Chapter 276 - Tier Three Mana Core

But then, contrary to what Rynold wanted, the glow below turned dim.

In mere moments, the intensity from the tablet disappeared. Rynold took a second to comprehend what had just happened, pulling his hands away not long after.

"Did you just turn the damned thing off?" Rynold calmly asked, already knowing the answer. He looked down, then to his sides, reaffirming that the machine had turned off. It was against Rynold's wishes, of course, so Rynold thought that the Mech God better have a good reason why.

"You got what you needed," the Mech God answered, his voice progressively getting closer, "The third Tier should already be more than enough."

"I could still take more," Rynold shook his head in frustration as the Mech God approached. The latter stood on a floating metal platform, taking Crimson along for the ride. "I can hit the fourth Tier if you just pushed the machine even harder. I could've taken more and gotten to the fourth Tier all in one swoop!"

After saying that, Rynold watched as the Mech God shook his head in outright refusal. "The fourth Tier isn't something you can take in one day. And, besides, even if you could, the machine might not be able to last much longer. Look at the Mana Crystal inside the center pedestal."

Rynold raised a brow in suspicion and doubt. He opened the panel and looked at the Mana Crystal. Its glow was nowhere near where Rynold first saw it. While still fixated in one place, Rynold could tell that the Mana Crystal was irreparably damaged. There was no doubt in Rynold's mind that the Mana Crystal was at the end of its life.

"It's broken. And, I could guess why," Rynold sighed as he brought the Mana Crystal out from its housing, "What do you want me to do with it, then? Or, well, what do we do now for that matter?"

"You already know what we're doing next," the Mech God answered, moving forward and taking the Mana Crystal away from Rynold's hands. "As much as I appreciate how eager you are, this thing wouldn't function without a specific kind of Mana Crystal. And, for you to get to the next Tier, it'll exhaust most of my supply before you could get there. Not to mention the time it's going to take, you're better off with leaving it some other time."

As the Mech God said that, Rynold looked at his hand. Then, without any prompts, he placed that hand over his chest, where his Mana Core was. Breathing in and out, concentrating on circulating his Mana, Rynold looked to his Mana Core's current state.

"You're right," Rynold noted as he found his Mana significantly denser and purer than it was before. While the difference between Tier two and three wasn't big, Rynold could still notice the improvement. "My Mana Core's getting up there. Although I'd be more comfortable with hitting the fourth Tier, time is of the essence."

Following that declaration, Rynold opened his Status Window and perused. Starting with the Mana Core, Rynold made his way through different screens as he walked behind the Mech God and Crimson. The two led the way as Rynold didn't pay much attention to his surroundings. He instead focused on what he was reading as he went along.

Although, then again, it wasn't as long as Rynold had hoped.

For the most part, the whole thing felt vague. Rynold couldn't get two whole cents together. Considering there was no information about his newly attained Mana Core Tier. But, Rynold felt his Mana in a much purer form than before. It was as though he felt refreshed, even though his sweat drenched most of his back.

So, all in all, it wasn't that bad. Rynold knew just as well, though, that there were benefits with a higher-tiered Mana Core. And, without a doubt in his mind, Rynold continued to look to the next.

Mana Bonded equipment benefitted from the improvement of his Mana Core. While the difference of being in Tier 1 and 2 wasn't that big, the [Hammer of the Worthwhile] still improved. It wasn't that drastic of an improvement, though, but it was an improvement nonetheless.

And with that in mind, Rynold had reason to believe that his other Mana Bonded equipment would receive some upgrades. He felt hopeful while still managing his expectations.

===

[Mana Gauntlets]

Gauntlet Dark-Gold Tier Equipment, Mana Bonded

Durability: Infinite

Attack Power +20% of user's Intelligence

Equipment Requirements: Intelligence 40, Mana Bond

Gauntlets made from a long-lost civilization embued with special magic that is long lost.

