance.’

William’s expression immediately turned serious upon hearing the spirit’s words.

’Something that even the spirit of the White Pearl finds remarkable definitely can’t be ordinary.’

Holding the Blood Moon tightly in his hand, William carefully scanned his surroundings before rushing toward the top of the mountain.

Although he didn’t feel anything unusual for the moment, he knew that the longer he remained in this environment, the more dangerous it would become.

ROAR!

However, he had only taken a few steps forward when a violent roar suddenly exploded from the side.

Rumble!

William’s expression changed as he felt the ground beneath his feet tremble violently, as though something enormous was charging toward him.

A powerful sense of danger engulfed him, and without the slightest hesitation, he swung his sword toward the side with all of his strength.

Ding!

A sharp metallic clang echoed throughout the volcanic region as metal collided against metal.

A tremendous force surged through William’s arms, sending him sliding nearly five meters backward, while his hands turned numb from the overwhelming impact.