Chapter - 420

First Act of Corruption: Scam 1
"Oh my god, he wasn't lying!"

"Incredible! This is worth those Ker Gems!"

"Everyone move away! I'll be going first!"

"Travis, I'm sorry I doubted you! From now, I'll tell my big brother to give you free passage to the transportation door that leads to the dormitory!"

As sentences like these resounded in the scenic cave, around 100 individuals were all milling around the lake above which bright lights were swirling around calmly.

They had excitement in their expressions, imagining themselves comprehending a core inheritance and soaring to the sky in one go.

Core Inheritances also had very strict criteria for one to comprehend them and be able to use them in battle, so all those with the capability to do so after reaching a certain level were treasured by the sect and given a high status almost equal to the Champions in the sect.

So, seeing that their dreams might become true, some even started shoving forward.

However, the by-now renowned Shameless sect, which had thankfully chosen not to disclose this name, had prepared for this.

Magnifying his voice, Daneel spoke, the sound reverberating throughout the cave.

"Everyone, listen up! I have done my part, now it's all up to you! Let me give you some warning beforehand: only one person can try to comprehend at a given time! So, I suggest that everyone form a line! When it's your turn, submerge yourself in the water and wait! Remember, pay utmost concentration!"

These words calmed everyone down, making them assemble into a line.

Some adopted a cautious attitude, as it was possible that there might be danger involved.

Others were enthusiastic, as they believed that Travis had already entered the lake and received something or the other.

So, after a little jostling around, the first one to enter was chosen.

He was the person who had promised Travis that perk from his big brother before, and he was supposed to be one of the most talented Amateur Warriors in the sect.

Only, both he and his big brother came from modest backgrounds, so they worked hard to gain power and use it to earn as much as possible.

The difference between these brothers and the Shameless sect was that the latter were supposed to have lower talent than that duo. Also, pride had gotten to their heads, so they constantly liked to speak as if they were superior compared to those who came from completely normal backgrounds.

Even before, when he had made that promise to Daneel, this kid had had a gloating expression on his face, as if he was doing him a great favor.

Daneel observed this, and actually felt happy.

It was time for the scam to begin.

He was already 500 Ker Gems richer, so his first plan of corruption was already a success. Now, all that remained was to not arouse suspicion and ire.

The best kind of scam was one where those being scammed had no idea that they were being scammed.

So, he smiled and magnified his voice once again before saying, "One final reminder. Different people comprehend this phenomenon up to a different level. I would suggest that your specific level of and type of comprehension be kept secret. After all, there is no sense in helping others without profit. I can give one hint though: this inheritance has the miraculous effect by making one hyper-aware of their surroundings. Enemy attacks will seem clearer for a brief period of time, and one can use this time to counter-attack effectively. It needs great concentration, and it only works for very brief moments, but when used properly, it can tip the scale towards your victory. All right, good luck!"

These words made the faces of those standing in queue heat up.

An inheritance to become hyper=aware?!

Such a thing existed??

If so, then it was definitely a tier-0 inheritance, something so precious that only one who had given countless contributions could access.

Today, they had the chance to learn it for a paltry 5 Ker Gems?!

This was their chance!!

But wait…how could they believe what this kid was saying? He could be lying, right?

Daneel had already planned this part. After all, a scammer had to be prepared for moments when his prey might question him.

As thoughts like these went through his head, he realized that he, himself, might have gotten corrupted by the environment.

But…hadn't he been the one to burn food stores to eventually take control of the Hidden Kill Sect?

Maybe a scammer had been there inside him all along!

Chuckling softly to himself at this, Daneel took it in stride.

Well, if saving Angaria required a few scams and a lot of cheating, he didn't mind.

Besides, it was actually very fun.

Daneel was only in the sect to quickly finish his objectives and leave. So, he was going to exploit the heck out of this corruption-fueled environment when he could.

"I know what all of you are thinking. So, let me demonstrate to you all what I learned. Senior brother Percy, if you please?"

Originally, the plan had been to use some 3rd level Warrior sect member. However, now that there was an Eminent Warrior present, this was the better option, as it would go a long way in convincing the others.

Percy had been standing to the side and calmly observing everything as though he had something on his mind.

Hearing his name called, he frowned and looked up to see the blonde-haired kid waiting for him.

Reaching the raised stone podium-sort location where Daneel was standing, he waited for the kid to speak.

