《IDLE Database》


 Chapter 1 - IDLE Database

    Aldrin woke up in the middle of the night due to the beeping sounds coming from the desktop computer in his room.


    ''Did I forget to turn it off?'' He thought.


    Despite the sleepiness that he was feeling, Aldrin stood up to check it and turned it off for good. It''s only 2 o''clock in the morning. The world outside was still silent while being illuminated by the two moons up in the sky.


    [The secrets of the world. Will you dare pry into it?]


    When he reached it and saw the advertisement flashing in his dimnet''s browser, he furrowed his brows.


    "Dang, games these days are trying to hook people with these boring ads. Why won''t they focus on gameplay and story instead?" Aldrin clicked his tongue and complained.


    However, despite complaining, he found himself moving the cursor to click on that huge ad banner.


    Click!


    Because of the silence of the night, the sound of that click filled his entire room. The poster they used was eye-catching. It depicted a gorgeous, kingdom-toppling beauty, gesturing to whoever''s in front of the screen to come and take her hand. Whoever drew and animated it, they''re naturally baiting those who are like Aldrin.


    Someone lonely enough to turn towards fantasy to get by. He neither has a girlfriend nor a ''girl'' friend. Hell, his only contact with females was on the dimnet where more often than not, they''re male disguising as a female. Ah. There''s his mother and his sister but it''s been a while since he last saw them. There was also his previous co-worker at the convenience store but... they only had a working relationship and were not even friends.


    "Let''s see if you''re a game worth playing."


    Pulling his chair and sitting on it while forgetting his original goal of only turning off his computer, Aldrin waited for his browser to load the dimnet page.


    He knew that what flashed on his screen was only a clickbait but at the moment, he''s at the lowest point of his life; no job, no special skills and most importantly, no girlfriend.


    Satisfying himself with games and any other things he could find. That''s his current way of life. He''s trying. Of course but at the current age, some things depend on your initial standing in life.


    Truthfully, his family didn''t have any high expectations from him. After graduating from high school, they only expect him to at least go out in the world to be something else.


    However, with the state he was in right now, even his parents would have a hard time thinking about where they went wrong.


    Currently, he''s living in a small apartment with only one room without even a bed to sleep on.


    He could only lie down on the floor which was either hot or cold depending on the current season.


    As a consolation, he at least had his own desktop computer of his own. But that''s because at this age and time, owning one wasn''t a luxury anymore, electricity bills were as cheap as tap water. However, even after owning one, he was only using it to surf the dimnet or dimension net and play games all day.


    If it was the long-lost era, he would be called a NEET. Not in Education, Employment or Training.


    After waiting for a while, the dimnet page finished loading.


    His dimnet''s speed was among the lowest of the low, nonetheless, it was miles away from the norm of that long-lost era. The downside was¡­ even a simple page would be worth a gigabyte of data to finish loading.


    Somewhat excited despite being conned by the ads, Aldrin peeled his eyes open.


    However, instead of his expected clickbaity and fan service-filled game where kingdom-toppling beauties would continue to entice him to sign up and play, a black screen filled with texts written in white registered in his eyes.


    "What the heck is this? Is this dimsite hacked or did I get clickbaited to a potential dimnet virus beehive?" Aldrin wondered.


    After rubbing his eyes for a while to check if he was hallucinating, Aldrin tried to read what was written on that dimnet page.


    To his surprise¡­ he couldn''t.


    "D*mn, did I enter a bogus dimsite? If this is all there is, I''m wasting my time even trying to understand it. F*ck this shit, I''m out!"


    Feeling scammed despite being completely aware that he just randomly clicked a clickbait ad, Aldrin was about to turn off his computer and go back to his not-so-peaceful sleep.


    However, before he could even do that, his eyes widened when all of a sudden, he could finally read what was unreadable earlier.


    ''Cosmic hell! I should really go to an optometrist to check my eyes.''


    Before completely reading what was written, Aldrin rubbed his eyes once more to see if it would change again.