Additional Passive Skill: Mana Engine

- When bonded, reduces the bond's max Mana by 18%.

Additional Passive Skill: Gauntlet Form

- Gauntlets can change between three forms:

- Strength-form: Changes the gauntlets' size to a big fist, producing better Attack Power by 25% while reducing Attack Speed by 4%.

- Speed-form: Changes the gauntlets' size to a glove, increasing Attack Speed by 20%.

- Defense-form: Changes the gauntlets' size to an arm-guard, reducing Attack Speed by 15%. While in this form, the user gains [Protective Advantage]. [Protective Advantage] allows the user to create a shield of Mana, shaped according to the user's will. Mana Cost depends on the duration, shape, and overall damage.

Additional Active Skill: Charging Fist

- By absorbing a part of the bond's max Mana, the gauntlets gain power. Once activated, the gauntlets deal 30% of Attack Damage as Physical Damage to a single target enemy and dealing 15% of the damage to enemies in a cone.

- Cooldown: 3 minutes and 30 seconds

===

Rynold stopped in his tracks as he took a moment to absorb what his Mana Gauntlets had become. He then realized that he was quickly losing track of the Mech God and Crimson, so he rushed up soon after. But, even so, nothing could compare to the sheer joy rising in Rynold's chest as he realized that his Mana Gauntlets had become such an integral tool in his arsenal.

While there were a few improvements to some numbers, nothing could compare to his new Mana Gauntlet form. A defensive feature. Finally! It felt like it had been a long time coming for something like this to show up. Rynold knew just as well how badly he needed it. Although, the effectiveness of said shield needed some tests.

Aside from that one obvious highlight, though, Rynold saw improvements in the other numbers. It was as if his Mana Gauntlets better adjusted themselves to Rynold's Mana Core. Better damage in Strength-form. Faster hits in Speed-form. And Charging Fist also hit harder. On top of that, the Mana Gauntlet's rating turned from Silver to Dark-Gold in one fell swoop.

Overall, Rynold felt satisfied.

He closed the window and looked to the others. If his Mana Gauntlets improved, Rynold didn't see any reason why the other two wouldn't.

Quite unfortunately, though, that was nothing more than wishful thinking.

With that, Rynold closed the windows and cleared his head. He looked up to the blue sky and breathed a mouthful of fresh air. As he felt satisfied with the upgrades, Rynold felt relieved, knowing all the trouble had been worth it. A few short minutes and coming out with something like this? Rynold thought it was enough. Although, at the back of his mind, he wanted something more.

Nonetheless, Rynold soon returned his attention to where they were going. While the Mech God hadn't left a clue with either Crimson or Rynold, Rynold hoped that this excursion would be quick and to the point.

Otherwise, what was the point?

"We're here."

The Mech God stopped in the middle of the empty street, silence all around them. There was nothing apart from nondescript buildings. While Rynold knew that each building on the island had significance to them, stopping here felt misleading. Even with all the stunts the Mech God pulled before, this definitely took the cake.

"Right... Where exactly is here?" Rynold asked, extending his senses outward, "There's nothing here but concrete, metal, and asphalt."

"Heh," the Mech God chuckled as he turned to face Rynold, "That's for me to know and for you to find out."

"You're fucking with me, right?" Rynold scoffed as he shook his head, knowing full well what the Mech God meant by what he said. "Another test? Aren't you getting tired of it all?"

"The other Candidates had to go through this. I don't see any reason to not let you go through it too," the Mech God answered as he stepped aside, "Whatever the case, you need to do this if you want to survive."

"Fine," Rynold sighed, frustratedly knowing that this test would be as elaborate as the previous ones. Or, perhaps, it might be even worse. "What do I need to do?"

As soon as Rynold said that, Crimson perked up as well. He moved forward, eager to participate. Rynold knew that Crimson would do as much, seeing as how the Mech God mentioned the other Candidates. Rynold just hoped that this 'test' wouldn't take a long time.