Unholy Player Chapter 485 The Need for a Strong Army

Adyr had gained the ability to manipulate his Grace with such intense focus after consuming the Synergy Crystal. He could now command it at will, much like how his Malice was capable of manifesting into a protective armor.

He had spent the previous month refining this control, practicing in absolute silence at every available opportunity to ensure his precision was flawless.

By prioritizing the healing of his face, Adyr intended to project an image of composure and strength. He wanted to erase any visible signs of weakness that could be easily exploited or noticed by others.

This tactic mirrored that of ancient generals who wore crimson attire during battle. By doing so, they ensured that bloodstains from any wounds remained hidden, preventing their soldiers' morale from crumbling and denying the enemy the satisfaction of perceived victory. It was a straightforward deception that often determined how long a battalion would stand its ground.

Though no literal war was being waged at the moment, Adyr understood the necessity of maintaining his status as the dominant ruler. He needed his face to be the image of unwavering power that would linger in their minds long after they departed.

The display had the intended effect on the two Players. The efficiency of his healing far surpassed any skill in their own repertoires, forcing them to once again acknowledge the vast chasm of power between Adyr and ordinary Players. Both were visibly awestruck.

Adyr began a slow, deliberate walk out of the chamber. Simultaneously, he summoned his Malice armor, thinning it out until it resembled a dark layer of fabric that reached his neck, effectively concealing the partially closed wounds beneath. Despite the physical toll, his stride remained firm as he addressed Zephan.

"Let's proceed with the tour. I have yet to show you what I originally intended."

Zephan and his Elders were well aware that he was pushing himself to the limit, yet they chose not to challenge him. "Very well."

It wasn't merely a desire to see the sights; it was a profound respect for his warrior's spirit. If he claimed to be fit, then it was so. Honoring his pride was a core tenet of the Lunari culture they had been raised in, a value deeply woven into their heritage.

The group resumed their progression through the training facility, navigating the fractured hallways together.

With Henry leading the way as their guide, they boarded the elevator and ascended to Level 3, the designated floor for the VR chambers.

This level bore little resemblance to the two below it. The vast hall was filled with dozens of compact, box-like units, arranged in neat rows like technological capsules.

The entire floor was deserted, having been cleared during the earlier emergency evacuation. However, with the lights flickering overhead and the walls showing no structural damage, it was clear that the tremors had spared this section, leaving it in an eerie state of perfection.

"Are the VR rooms operational?" Adyr questioned Henry, his facial features now fully restored.

While the smoky black shroud covered most of his frame, his missing limb remained a glaring testament to his battered condition.

His face appeared gaunt and hollow, as if he had undergone a sudden, drastic weight loss. This was the price of forcing his body to regenerate so rapidly; the process had incinerated his caloric and protein reserves, leaving him looking exhausted and drawn.

In response, Henry looked toward the lead researcher, who was trailing them while clutching his tablet with white-knuckled intensity.

"They are locked under the standard emergency protocols, however..." The researcher's fingers flew across the screen. A sequence of electronic beeps and mechanical clicks echoed through the hall as the doors unlocked in succession. "They are functional and ready for use now." "Excellent, thank you," Adyr replied with a smile. He then continued, "I want you to demonstrate the VR rooms' capabilities to Zephan and his Elders. Assist them in refining or unlocking the talents they require."

After speaking, Adyr signaled the translator with a nod, prompting her to convey the full message to the Lunari. Her gaze immediately shifted to Zephan's party.

The reaction was instantaneous; upon hearing the offer, Zephan and his Elders were visibly stunned, their shock quickly turning into palpable excitement.

To them, the barrier—the wall that had prevented them from attaining Rank 5—suddenly seemed surmountable through Human technology. Adyr was presenting them with a divine opportunity, a path forward they had never dared to imagine.

"Are you certain it is wise to permit outsiders access to the VR chambers?" Henry asked, his expression weary. He looked over at Adyr, who was now reclining silently on a broad sofa with his eyes shut, his head tilted back against the cushion.

Significant time had passed since they left the Lunari at the training center with Rhys and the researchers. The two had since retreated to Henry's private office within the headquarters.

"We require them to grow stronger. They are our comrades now," Adyr replied, his voice steady despite the obvious fatigue, his eyes remaining closed.

He had consumed numerous nutrient capsules to replenish his drained stamina, but the exhaustion written on his face remained undeniable.

"Can they truly be trusted?" That was the underlying concern.

Recognizing that the situation had evolved beyond simple trust, Henry sighed and adjusted his inquiry. "Is it your intention to grant other races access to the VR floor as well?"

Adyr's strategy was now transparent. By displaying both his personal might and the pinnacle of Human innovation, he was performing an act of calculated generosity. He was fostering a sense of hope and dependency, convincing them that their future was tied to his success.

"Yes," Adyr confirmed. Expanding on his thought, he added, "You heard Zephan’s warning. Our future adversaries are not foes we can defeat by standing alone. The blood cult is merely one of many threats lurking in the Midlands."

Even if Adyr managed the impossible and reached Rank 6 in the near future, that power would only allow him to stalemate an enemy leader of the same rank. It would merely balance the scales of a single duel.

In a full-scale war where entire armies clashed, everyone besides Adyr would be annihilated by such overwhelming force, scattered like dust in a gale.

To secure a foothold in the Midlands, they needed a formidable military force—one bolstered by at least a few Rank 5 warriors capable of holding their own in that savage hierarchy. Beyond Silverlight Zephan, Adyr had already identified Liora the Earthshaker of the Velari and Soulforge Throgar of the Gorathim as candidates with the potential to reach Rank 5 using the VR rooms.

Henry sank deeper into the sofa, staring up at the ceiling lights. He couldn't find a logical argument to counter the plan. In truth, he no longer had the will to fight it.

However, one burning question remained. He needed to know if Adyr was still acting rationally or if he had truly lost his mind, a fear shared by himself and the 12 City Managers. "Can you explain why you slaughtered all those people?"