    And to his expectation, it didn''t.


    [Do you want to change your average worthless life? Perhaps not¡­ But I can give you a chance to completely turn that useless life of yours around. With just a bit of your DNA, you can take away this¡­]


    ''Worthless and useless¡­'' That''s too accurate, huh?


    But what is ''this''?!


    At least complete your sentence!


    With a vein popping out of his forehead, Aldrin ended up voicing out his thoughts.


    "If you wanted to scam someone out for his DNA, better do a good advertisement! And why are you targeting someone ''worthless'' and ''useless'' like me? Turn my life around?! Hah! As if it was that easy. Unless you let me win a lottery then¡­ I''ll give you the DNA that you want. But this incomplete ad? Alright, go on along now."


    With his anger being triggered by what he read, Aldrin almost showered and filled his computer''s screen with his saliva from shouting at it. Because of his anger, the impossibility of giving his DNA to the dimsite page flew above his head.


    However, when he was about to finally close the dimnet browser and turn it off once and for all, the texts on his screen changed and that made Aldrin reconsider what he just said while his mind became awash with astonishment.


    And following that, his dark room brightened like a sun peeking out from the far east when his whole screen suddenly flashed a blinding light.


    If someone was spying on him from his opened window, that someone would probably think that he''s browsing some dubious dimnet page in the middle of the night.


    [Analyzing DNA¡­ Registering¡­ Transferring¡­ Installing¡­ Congratulations! You have been successfully bound to the IDLE Database.]


    [You are detected to be at World Zone 89. Planet Dual Moon, Lonewind City, Lessworth Apartment, 4th Floor, Room 412.]


    [The Idle Database will now reconstruct the initial data uploaded to synchronize with your current location.]


    Huh? What in the twenty-one Cosmic Hells is this IDLE Database?!


    But the most important thing is¡­ why am I feeling amazed at this? Isn''t this a bogus dimnet page?


    And that address¡­ It''s too accurate!


    "Who?! Who are you?! Of all people you will hack and track, why a worthless guy like me?!" Aldrin lashed out at his monitor, thinking that someone out there was looking through this dimsite, watching him at this moment in time.


    However, his question was met with silence. That''s obvious since the dimsite only contained a black background and those walls of text.


    After a while, the text disappeared leaving only the black background.


    Following that, like a system log, new lines of text appeared on his screen.


    [Reconstruction and Synchronization Completed. Accessing Database¡­]


    [Detected a lower dimension]


    [Do you want to use the Idle Adventure Mode to send a Dimensional Clone?]


    This time, after those lines of text, there were two highlighted choices. Yes and No.


    Aldrin was still confused about this IDLE database or whoever was watching him that lured him to this¡­ suspicious dimsite.


    Nonetheless, he was weirdly feeling the anticipation of what would happen if he did click ''Yes''.


    In this day and age where he was someone considered to be ''worthless'' and ''useless'', believing in something normally unbelievable was his best bet.


    It said it can change my life, right? Go on and show me how you will do that! I don''t have anything to lose anyway.


    Aldrin held his breath as he moved the cursor towards the choice.


    Click!


    Along with that clicking sound, the apparent text disappeared again and like before, new lines replaced it.


    [Idle Adventure Mode activated]


    [Your Dimensional Clone will now be sent to a Lower Dimension¡­]


    [Please be advised that you have the option to control your Dimensional Clone, otherwise, it will move by itself]

 Chapter 2 - Idle Adventure Mode

    Aldrin watched as his monitor, which showed the bogus dimsite, automatically minimized and a software suddenly opened an unknown program.


    At the same time as that, he felt an itch that he couldn''t scratch as something left his body; a small shadowy figure ran down from his head and dashed towards the monitor.


    He couldn''t react fast enough to catch it and by the time his mind jolted him to do something, the small shadowy figure appeared to pass through his monitor''s screen.


    Although unbelievable, Aldrin could see that it was now existing inside his monitor. It ran along his taskbar and jumped to climb up to the opened software which was only showing a black screen.


