The Apocalypse Grinder (LitRPG Apocalypse, Timeloop)

Chapter 246: Unfortunate side effects


Ronan held his conjured short-spear at Louri's throat. The red-skinned demoness had tried to influence him with her laugh, but his mental resistance combined with the effects of his branded amulet allowed him to resist. "Explain why you just tried to manipulate my mind or I'll finish what I started down there."

The demoness blinked, then held up both hands. "What are you talking about? I didn't—" She paused and then sighed. "I can explain. It's my class. I wasn't trying to affect your mind."

Ronan narrowed his eyes, but was willing to give her a chance. It definitely wasn't because of her looks. "Go on."

She glanced at the glowing spear. "Impressive skill you have there. I would appreciate it if you didn't hold it so close to my neck." Ronan didn't move an inch. "Fine. Men. My class, as you might have seen, is one that relies on sound and other methods to influence the minds of my opponents. However, when I chose it, I didn't realise that it would seep into every part of my being. Even my unconscious actions can cause others to fall under my charming spell. That you can resist shows your strength."

He thought about her response for a moment. Then he let the spear dissipate, causing Louri to let out a sigh and instinctively reach for her neck. "You're a scary one. You can take one of those idiots' cells for yourself. Their possessions are yours by right, but I doubt they had anything worth taking. They spent all the money they earned on food and… fun."

Ronan didn't need an explanation to know what she meant by that. "That's an interesting class you have. I haven't heard of a class causing one's every action to carry an effect. I might need to research that sort of thing so I'm not caught off guard in future." He didn't need to worry about her being a threat even if she did try to actively manipulate him. Ronan was certain that his resistances combined with his amulet would let him resist her charms.

"Well, it has its uses. It helped me to survive in here and get to the position I have now. Who knows what the future holds. What is your name, strong human?" Her twin tails flicked from side to side as she spoke. Ronan felt the subtle tug in his mind, but was able to easily ignore it.

"Ronan. Ronan Steele."

"Nice to meet you Ronan. I am Louri. I am one of the vice-leaders of the argir faction. The other three seem to be in need of having those positions filled, but I am not sure you would be interested in such a role, am I right?" She tilted her head and smirked as she asked the question.

"Who knows. If they offer me the right price I might join one of them. For now, I need some rest." He turned his back to her and walked around the balcony, trying to figure out which of the three cells would be most comfortable.

In the end he chose the cell in the middle, the one directly opposite Louri's. It was a coincidence, but it worked out nicely. Compared to his last cell which had just been a metal box with a hole to do his business, and an uncomfortable bed mat, this one was practically drowning in luxury.

There was an actual bed, complete with some sort of squidgy mattress that moulded to the shape of his body. It was firm in the right places, and soft in others. He almost fell asleep on the spot, but wasn't certain he was safe yet and held back the urge. There was a proper toilet and even a shower and sink, both with running water. He could even see the leftovers of some sort of meal the previous occupant of the cell had been tucking into before it was killed in the battle royale they'd just had.

Better than all of that, however, was the fact the cell had a door that he could operate from inside. It completely shut off visibility from the outside, and he had to assume that besides himself, only the guards could operate it. That meant he would be able to cultivate freely.

There was one thing he could do without worrying if he would be attacked in the immediate future. The many notifications awaiting his attention blinked in the corner of Ronan's vision. It was time to reap the rewards of his methodical kills.

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You have killed [Avanalax - Chastoxian Master Transfigurator Lv.198] and [Hak Hak - Wattak Pulveriser Lv.197]!

+1 Steel Credit

+711 Iron Credits

+158 Bronze Credits

+835 Copper Credits

+Wattak Leather Lv.197 (Rare)

+Transfigurator Resin Lv.198 (Epic)

You have leveled up to Lv.139!

You have leveled up to Lv.201!

+310 Vitality

+310 Endurance

+124 Wisdom

+124 Intelligence

+186 Acuity

+8,607 Free Stat Points

Ronan froze in shock, unable to read beyond the first notification as he digested just how many stats he had gained from killing just two enemies. Eight thousand. That's bonkers! I know I've earned a similar amount overall in the past, but in one go!? He fell into the rubbery mattress as he read through it again. I'll have to think carefully about how to spend them.

Before he could make that decision, however, there were at least two more notifications awaiting his attention. He knew exactly what they were going to be, and he was excited.

Congratulations for reaching Lv.200!

You have reached the second threshold for your race! Race will evolve…

Initiating DNA and Heritage analysis…

Analysis complete!

No major divergence from base race detected!

Minor divergence from racial heritage detected!

Changes will be incorporated into racial evolution options!

Please select an option for your race evolution from the following:

Human (E)

The basic evolution of the human race. As one of the most numerous species in the multiverse, their evolutionary path is well documented. Follow the path of a quadrillion ancestors, raising yourself to the next grade while retaining everything that makes you human.

Cultivation talent is 1.25x stronger

Learn all masteries 1.4x faster

+15 Vitality, +15 Endurance, +5 Luck, +15 Free Stat Points on level up

Unlock requirements:

Challenger is level 200

Challenger is human

Augmented Human (E)

You still retain your humanity, but you felt that your natural flesh was insufficient for your purposes. Having taken the first step on the path of the augmented human, this path opens up future possibilities beyond your imagination. Why stick with what nature gave you when better options exist?

Learn all masteries 1.2x faster

Receive Race Skill [Augmented Immuno-Suppression (Epic)] upon selection of this evolution

+7 Vitality, +14 Endurance, +3 Resistance, +3 Tenacity, +30 Free Stat Points on level up

Unlock requirements:

Challenger is level 200 or above

Challenger is human

Challenger has modified their body with non-organic components

Ronan frowned as he read the options available to him. They were the same. Only some minor improvements made them any different from the options at level 100. Sure, the stats would be nice considering they would be in effect from level 0, but not life changing.

If I unlock a better option in future will I be able to change to it? Or will I be locked with the same basic evolutions I was forced into choosing the first time around. It worries me that I have yet to receive an upgrade for sorcerer, too. If that is a pattern that will continue with my race… He was at a loss for the first time in a while.

Shelving the choice for the time being, Ronan moved onto the next notification, dismissing the racial evolution menu. He had expected it to be his class evolution, but was surprised to find something new.

You have met the requirements to align with the [Dao of Wind]!

Aligning with this dao is permanent, and will affect your ability to align with other daos. It will unlock further paths you can follow towards the grand dao.

Dao of Wind: The dao of wind is one of speed, decisiveness, and volatility. To move before your opponent senses the breeze on their face. To know where you will travel and strike before it even becomes an option. To constantly change your patterns of movement, attack, and thought when it is necessary. To be everpresent and yet invisible.

This was the first time his dao child class skills had decided to show their face, and he was intrigued as to what might happen if he accepted this offer. More than that, he was exceptionally curious as to how it would work with his heritage.

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