"All of you know senior brother Percy is a peak Eminent Warrior. I'm just a 1st level Amateur Warrior, I stand no chance against him. Senior brother, as someone who has been an Amateur Warrior, you must know about the limits of our reaction speed, right? Could you please humor me by punching me fast enough that there would be no way for me to avoid it with my current level?"

Hearing these words, the sect members looked on with interest in their eyes, waiting for the outcome.

With a nod, still slightly annoyed at having his thoughts interrupted, Percy swung his fist and hit Daneel squarely in the jaw.

He hadn't expended too much force, but his jaw still hurt like hell.

Massaging it, Daneel grumbled inwardly that he would soon take back payment in full before closing his eyes and entering into a deep state of mock thought.

He could feel their eyes on him, as they waited with bated breath to confirm that he wasn't lying.

All of them had seen the speed of that punch: there was no way that any one of them could have dodged it.

After taking 30 seconds, Daneel opened his eyes, which now looked like they shone.

"Again, if you please, senior brother."

Gasp!

As they saw Travis lean back with panic on his face at the exact moment when Percy's fist had been about to hit him, they realized it: it must be true! With his hypersensitive sense, he had predicted the attack and dodged! Incredible!

Similar thoughts went through the minds of all those present in the cave, including Percy, who was staring with shock at Daneel and the lights.

This was a real core inheritance! This act alone would be enough to make the sect classify this spot as top secret!

No, they couldn't know about it right away! First, he had to have a chance!

He was just about to turn about and frantically run into the water to try and comprehend the inheritance first, but he was shocked when he heard a 'splash!' from the direction of the lake.

This made Daneel smile surreptitiously.

Scam: success.

Saying that his job was done, he seemed to leave the cave along with his colleagues.

…..

After that demonstration, everyone was happy to see Travis and the other 4 leave.

They had paid for this, so they were going to obtain it!

However, no one knew what lay inside the lake and the swirling lights.

Thankfully, the frontmost member had jumped forward.

His name was Fryre, and he came from a relatively rich merchant family which made constant donations to the sect to procure their son better treatment.

He had been completely amazed by Travis's performance, so he had directly jumped into the lake.

Floating in it, he looked up to see the lights.

Noticing their dizzying patterns, he suddenly felt drowsy, and entered into a half-asleep state.

In his blurry vision, a figure materialized before shooting towards him at blinding speed and throwing a punch.

"OW!"

Fryre had thought that he was leaving, but he screamed with pain when the punch impacted hi stomach.

However, looking down he saw no damage.

Emboldened, Fryre tried to fight the figure, but no matter what he did, it was always one step ahead.

His attacks would be dodged in the blink of an eye, and he wouldn't even be able to see when the other party swung their sword.

After a point, bloodcurdling screams started to emanate from his mouth, as he had started to bleed in his half-dream state.

The pain was too excruciating! What the heck was all that stuff about the inheritance? This was just plain torture!

How was he supposed to leave?

Thankfully, the moment this thought came in his head, everything vanished, leaving his body the same way it had been.

That's it? He was supposed to get beaten up to learn the inheritance? What kind of sick joke was this?

He wanted a refund!

However, just when he was about to say something, Travis's voice echoed in the cavern again.

"Your experiences in the dream-like state that you enter are the key to understanding the inheritance. The more pain you suffer, the more you might be able to understand! Good luck! I was able to only grasp a little, but all of you with great talent might be able to get so much more!"

"Haha, we definitely will!"

"You just meekly watch over there, Travis. Don't feel bitter later when you see us shine!"

"Hehe, 5 Ker Gems was really cheap. I would have paid 50 for this!"

Hearing statements like these, he suddenly wanted to go back in, but remembering the excruciating pain and shuddering, he gave up.

As he got out of the lake and heard more excited boasts of his colleagues, he shook his head with a mysterious expression on his head and stood to the side when he was asked what he experienced.

After all, why should only he have all the fun? They had to enjoy too.

Besides, they had even made such proclamations. Surely, they didn't need a warning.

At this moment, one of the most harrowing experiences that these sect members would ever go through began.

The irony was, they had paid for it themselves.

Watching this scene, Daneel laughed to himself again, feeling happy that things were going the way he had expected.

However, when his gaze turned towards Percy, a slightly cold look entered his face.

Now, how was he going to take revenge on this snivelly bast**d?