    As soon as he entered, a glowing spiral appeared from that black screen which sucked the small shadowy figure as if it was a whirlpool.


    Aldrin rubbed his eyes to see if he was hallucinating, however, what was being shown in front of him remained the same.


    When the spiral, along with the shadowy figure, disappeared from his monitor, a windowed program with the title IDLE Database suddenly opened and ran by itself.


    On its interface, there''s only a huge line of texts that reads, ''Travelling to a Lower Dimension: Small Insect Colony #111222''


    He hurriedly tried opening his Task Manager but the ''IDLE Database'' was not listed as an ongoing task.


    He thought of restarting his computer but decided against it in the end. The antivirus programs installed in his desktop computer weren''t being triggered which means it''s safe.


    Or he only believed that it''s safe because of his curiosity about this IDLE Database.


    After waiting for five minutes, the IDLE Database program was still showing the same text but now with an added small font line at the bottom right. ''Loading 5%''


    Scratching the back of his head, Aldrin decided to turn his attention somewhere first while he waited for that IDLE Database to load. He clicked for the browser which was minimized from his task bar and saw that the bogus dimsite had already closed. The dimsite returned to the same page where he saw the clickbaity ad.


    There was no more ad but only an error message that was prompting him to reload the page.


    He did reload it but what appeared wasn''t the same clickbait ad anymore but just an insurance company ad that enticed its customers by saying ''You can die anytime. Insure now!''


    After blowing a long exhalation, Aldrin shook his head and closed the browser.


    And as soon as he did, he noticed that the IDLE Database which already created a small icon on his desktop was soon to finish its loading phase.


    "Let''s see. If this one''s not real then I better go back to sleep. I still need to grind on Ranga Online tomorrow. I better reach Level 99 to rebirth and catch up with those fools." Aldrin yawned and scratched his itchy head again.


    As if remembering something, he hurriedly pulled open a drawer from his table and picked the small mirror he was using to remove eye boogers in his eyes.


    Facing the mirror on the part of his head where he was feeling the itch, Aldrin''s face suddenly became filled with horror.


    "What the f*ck?! Why do I have a hairless spot here?" He wondered.


    He tried touching that spot and another itchy sensation engulfed his mind.


    After scratching it for a while, he finally remembered the small shadowy figure that jumped out from him.


    "That thing¡­ is a clump of my hair? This IDLE Database asked for my DNA and now it used my hair to create that freaky shadow to send to a Lower Dimension? What will happen if it dies? Will my hair gradually thin because of it? Will I go bald eventually?!"


    His thoughts immediately went haywire as they turned in the wrong direction.


    However, before he could delve deeply into his despair of being bald while still young, the monitor that was showing the program called IDLE Database finally finished its loading.


    The text shown in it was once again replaced and became the same font as what was in that bogus dimsite earlier.


    [Commencing Idle Adventure Mode]


    [Your Dimensional Clone has arrived at the destination]


    [Your Dimensional Clone will be possessing your current strength]


    [Do you want to control your Clone?]


    Following the fourth line, two rectangular boxes appeared below it, giving the choices of Yes or No.


    "Let''s see. It''s called IDLE Database with an emphasis on ''Idle''. Let''s skip controlling it then and watch how this will unfold."


    Aldrin was still unconvinced that this unnatural program that installed itself and made his hair move on its own could change his life. He''s pessimistic that way after living his life as a worthless and useless guy.


    Moving the cursor to the rectangular box that says ''No'', Aldrin drew a deep breath before clicking it.


    Click!


    [Choice acknowledged]


    [IDLE Database - Idle Adventure Mode will now commence]


    After briefly showing that text, the black background disappeared and was replaced with a graphically beautiful rendered image.


    It showed a wide open space that featured tall green lush grass. From afar, human-sized insects such as ants, grasshoppers, beetles and caterpillars move about.


