Building My SSS-Rank Universal Empire: From Trash to Cosmic Overlord-Chapter 182: Time for looting

Chief Takoda seemed taken aback by the question, but after looking at Vale, he shrugged. In the world of knighthood, techniques and methods of advancement were usually kept within families, clans, or organizations.

They were what made them strong, after all, compiled through years of research and trials. It was also a way to entice Squires to join them by promising sponsorship.

It was usually difficult for a lone Knight to climb the ranks of advancement. The highest they could reach was Errant Knight because that still seemed to be within the ’know.’

"The most common method shared by all is to forcibly absorb the core of a monster, Aberration rank, to be precise. Any other methods are just family, tribe, or organizational secrets. They are ways to increase the potential of the core a little," Takoda said.

Vale blinked. "Monsters have cores?"

Takoda smiled. "Yes. Most monsters have inherent magic, right? Once they reach the rank of Greater Beast, they begin to use more than one magic, they begin to use skills. So, of course, they have cores! But you won’t see it unless you search properly, and it usually devolves a little bit after death."

Vale listened intently. "That means one has to absorb it immediately after they’re dead."

"Or even when they’re alive and restrained, the core can be absorbed through a ritual."

"I didn’t know people could increase their potential when advancing. I thought it was set for life."

Takoda grinned. "This isn’t something everyone knows. It’s like an elite gift given to those who earn it in organizations or such. Even I only give it to those who show promise. It’s difficult and expensive to set up the ritual, and it’s draining.

"The potential will be increased by a little bit, but it’s still something worthwhile."

Vale nodded. He understood why others kept the secret of their techniques and rituals so closely guarded. A way to increase one’s potential... Knights would kill for opportunities like that. But it wasn’t something Vale was inclined toward, he already had a monstrous core that he sometimes struggled to fill.

"Tell me the process of becoming an Errant Knight. Forget about the potential."

Chief Takoda nodded. "As a Knight rank, to advance, you need to wear your core down with constant use. Make it flexible, because once you forcibly absorb a monster’s core that is above your rank, your own core must be able to handle it, or it will crack and break down." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"So the purpose of wearing the Knight rank core down is so it can accommodate the Aberration rank monster core?" Vale asked.

"Yes. And for most Knights, it takes years. Those with less potential might not even try it because, no matter how flexible their core is, they will never be able to absorb it," Takoda warned.

Vale frowned slightly.

’...Indeed, this might be a problem for most people, but for me? I can likely swallow an Aberration monster core right now and still have space in my core.....’

"Wait." Vale raised his hand, realized he was holding a piece of meat, then swallowed and chewed before speaking. "The purpose of absorbing it seems to be stretching the core without breaking it?"

Takoda gestured around them. "That, and more. It also activates some senses in our brain, things that will let you know you are an Errant Knight. Your mental defense will increase, and you’ll be able to combine and use more than three techniques at once."

’....this mean an Aberration monster won’t work for me... I must find a monster that will really stretch my core...’

Seeing him silent, Takoda added, "And it must be a monster that shares the same essence trait as your Order. No need to narrow it down to your sub-essence. Don’t try to absorb monsters with an essence different from your own, it’s risky enough stretching the core."

Vale sighed. And there went his hope of advancing quickly.

’.....where will I even find a monster that shares the same Forbidden Order as mine? I might as well try looking for an Emperor in the Rift—I’d have a better chance!.....’

Vale thanked the chief. The information he provided was valuable, even though he hadn’t shared their ritual on increasing potential. Vale had a feeling that if he asked, he would be told anyway, but he had no use for it.

The Athrimir Clan would have something similar. Vale vowed to obtain it.

After eating, they went their separate ways before meeting later in the day for what they were going to do. Vale threw himself into work, helping them rebuild their fortress.

After about two hours of working, he went for a soak, dressed, and, together with the others,Slya, Tiber, Takoda, and his men, they headed toward Pomora’s fortress before moving to Sevrix’s former fortress.

News of their master’s death had already spread. The Knights emerged from the fortress and lined up outside. When Vale first saw them, he thought they were preparing for a fight. But the moment they saw the Master Knights....

Sevrix’s Knights all bowed to the Flagbearers.

Vale watched with amusement, especially when the two Master Knights stepped aside for him and called him "Commander." He saw their eyes widen as they turned toward Tower Captain Sybila, but the woman remained expressionless.

Vale got straight to the point. "From today, there is no such thing as the Scuffed Bones Flag."

A ripple of surprise spread among them. But with the two Flagbearers present, they dared not object. Vale continued with a nod.

"You will join the three remaining Flags. That’s right, Crimson Hood has fallen too."

"And if you don’t already know, you have a new Commander. I am that Commander. Your orders will be passed to you through your new Flagbearers. You are all dismissed."

And just like that, the Scuffed Bones Flag ceased to exist. The former Knights of the flag turned and headed back into the fortress in a daze. For as long as they had stepped foot in the Borderland, the Flag had been their home, their identity. And it was gone, just like that?

Vale and the Flagbearers entered the fortress.

Time for some looting.