----

Lucian chuckled in response to Cezar's exaggerated response. However, this was his personality so Lucian expected as much, but not for the reasons running through Cezar's mind. As he had no access to a reflective surface, Lucian had no way of knowing the exact changes his body went through.

Save for the apparent change in his Mana purity, he wasn't aware that his hair grew slightly while also turning into an alluring silver color capable of reflecting the light emissions from Mana. With that being said, he also wasn't aware of his crimson eyes looking to be a mix of pristine rubies and sanguine blood drops.

But there were some things he was immediately aware of. For example, his battle suit had grown tight due to the sudden increase in his Strength attribute. At the same time, his skin and muscles also itched all over while his bones ached temporarily, symbolizing the inevitable upgrade they would soon experience.

The Limit Refinement tweaking his vessel produced all of these changes. While the attributes played a small role, the majority of the blame rested upon the Limit Refinement's shoulder.

Unlike a normal Refinement, which only identified the latent potential of a Guardian's doppelgangers and applied it to one body, the Limit Refinement was a forceful tool.

It forcefully upgraded the vessel to a level possessing a new limit by exhausting the acquired Destiny Accumulations. After experiencing this, Lucian understood how much of a godly tool this stone was.

Its operation escaped the limitations placed by the Fractured Monolith! Though the destinies were extremely important in the future, the sacrifice for power was more than enough to quell Lucian's present skepticism.

By the time Lucian finished analyzing Cezar's reaction, there was already a slightly tense atmosphere between them.

"There was only one other person to join you all on this floor attempt. Who else would I be?" Lucian replied before turning his attention to the boss' dead carcass followed by the rippling portal atop its body.

"So this was your plan along? To reduce the number of parties receiving the points to augment your own?" Lucian questioned after a small observation. The Monolith's reward system was quite obvious, requiring the involved Guardians to deal at least 1 hit to the body or take part in the monster's defeat to receive a portion of the point pool.

Lucian's calm evaluation shocked Cezar for a moment. If the roles were reversed, he didn't know if he'd be able to keep his composure. Nevertheless, he needed to clear up the misunderstanding. For some odd reason, he could sense a dangerous and almost devouring change in Lucian.

"No, it wasn't my idea nor intention. I was against it before it became known. I even withheld information they could abuse. Unfortunately, Matthias' mental acuity is one of his strongest traits. He was able to deduce them even after going to lengths to hide my discoveries," Cezar answered truthfully.

It was sudden, but Cezar also raised his forearm to Lucian.

〈Alert! Guardian Cezar Raiesh wishes to perform an Enhancement Point Transfer. Do you accept? [Y/N]?〉

Lucian was initially taken aback by Cezar's actions. First, he didn't know such a feature existed on this interface. Even after scouring the display, there were no signs of this feature existing. However, Cezar's knowledge didn't come from the Overseer.

It originated from the members of the Guardian Corps. After all, every Guild possessed something known as mules. They were mostly composed of Guardians willing to retain E and F Rank strength. They then used their points as a funnel to augment their higher-ups.

Since this was a job, every mule was recompensed with a flat conversion rate. Each point was equivalent to obtaining 10 Credits. Since the higher upgrades required an astronomical amount of points, the exchange couldn't be set too high.

If it was, then it would cause a disturbance in the established economy. If the weak were able to amass a shocking amount of wealth, the Federation would move to inspect their actions.

Although their authority of Guardians was minimal, they still weren't a force to be trifled with.

"I appreciate the gesture, but I'll have to decline the generous offer. I'd rather not accept any offers from you all," Lucian responded before breezing past Cezar. However, Cezar couldn't accept being blamed for something he didn't commit.

"Wait, these are their actions. Why am I being lumped together? Priscilla and Matthias are to blame!" Cezar exclaimed.

Lucian stopped and looked back towards Cezar before looking at his hand. Gradually, his gaze rose to his chest. Shockingly, Lucian could see his heartbeat. It wasn't erratic nor was it out of rhythm, signifying Cezar's words were the truth.

It was a minor side effect of his Hypervigilance, but Lucian could now glean the signs underneath layers of obstructing materials. As a result, a message appeared before Lucian's eyes.

〈Due to your elementary use of Hypervigilance, you have unlocked the related ability [Analyzation].〉

'Analyzation, huh? I'll spare time to familiarize myself with that later. Now that I know it's possible to trade points, I'll search for a way to make this benefit me. I've received a new awakening, so it isn't the time to squander it.'

Meanwhile, Lucian finally spoke after his lengthy pause causing Cezar to release the breath he subconsciously held.

"I know and I understand that, but even if you weren't a part of it, the others were. And I'm sure you possess a good relation with them. Not to mention, you and I don't possess any type of attachment, so there is no need to feel any guilt over this situation," Lucian answered.

"I know we don't but still." Cezar hesitated before digesting Lucian's words. He then continued after a short while. "Truth be told, the others weren't aware, but they also didn't speak up and compliance is just as bad as involving themselves in the process. They've essentially become accessories to an atrocity so I understand your feelings," Cezar sighed.

Afterward, he released his grip on Lucian's arm.

"If fate wills it, perhaps we'll be able to reconcile later. In the meantime, I believe it's time we leave. Nothing remains here to draw our attention."

Without pause, Lucian advanced towards the portal before sparing this lair another glance, 'This place marked my death, but it also gave me my new beginning. Therefore, I don't resent this place.'

Zworp!

The portal activated twice before disappearing without a trace.

An instant passed and both Lucian and Cezar appeared through the portal. However, while the others were focused on Cezar's reappearance, they overlooked the existence currently walking towards Overseer Vohr's location.

"Overseer Vohr," Lucian beckoned.

Hearing his name, Overseer Vohr turned towards the origin of the voice and was pleasantly surprised. "Boy...just what happened to you? I lost all signal with the room that held you. Had not for your signal recovering moments later, I'd think that you perished under the actions of your cruel teammates."

"Perhaps I was," Lucian responded with an indifferent shrug. Afterward, Overseer Vohr snapped his finger, which allowed this entire party to receive their previously withheld rewards.

「You have received the following rewards:

+5% Authority

300 Merge Tokens

5 Enhancement Points

0.8 Destiny Accumulations

*No multiplier or bonus reward has been obtained due to registered damage.」

Lucian didn't fret with the rewards because he expected as much. He probably acquired the largest amount of damage amongst any of the teams. But, this issue was soon pushed to the back of his mind as Overseer Vohr continued to question him.

"Tell me, did you experience some type of second awakening? It's nearly impossible for it to happen without the help of a transcendental item, but those don't exist on this level," Overseer Vohr questioned.

After pulling up his information and seeing the new collection of stats, Vohr was surprised. It wasn't enough to warrant suspicion, however; he was now strong enough to venture to the floors beyond.

"Despair is a special catalyst. Sometimes we find our will to fight on through the threat of death," Lucian finally.

Finally, Elaine glanced between Cezar and the person standing nearby.

"Who...is that?"

The entire party's attention was attracted to Lucian because of her question. They couldn't tell either. Not only did the person possess an enigmatic aura, they were unfamiliar with this side profile.