    "This is what it means as a Small Insect Colony? I thought it would be somewhat fearsome but these insects¡­ they seemed to be living peacefully."


    Aldrin couldn''t help but comment. Nonetheless, he kept his eyes glued to the screen.


    A few seconds later, the white spiral appeared above the sky before the little shadowy figure that was engulfed by it dropped down to the ground.


    As soon as its feet firmly grasped the soft earth beneath, Aldrin saw the Dimensional Clone of his set its sight onto the nearest caterpillar.


    [Level 3 Caterpillar (Difficulty: High)]


    With the difficulty highlighted in red-colored font, the Dimensional Clone then switched its gaze to the second insect nearest to it.


    [Level 1 Worker Ant (Difficulty: Normal)]


    [This Worker Ant is part of a nearby ant colony, killing it while other ants from the same colony are nearby will turn all of them hostile to you]


    Reading everything that was being shown to him, Aldrin nodded his head.


    However, since he chose not to control the Dimensional Clone, it moved by itself.


    Aldrin then saw the status log update of the Dimensional Clone in an opaque rectangular text box at the lower left side of the program''s interface.


    [Found a target: Level 3 Caterpillar]


    [Difficulty higher than the default setting]


    [Switching target]


    [Found a target: Level 1 Worker Ant]


    [Difficulty matched the default setting]


    [Attacking Level 1 Worker Ant]


    Before he could finish reading the status log of the Dimensional Clone, his eyes became fixed and wide-eyed when it immediately ran towards the targeted Worker Ant.


    As it waded through the tall grass, the Dimensional Clone raised its leg and viciously kicked the Worker Ant.


    "Eekk!"


    The Worker Ant shrieked in pain and stood up immediately. However, the Dimensional Clone followed up its initial kick by chasing after the Worker Ant.


    After another kick, a punch and lastly pulling the ant''s head off of its body, the battle ended with Dimensional Clone''s victory. But it didn''t come out unscathed. Before pulling its head off, the Dimensional Clone was stabbed on its abdomen causing black blood to leak out of its body.


    Below, the status log was continuously being updated in real-time as the Dimensional Clone was fighting the Worker Ant.


    [Dimensional Clone kicked the Worker Ant and dealt 5 damage]


    [Dimensional Clone chased after the Worker Ant, sent another kick and dealt 7 damage]


    [Dimensional Clone punched the Worker Ant, breaking open its thin carapace and dealt 10 damage]


    [Dimensional Clone killed the Worker Ant by pulling its head off]


    [Dimensional Clone was stabbed by the Worker Ant''s fangs and received 10 damage and Bleeding status]


    [You received 5 IDLE points]


    [A Worker Ant has witnessed the fight and was now on its way to report its finding to the colony]


    [Dimensional Clone decided to retreat and hide to recuperate]


    While he was reading the status log, Aldrin was also watching his Dimensional Clone move from where it killed the Worker Ant to leave the immediate vicinity and hide behind a gigantic leaf.


    "In the end, this is just an intricate Idle Game. How will this change my life, I wonder?" He murmured but his eyes never left the screen and the Dimensional Clone that was holding onto its abdomen to stop the bleeding.


    [Dimensional Clone has entered a critical stage. It will die in thirty seconds if not treated immediately]


    Treated? There''s a hole on its stomach! What kind of Idle Game will punish a player like this¡­


    While he was complaining about the game, he noticed a few more rectangular boxes below its interface.


    There were at least five tabs that were locked behind a padlock icon earlier but when the Dimensional Clone killed the Worker Ant and received IDLE points, one of the tabs was unlocked.


    There were only thirty seconds, Aldrin didn''t think twice as he moved his cursor and clicked onto it.


    To his surprise and joy, Aldrin was presented with what he needed at the moment.


    The first tab was named ''Player Menu'' and there were functions that popped up when he clicked it.


