My attributes are increasing infinitely

Chapter 507: Ninth Talent Awakened

Null observed Ethan in silence for several moments, his gaze steady and unreadable, as though he were weighing not only the words spoken but the intent behind them. There was no impatience in his expression, yet there was a quiet pressure in the air that made it clear he was not a being accustomed to waiting without purpose.

"Very well," Null finally said, his tone measured and devoid of unnecessary inflection. "Provide me with the information first. If I determine that it holds genuine value, I will consider your proposal."

Ethan understood the gravity of the situation without needing further clarification. The space around him felt subtly distorted, as though his very existence rested on a fragile edge. He was aware that hesitation at this moment would not be tolerated, and more importantly, it would not be forgiven.

"I will tell you," Ethan said, drawing a slow breath to steady himself. "Hyperion and Elysium were not always separate entities. They were once part of a complete infinite world, or more accurately, a fragment of something far greater that cannot be easily described."

Null’s eyes narrowed slightly, though he did not interrupt.

"At some unknown point in the distant past," Ethan continued, "that portion of the infinite world was severed. Whether it was done intentionally or as the result of a conflict beyond comprehension, I cannot say. However, the result was absolute. What remained split into two distinct regions, which later came to be known as Hyperion and Elysium. These regions retained immense power, yet they were no longer complete. Over time, they evolved independently, giving rise to their own life forms, civilizations, and systems of cultivation."

He paused briefly, ensuring that his words were being processed.

"Despite their growth," he added, "they were never able to reclaim what was lost. There exists a fundamental absence, something essential that prevents either realm from reaching true completion."

Null remained silent, though the intensity of his focus had increased.

"If an individual can cultivate both their physical body and their law strand to level five hundred," Ethan said, choosing his words carefully, "they will begin to perceive something unusual. They will gain the ability to sense both realms simultaneously, as though the boundaries between them are no longer absolute."

He stopped speaking at that point, allowing the weight of the information to settle.

Null did not respond immediately. For a brief moment, he appeared to be entirely absorbed in thought, as if he were cross-referencing Ethan’s words with fragments of knowledge gathered across vast spans of time. He had encountered mentions of Hyperion in ancient ruins and forgotten records, but never with such clarity or coherence.

"And I assume," Null said at last, his voice calm but edged with curiosity, "that you possess some understanding of how one might cultivate both aspects simultaneously?"

Ethan met his gaze and nodded once, without elaboration.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, without warning, Null let out a low, amused laugh that quickly grew into something more pronounced.

"Interesting," he said, his expression shifting into one of open satisfaction. "You have done well, Ethan. It seems that you have secured yourself an ally."

He straightened slightly, his presence becoming more defined.

"Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Null Voidwalker, one of the earliest creations of Elysium."

He raised his hand casually, as though summoning something trivial.

"You requested high-quality monsters, did you not?"

Null paused briefly, as if considering his options, before making a subtle motion with his fingers. A ring materialized in his palm, its surface faintly shimmering with spatial distortion.

"I have just acquired several specimens of exceptional quality," he said, extending the ring toward Ethan. "They should meet your requirements."

Ethan accepted the ring without hesitation.

"As for the hidden sage village," Null continued, "I will consult with an old acquaintance. If he is agreeable, you will gain access. If not, I will personally ensure that you obtain whatever materials you seek from that location."

His tone carried an effortless confidence, as though such matters were beneath concern.

The oppressive pressure that had weighed upon Ethan moments earlier vanished completely, replaced by a sense of stability that felt almost unnatural in contrast.

Null closed his eyes briefly, his consciousness extending outward in a manner that Ethan could not fully perceive.

A few seconds passed.

When Null opened his eyes again, his expression had relaxed.

"He has granted you permission to enter the village," he said. "However, he expects information in return. In exchange, he will provide you with the necessary ingredients at half their usual cost."

Ethan inclined his head slightly.

"That is acceptable," he said. "I agree to the conditions."

Null gave a faint nod.

"Do you intend to go there immediately, or would you prefer to delay your visit?" he asked.

"I will go later," Ethan replied without hesitation. "At present, my situation remains unstable. There are individuals who pose a direct threat to my life."

