Level up is hard? I can Directly Purchase infinite Levels!-Chapter 68: Crimson City, A Big Gamble

In a secluded valley deep within the Bloodstained Mountains,

Crack—!

A devastating silver lightning bolt suddenly exploded.

A massive boulder nearby was shattered into dust, with smoke and dust filling the air.

Immediately after, a violent energy surge erupted, transforming into a tangible storm that swept across the surroundings.

Countless shrubs were blown down, and the entire valley was filled with an overwhelming sense of pressure.

The source of this power was none other than Raine!

After days of hunting alien beasts, he had accumulated 82,230 bloodstones.

He directly spent 42,312 bloodstones to reach Elite Level 9 in one leap!

As for why he didn’t aim for the Expert level immediately, it was because he wanted to build a solid foundation first!

General Hegros had repeatedly emphasized that the more precious the exotic items used to build the Law Seed, the longer the future path would be!

Moreover, the firmer the foundation, the more Law Seeds could be planted, and the higher the potential limit!

Looking inward, Raine could clearly see that his energy core had expanded.

The surging energy had completely liquefied, transforming into a rolling tidal flow of energy.

With the operation of both the Obsidian Golem Codex and Thunder Arbiter, this liquid flow surged through his limbs and bones, roaring like a river, making him acutely feel the unprecedented fullness of power.

This was completely different from the power gained through temporary system promotions; this was a true transformation that was firmly rooted in his own body!

The next goal was to continue refining, expanding, and solidifying this new energy core.

The energy tidal flow at the Elite level was the foundation of this liquid-phase power.

Only by constantly expanding the energy core’s capacity and strength, and refining his body to the current limits, could he lay the deepest foundation for the future when he would condense the Law Seed at the Expert level.

Raine was determined to fully explore every ounce of his potential.

Only by doing so could he bridge the gap between himself and those alien races prodigies who had abundant resources and bloodline legacies.

Even compared to other human Elites, who had better conditions, Raine, as a regular patrol soldier, had the greatest advantage in his fearless spirit and the resources he seized from enemies.

He could only rely on this method, step by step, to accumulate strength and continually attempt to break through his limits.

Raine focused his thoughts.

The system panel immediately unfolded in front of him.

[Rank]: Elite Level 9

[Talent]: Blood Devourer

[Skills/Techniques Mastered]: Riftpierce Thrust, Windflow Step, Mighty Force Technique, Obsidian Golem Codex (3 Stars), Blood Pact, Bewitching Eye, Dark Avatar (Beginner), Fireburst Ring, Thousand Thunders, Judgment Spear, Void Thunder, Thunder Arbiter (1 Star)

[Main Weapons]: Thunder Prison Blade, Molten Lance

[Bloodstone]: 39,918

All his information was clearly laid out.

There were also six skill scrolls containing powerful elemental powers—one for Thunderbirds, two for Griffins, one for Blackwater, one for Flame Demon, and a large quantity of potions and materials.

However, Raine didn’t linger on these external items.

Instead, his focus was on the bloodstone reserves.

No matter what, temporary promotion was always his greatest trump card!

Thus, he needed to keep enough bloodstones to promote to the Master level!

Once he gained temporary Master-level strength, he would be able to use most of the Thunder Arbiter’s powerful techniques!

With the new movement skills and strong thunder-based techniques he had learned, his power would make a huge leap!

Raine retracted the overwhelming aura around him and walked out of the valley.

General Hegros was already waiting outside, though Raine wasn’t sure for how long.

"General!"

Raine stood at attention and saluted.

Hegros sized him up, his eyes showing satisfaction.

"Your aura is solid, and your foundation is firm. You’re no ordinary guy!"

"General, why are you here?"

Raine raised an eyebrow, though he had already guessed the answer—most likely to protect his safety.

But this only made him more concerned.

With the Seventh Division, Scarlet Wall Patrol, and Iron Dragon Fortress all busy with tasks, would having a Grandmaster-level powerhouse personally protect him give their enemies an opportunity?

"You’ve got some nerve, kid,"

Hegros chuckled and then grew serious.

"The battle in the deep mountains has already spread. The Gargoyle clan has sent strong individuals to infiltrate the defense line to eliminate you."

"We don’t know the specifics yet, but the worst-case scenario is Grandmaster level. The Heartwitch Succubus clan has also sent three Masters, along with the original two from Crimson City. The pressure is mounting."

"Moreover, we’ve heard that various clans have sent prodigies to infiltrate the army or the region, and their target is clear—it’s you!"

"Lord Garson has been running around trying to deal with this."

"It’s also our fault for not having battlefield initiative. While we hold strong with the Great Wall defense and fortresses, if the enemy’s top powerhouses want to infiltrate, we’re defenseless."

Hegros’ tone carried deep helplessness.

If the human side had enough strategic initiative and high-level powerhouses, they could prevent such infiltration and deal with the threat outside their defenses.

But with the current situation on the eastern front, especially the limited strength of Iron Dragon Fortress, it was difficult to completely prevent targeted infiltrations, leaving them to passively defend and respond.

Raine fell silent after hearing this.

"Not scared, are you?"

Hegros raised an eyebrow and asked.

Raine looked up and gazed intently at Hegros.

"General, do you trust me?"

Seeing the seriousness in Raine’s eyes, Hegros nodded, "Of course, what do you want to say?"

"I want to take this opportunity to make a big move,"

Raine turned and looked toward Crimson City.

"Take Crimson City in one fell swoop!"

Hegros’ eyes narrowed slightly.

"Kid, you’ve underestimated the situation on the battlefield."

"Please, teach me,"

Raine didn’t try to argue immediately.

Hegros looked off into the distance, his voice heavy.

"Do you think we don’t want to recapture Crimson City? Every inch of land here is soaked with the blood of our ancestors and comrades."

"But on this vast eastern battlefield, the Soul Devourer clan may not be one of the top-tier clans, but they are supported by ancient, powerful clans like the Gargoyle clan."

"They’ve built countless fortresses and outposts, tightly controlling the occupied land, continually squeezing our living space."

"Even if we pay a heavy price to capture Crimson City, there will be more, stronger enemy fortresses waiting ahead. After a costly victory, we would be left weakened."

Hegros paused, then continued,

"When the enemy retaliates, not only could we lose Crimson City, but Iron Dragon Fortress might fall as well."

"This kind of war of attrition relies on foundation. The overall foundation of humanity is vastly inferior compared to these old alien races. So more often than not, we are forced to choose defense..."

Hegros didn’t continue, but Raine understood.

Humanity was forced to fill the gap with one generation of flesh and blood after another, to delay and fight for a slim chance of survival.

This cruel reality was despairing, yet it had to be faced.