    [Restore the Dimensional Clone''s Health: 5 IDLE points]


    [Double the Dimensional Clone''s Damage: 20 IDLE points]


    [Double the Dimensional Clone''s Speed: 20 IDLE points]


    [Double the Dimensional Clone''s Armor: 20 IDLE points]


    [Leave the Lower Dimension]

 Chapter 3 - Dimensional Energy

    5 IDLE points. That''s the amount the Dimensional Clone got from killing the first Worker Ant.


    ''This should be an idle game, right? Why is it so weak that it was already about to die after killing one?''


    ''Is this the tutorial phase? Probably not. It should be the opposite if that was the case. Instead of being too hard, the enemies should be too easy to let the player get a good feeling for the game.''


    Following that logic, this idle game that was presented to him didn''t have any tutorial, only tooltips that would show up whenever he would point his cursor onto something.


    Aldrin shook his head and moved the cursor to the five choices presented to him and turned his eyes back to the Dimensional Clone that was clutching its stabbed abdomen wherein its black blood continued to flow out of it.


    It appeared fierce and powerful when it charged towards that Worker Ant. And he could honestly say that the graphics of this game were leagues ahead of any other games.


    The downside was¡­ Aldrin didn''t know where it actually came from and how it could pluck a clump of his hair to be sent inside the game.


    He wasn''t dreaming, he''s well aware of that. Moreover, he could still vividly recall everything that happened ever since he was roused from his sleep.


    ''That ad¡­ It''s possibly specifically aimed at me.'' He suspected.


    Shaking his head once more, he cleared his head and began focusing on what was happening inside his screen.


    ''Should I let it die? Seems to be a waste to heal it by using the only IDLE points it got.''


    As he wandered his cursor to the other choices presented to him, it was painfully obvious to him that the other three were grayed out.


    He only had 5 IDLE points and those three choices needed 20 to activate. If he couldn''t understand that then he''s even worse than being worthless and useless.


    Hovering the cursor above the last choice ''Leave the Dimension'', a descriptive pop-up tooltip appeared on the game''s interface.


    Upon seeing that, he hurriedly read it before making his final decision.


    [Leaving the Lower Dimension while your Dimensional Clone is still alive will convert the total IDLE points it got during this run to an equivalent Dimensional Energy. However, it will still count as a used-up chance of playing in Idle Adventure Mode.]


    ¡­ Aldrin''s expression instantly froze after reading the highlighted words.


    Dimensional Energy!


    Among everything written on it, that''s the one thing that instantly took Aldrin''s interest.


    ''Is this real? Converting Dimensional Energy? In the first place, is this even possible?'' He disbelievingly muttered to himself.


    He''s not waiting for an answer since he''s alone. If ever, the only companion he had were the night birds chirping outside his window.


    However, although unbelievable, he couldn''t help but become even more suspicious of whoever was behind the bogus dimsite that was the origin of this IDLE Database.


    His suspicion of its developer watching him at this very moment was turning even more concrete.


    Not that Aldrin was afraid of him. Truthfully and with complete honesty, Aldrin deemed his existence as useless and worthless.


    His family was actually thoroughly disappointed in him. After graduating high school, he failed every college application he took an entrance exam for. Moreover, when he thought of applying for a job instead, the best he could get was to be a part-timer at a local convenience store.


    He did that for at least two years before quitting. Since then, he became a slacker who spent his days playing on his PC. It''s already a wonder that he could still pay the rent for this low-end apartment with only what he saved when he was doing that part-time job.


    He did have a source of income but that''s too little to sustain a rather normal life.


    That''s why, he thought that if the one behind this IDLE Database was someone who would do him harm, he''s the one losing out, not Aldrin. Because that someone wouldn''t be able to benefit from tricking him who was already at the bottom rung of this society.


    Putting the identity of the culprit at the back of his mind, Aldrin brought his focus back to the descriptive popup.


    If the IDLE points could truly be converted to Dimensional Energy then he''s getting the jackpot here!


    That''s the idea running inside his head at the moment. In fact, he was too excited that if he was really being used as a guinea pig, he would be willing as long as they delivered what they promised.