Null’s expression changed almost imperceptibly.

"A threat?" he repeated, his voice carrying a subtle chill. "Who in Elysium would dare to act against someone under my consideration?"

Before Ethan could respond, Null raised his hand and made a slight gesture.

Space distorted.

A small figure was forcibly pulled into existence before them.

The boy stumbled slightly, his face pale with confusion and fear.

It was Lucious, the Seventh Hero.

"Little hero," Null said, his tone calm but laced with underlying authority, "tell me, who is responsible for threatening my associate?"

Lucious immediately straightened, though his body trembled visibly.

"Honorable Null," he said quickly, "I do not know their identity. He mentioned that someone powerful is pursuing him, but I was not given any specific details."

Null regarded him for a moment before letting out a quiet snort.

"Useless," he muttered.

With another casual motion, Lucious was dismissed from existence, vanishing as abruptly as he had appeared.

Null turned his attention back to Ethan.

"Now," he said, "tell me directly. Who is responsible?"

"General Veldanava," Ethan replied, "and the founder of the Aurora Clan."

Null’s eyes flickered with recognition.

"Veldanava..." he repeated thoughtfully. "Is he not that dragon who serves Darkseid? I recall eliminating one of his generals some time ago."

Ethan nodded.

"Then you need not concern yourself further," Null said dismissively. "They will not pose a threat to you again."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"I will escort you to the village when you are ready."

Ethan considered for a moment.

"I require ten days," he said. "There are matters I must resolve before leaving."

Null raised an eyebrow.

"Ten days," he repeated. "Very well. Take this."

A small device appeared in his hand, which he passed to Ethan.

"When you are prepared, activate it. There is no need to call my name."

Ethan accepted it.

"Thank you," he said.

Null inclined his head slightly before disappearing from sight. However, just before he vanished completely, his voice echoed faintly.

"Do not interfere with him," he said, clearly addressing Lucious. "If you do, the consequences will not be negotiable."

Silence returned.

Ethan exhaled slowly before lowering himself into a seated position. He crossed his legs and activated his time field, isolating himself from the external flow of time.

From the ring, he summoned a level eighty-one monster.

It was a mutated rhinoceros, its massive body covered in dark, hardened skin, with seven jagged horns extending from its head. A faint gray mist surrounded it, giving it an unnatural presence.

Without hesitation, Ethan drew the Sword of Infinity.

In a single, precise motion, he struck.

The creature was eliminated instantly.

A notification appeared within his mind.

Ten thousand points had been acquired.

Ethan closed his eyes.

Now, all that remained was time.

...

Elsewhere, a clone of Ethan manifested silently within a distant region.

He appeared before the family where Erina had been reborn, though he made no effort to draw attention to himself. His presence was calm, almost inconspicuous.

He located her quickly.

"Erina," he said, his voice steady, "I need to show you something."

Before she could respond, he placed his hand gently upon her head.

A surge of information flowed into her consciousness.

Memories, knowledge, and understanding of the world unfolded within her mind at an overwhelming pace. Her body trembled slightly as she processed the sudden influx.

However, the memories related to Ethan himself remained sealed, locked away by a higher power.

When the process ended, tears streamed down her face.

"Mr. Hunt," she said, her voice filled with emotion, "thank you."

"There is no need," Ethan replied calmly. "I intend to gather the others. Will you come with me?"

"Yes," she answered without hesitation.

Elizabeth stood nearby, already prepared.

With a simple motion, Ethan transported all three of them to another realm.

The upper plane.

His gaze lifted slightly.

"Wait for me," he murmured.

...

Five days later, Ethan opened his eyes.

A quiet transformation had taken place.

He had reached level ninety.

A notification appeared immediately.

[Ding! You have reached level 90. Your ninth talent is awakening.]

A brief pause followed.

[Ding! Ninth talent awakened: Reality Manipulation.]

The description unfolded within his mind.

[Reality Manipulation: You possess absolute authority over the reality within your domain. Entities up to ten levels above you cannot resist your influence. You are capable of reshaping reality, altering its laws, and imposing your will without restriction.]