Zoe was stunned but instantly replied, "In three days starting today, we will devote ourselves to our breathing session but we will prepare for the manpower and food and water you will provide in the span of time. On the fourth day, Jasper and Samantha, with the help of everyone, are tasked to create an Evolution Crystal-Powered Water Purifier. For the remaining days of the month, we will train, fight more zombies, to prepare for conquering the university."
Eric smiled in contentment.
"Good. I also forgot to include that I will be writing a Zombie Compendium, so you will not fight in the darkness, it will be your light."
Zoe nodded, noting on her mind.
Eric faced forward and glanced at the rice and food they prepared.
He said, " I have talked a lot, spoiling our food. Thankfully, it's still hot. Our meeting concluded, it's time to eat."
He smiled. "Eat a lot. Don't hold back."
They beamed a smile and Axel raised his spoon and said, "Dig in!"
…
8:46 p.m. February 1, 2028.
Eric had just returned to his room. He was a bit full and wanted to sleep. Of course, he did not need to sleep for more than an hour, but this time, since he still has leisure time for the remaining night, he decided to have a six hours sleep.
He sat on the bed, still opened the window, and enjoyed the moonlight, illuminating through the opened window, intensifying his relaxation from the chilling breeze outside. There was a light red crystal on his hand, rubbed it and smiled.
He instructed the system to show his status.
{Empire System:
Name: Eric Fernandez
Potential: SSS+
Title: Heavenly Sage
Stage: Third Mortal Stage
Abilities: Pyromancy
Age: 20
Strength: C+
Agility: C+
Durability: C+
Stamina: C+
Intelligence: C+
Remarks: You're growing fast… but that's because you have a Heaven rank physique. Come on, you're better than this!}
Eric smiled at Yeobui's remarks, shook his head, and ate the light red crystals without hesitation. SInce he maxed out his attribute points, including the intelligence, he was indeed ready to evolve to the next stage.
As expected, the similar sensation yet more intense than before coursed through his body. However, before it could wreak havoc, it was instantly controlled by his energy core and was forcibly purified through the energy network. With his breathing technique, he was able to instantly oppress the foreign energy and made him his.
He exhaled a stinky breath and smiled.
{Congratulations! You have evolved to the second mortal stage!
You have awakened another ability, The Unyielding March!}
Eric was a bit surprised by the ability he obtained. He was expecting it to be element based. He quickly instructed the system to show its descriptions.
{Ability: Unyielding March
"Where the Emperor stands, no man falters."
Descriptions: Unyielding March is a battlefield-command ability that turns you, the Emperor, into a walking beacon of resolve, bolstering allies with supernatural enhancements to morale, stamina, and physical prowess. This ability is a powerful force multiplier but you have to be physically present within range for the effect to take hold.
Current Effects (Second Mortal Stage): 30% stamina boost and minor strength increase (+10% to physical attacks). Allies become immune to common status effects like confusion and panic. Morale is bolstered, making allies willing to face even overwhelming odds.
Restrictions: Special effects by First Mortal Stage enemies decreased the effects, and zombies' stage higher than that can certainly nullify it. If the Emperor leaves the battlefield or falls unconscious, the effect ends immediately.}
Eric's eyes lit up. He did not expect to receive such a team buff-based ability–based on the game terminologies. However, he quickly calmed down when he read the restrictions.
It's not only that. It consumes energy as I continue to activate it too, so my movement will be more limited compared to before. Nevertheless, it's already powerful as it is.
Eric was not disappointed. He recalled he still has a mission left and the reward was another ability. He looked forward to the ability he will receive.
He mumbled. "Hopefully, I'll be on the first mortal stage before the month arrives."
However, he knew that since his energy core and energy network was pure and has more quality and quantity than normal, he might have to eat many light red crystals or one crystal above the first mortal stage.
He asked the system, "What stage is higher than the first normal stage?"
{By the system's grasped of the new world, the hierarchy of the stages are as follows:
Mortal Stage (Base Human Mutation)
Third – Initial awakening, minor enhancements, limited control.
Second – Noticeable physical changes, improved ability control.
First – Peak of human mutation, significant power boost, near-superhuman feats.
Transcendent Stage (Surpassing Humanity)
Third – First step beyond human limits, increased intelligence, greater energy control.
Second – Profound elemental mastery, partial body adaptations, abilities are earth-shaking.
First – Semi-divine mutation, full mastery over abilities, near-unmatched intelligence.
Apex Stage (The Pinnacle of Evolution)
Third – Powers begin transcending conventional physics, partial reality bending.
Second – Unshackled from mortality, true fusion with energy.
First – Godlike authority over chosen ability, near-immortal presence, immense battlefield influence.
Remarks: However, this is just a conjecture. There might be a stage higher than that, but the current quality of the energy in the world seems to have proven it is impossible. However, the world is progressive in accordance to how time works. I will inform you once there will be changes.}
Eric nodded. He never doubted Yeobui's hierarchy as he knew he was closer to the world than him, a Heavenly Sage.
Now that he received another ability after he evolved, he could not help but wonder if it would be the same to others.
He pondered. "If they will receive another ability, to which it'll be unlikely since their potential is so low, I might have to change their martial arts and breathing technique."
After all, their breathing technique was solely for their current abilities. Compared to his breathing technique that would adapt to everything, theirs worked the other way around.
Eric shook his head and decided to worry about it once they attained the next stage.
He asked the system to show his current status.
{Name: Eric Fernandez
Potential: SSS+
Title: Heavenly Sage
Stage: Second Mortal Stage
Abilities: Pyromancy, Unyielding March
Age: 20
Strength: B-
Agility: B-
Durability: B-
Stamina: B-
Intelligence: B-
Remarks: You forgot to check the current effects of the Pyromancy.}