    What is Dimensional Energy?


    It is the Energy that led humanity to enter the Dimensional Age!


    Back in the old times when humanity''s home planet, Earth, had run out of resources and was about to bring everyone on the verge of extinction, the last of the brightest minds walking on Earth discovered Dimensional Energy.


    The origin of Dimensional Energy was debated back then and it was continuing until now. However, one theory stands out the most among the numerous possibilities that were presented.


    It was called the ''Everpresent Theory''. It was stated that Dimensional Energy has existed ever since the start of time and humans couldn''t just perceive it before its discovery.


    As to what the catalyst that allowed for them to detect it right when the whole race was in crisis, no one knows. Perhaps it was because someone was looking out for humanity or it was just the survival instinct of humanity that triggered it.


    In any case, thanks to that Energy, the impending doom of the whole human race was averted.


    Dimensional Energy was the one that allowed for the world''s technological mileage to reach another threshold. Applying the said energy to the Earth''s technology at that time, the last of the Scientists, Inventors and the likes successfully created a method to open a Dimensional Portal, migrating the last of humanity to the farther reach of the universe where they could start anew.


    Moreover, Dimensional Energy that was integrated into every form of technology also allowed for humanity to terraform planets for human settlement.


    It was already thousands of years since that day and at this point, humanity had once again proliferated. And it''s not just on one planet.


    However, the resettlement of humanity and becoming a universal civilization didn''t go as smoothly as one would think.


    As the history books stated, humanity faced many challenges before fully establishing themselves in this new sector of the Universe where they migrated to.


    There were the so-called Dimensional Rifts opening up that spewed out beasts and monsters of unknown origins that could utilize Dimensional Energy to strengthen themselves.


    Because of those rifts, a lot of emerging human settlements in a lot of habitable planets they were trying to terraform were destroyed.


    Although the humans at that time tried to fight back using weapons that also utilize Dimensional Energy like the Metadomes; two or four-limbs mechanical constructs that could be piloted by a human much like a new generation of weapons, that was proven not enough.


    The bitter struggle against the Rifts continued on for more than three centuries until one of the leading Scientists at that time risked the uproar of those Human Rights Advocates to experiment on copying the beasts that could utilize Dimensional Energy on their bodies.


    And he was successful in his experiment which led to the birth of the so-called Energy Refiners.


    Taking in the literal meaning of that title, they were humans who could refine Dimensional Energy to strengthen themselves. Furthermore, due to their ability to refine and use the Dimensional Energy for themselves, the new generation of weapons such as the Metadomes that was utilizing the same energy became a lot more terrifying weapons in their hands, allowing the humans to finally get to an even ground against the beasts, monsters and other beings coming out of the rifts.


    As more and more humans became Energy Refiners, the fight to defend against those Rifts subsided and the new age for humanity arrived.


    "Change my life? If I can become an Energy Refiner because of this then¡­ use me to your heart''s content!" Aldrin almost shouted as he decided to pick that last option.


    There''s no guarantee that the Dimensional Clone could kill another ant now that the colony would be alerted by the ant who witnessed the killing. Besides, he''s more excited to find out if what he read was true.


    Being an Energy Refiner wasn''t for everyone and especially not for someone poor like him.


    Back then, the first Energy Refiners were artificially made through lab experiments but as those Energy Refiners gave birth to their children, most if not all of them became natural Energy Refiners and it continued onto every generation.


    Sadly, Aldrin''s lineage didn''t hail from any generation of Energy Refiners.


    However, it''s not like there''s no path for those unlucky ones. There was a way for non-Energy Refiners to become one.


    It was to undergo the same treatment as those artificially-made Energy Refiners or¡­ just be lucky enough to get the ability to harness the omnipresent Dimensional Energy and strengthen oneself.


    The treatment needed loads of money which Aldrin didn''t possess while he''s as unlucky as he was useless and worthless.


    But with this chance presented to him, if it was true then changing his entire life wouldn''t be a dream anymore!


