My Talent's Name Is Generator Chapter 676: Interference Or Not?

With a faint, amused shake of my head, I shifted my focus back to North.

"So," I inquired, "what strategy do you have for the ritual? Will you be prioritizing Fire Laws?"

Her specific class differed greatly from ours, focusing primarily on the arts of stealth, wind, and space. The technique she had received from Dante was already formidable enough that she had no reason to deviate from her current path.

"I'm skipping fire," she replied. "I'll focus solely on Blood Laws. I believe Hidden Cleave has the potential to evolve if I can integrate it correctly." She paused momentarily. "Besides, I've been refining my blade techniques with Lyrate every day. My progress has been significant."

"That's a solid plan," I agreed. "Has your quest appeared yet?"

Steve, North, and Primus were all approaching the levels where the System typically triggered a quest. However, thus far, nothing had manifested.

North shook her head in the negative. "Nothing."

I shifted my gaze toward Steve and Primus.

Both of them offered the same silent denial.

That lack of activity unsettled me more than I cared to admit.

A sudden, heavy silence filled the room.

Though no one spoke, we were all struck by the same realization. The missing quests weren't a coincidence; it felt like a calculated move.

I felt certain the System was behind this. In some ways, I had anticipated a development like this. Ever since the Chained Fallen made his move, the System had fallen into a quiet state—one that was far too suspicious. I knew this peace wouldn't last. What caught me off guard wasn't that it was taking action, but that this time, it wasn't using me as its primary instrument.

It was moving through them.

I mentally cycled through the various scenarios. There were three distinct points where the System's interference was most likely.

The ritual.

The rift we intended to explore.

Dragos.

These events were set to occur in rapid succession. Any one of them could serve as a catalyst, a trial, or a snare. Naturally, given the System's nature, it could also manifest something entirely unpredictable. It held too many pieces on the board and possessed too many ways to manipulate them.

"Let's just wait," I finally said, breaking the quiet as I stood up. "Whatever is coming will reveal itself soon enough. Our job is to keep moving forward."

I looked at the group. "Orobas is prepared and already on the stage. You three should head out."

They nodded in agreement without a word. In an instant, the three of them vanished, racing toward the massive, stadium-like structure situated on the eastern side of the capital. The ritual grounds—the traditional site where the Blood and Fire Ritual had always taken place.

Once they had departed, I raised my hand and summoned Knight.

A glowing crimson summoning circle erupted beside me. Knight stepped through, standing tall with his usual disciplined and somber expression. We shared a brief look that conveyed everything. With a single nod, he vanished into the shadows to tail the trio.

Left to my own devices, my thoughts turned dark.

The weight of the situation was becoming clear. This was no longer merely about Cultivation or getting stronger. Somewhere ahead, a true confrontation awaited—either with the System, the Fallen, or perhaps both. Neither side was trustworthy, and both possessed power far beyond my current reach. To rush in without a plan would be nothing short of suicide.

I hadn't decided on a specific path yet.

However, early preparation was never a mistake.

Releasing a slow breath, I exited the room. With a single step, I transitioned into the hidden pocket dimension where the world core of Armus was housed.

As I arrived, the core drifted toward me with an almost eager energy, resembling a loyal beast greeting its master.

A small smile touched my lips.

Reaching out, I funneled a stream of violet Essence into the core. It reacted immediately, consuming the Essence with a voracious appetite. Utilizing our deep connection, I expanded my consciousness outward to observe the gathering.

The ritual was on the verge of starting.

Orobas stood alone at the stadium’s center, positioned atop a raised stone dais.

He held a staff crafted from dark red wood, its entire length etched with intricate, ancient runes. These weren't mere decorations. Even from a distance, I could see the complexity of the layers—laws intertwined with laws, symbols stacked in a way that made the surrounding atmosphere feel heavy and enigmatic. At the center of the dais was a circular slot, perfectly sized for the staff. That was the trigger. Once the staff was inserted, the ritual would commence.

I locked my perception onto the staff, letting my senses probe the runes.

Fire laws. Blood laws. And hints of something even more profound.

I detected faint traces of soul energy woven into the wood, aged and weathered like ancient fingerprints.

I had previously questioned Orobas about the artifact. Even he was uncertain if the staff was a creation of the System or the work of the demon ancestor who had nearly attained Saint rank. Regardless of its origin, it was an item of immense power.

The stadium surrounding the platform was packed.

Exactly one thousand demons were seated cross-legged, forming vast, concentric circles that rippled outward. Every participant was a member of the Bloodreavers. From Masters to Grandmasters, their auras were suppressed but potent, their focus absolute. Silence reigned; not a soul moved unnecessarily.

This wasn't for show.

This was an ordeal.

Primus, Steve, and North arrived without fanfare and took their places in the front row. Their arrival didn't go unnoticed. Several demons cast lingering stares their way, clearly surprised to see humans granted access to the inner circle.

Yet, no one voiced a protest.

The trio had made names for themselves. Their exploits in the Valley of Warriors—slaying a Phantom, carving through abominations, and defending Horus during the ambush—had earned them respect. Even their detractors, particularly the remnants of the Del Rey faction, could not ignore their strength.

The Bloodreavers were well aware of what they could do.

They had witnessed it firsthand.

Orobas moved toward the center of the dais.

"Everyone gathered here," he announced, "represents the first of our kind to reap the rewards of the war we have won."

His eyes scanned the thousand seated warriors.

"Ensure you do not squander this chance," he warned. "An opportunity like this may never come again." His voice turned cold. "Many of you are only here because we barred the Ronics and other factions from participating."

A ripple of tension moved through the crowd. Postures straightened and breathing became rhythmic.

"Treat this with the gravity it deserves," Orobas commanded. "Give it your all."

He came to a stop at the very center of the platform, standing right over the socket meant for the staff. The runes beneath his boots began to pulse with a faint light, reacting to his presence.

"I will now outline the mechanics of the ritual," he stated.

This was it.

Regardless of whether the System chose to interfere, I was about to discover just how much influence it held over the Blood and Fire Ritual.