    As soon as the game interface darkened, Aldrin saw the clump of his hair in the shape of the Dimensional Clone leave his screen and go back to where it was plucked out.


    Following that, he read what showed up on the interface which detailed this particular run of the Idle Adventure Mode.


    [Idle Adventure Mode Run Time: 2 minutes, 39 seconds]


    [Total Creatures killed: 1]


    [Total IDLE Points gained: 5]


    [Total IDLE Points used: 0]


    [Total IDLE Points to be converted: 5]


    [Lower Dimension Conquest progress: 0%]


    [Remaining Chances: 4 (will reset at 0:00 local time)]


    [Evaluation: F- Rating]

 Chapter 4 - Attack Settings

    ''Did something change in me?'' Faced with the mirror inside the small bathroom in his apartment, Aldrin scrutinized his facial features as well as his upper body that was visible in it.


    Nothing has changed. That''s what he concluded.


    Apart from feeling refreshed, the Dimensional Energy injected into him wasn''t enough to thoroughly change his body and awaken himself as an Energy Refiner. Based on what he''s feeling, it''s only enough to refresh and reinforce his meager strength


    Before the IDLE Database stopped its operation when he chose the ''Leave the Lower Dimension'' option, the IDLE points that he got were converted to Dimensional Energy and were directly absorbed by him.


    As for how his computer screen could bask him in pure Dimensional Energy, he had no idea.


    It''s one of the wonders of that bogus program that was promised to change his worthless life.


    Nonetheless, when he felt that refreshing feeling of being basked with Dimensional Energy and absorbing it in his body as if he''s a natural-born Energy Refiner, he finally believed that this sudden windfall in his life was true.


    Those who wanted to become an Artificial Energy Refiner needed to be injected directly by a condensed Dimensional Energy and it was too painful according to the public information regarding it. It was as if they were forcing the normal body to adapt to the Dimensional Energy and refine it instinctively.


    Moreover, it was too expensive for a normal citizen of any human planet.


    Compared to that, this IDLE Database was too refreshing for him as if he was submerged in a medicinal bath that was fairly accessible during the olden times. Nowadays, a medicinal bath was something only a rich Refiner could afford. Moreover, the herbs they are using for those baths are something that also possessed Dimensional Energy properties.


    Either way, Aldrin concluded that he probably needed to earn more IDLE points to truly become an Energy Refiner.


    ''What am I expecting? That I will finally become a superman that my parents will be proud of? Wake up, Aldrin! It isn''t as easy as that.''


    Slapping both of his cheeks to try and wake himself up to reality, he then shook his head to clear his mind before stepping inside his small bathroom to take a shower.


    It was still dead in the night but because of the Dimensional Energy his body received, his previous sleepiness was now gone. Moreover, he clearly remembered the statistics shown before the IDLE Database closed. There were four more chances for him to send a Dimensional Clone to Lower Dimensions.


    ''Time waits for no one. I better use all those chances and see where it will take me!'' With a new optimistic outlook welling up inside him, Aldrin swiftly finished his shower and went back in front of his computer.


    Running the program again and ignoring the itch on his scalp when the little shadowy figure of the Dimensional Clone was formed once more, Aldrin then chose not to control it manually for the second time.


    It''s an idle game. He thought. Perhaps in the future, he would try it. However, for now¡­ he''d have the Dimensional Clone work hard for him while he figures out the intricacies of this mystical game.


    -


    -


    When the program started, the Dimensional Clone was dropped in the same Small Insect Colony where all around it was grassland with grass as tall as buildings. It was like everything around it was gigantified.


    While Aldrin was lost in his thoughts as he took in the scenery, he remembered that the shadowy figure forming from his hair was small.


    ''Is the Lower Dimension where it was originally sent to a small world? Is the Dimensional Clone in its original size? Is it not enlarged but the camera only zoomed in enough to see everything that''s happening?''


    A series of questions instantly filled his mind.


    However, he instantly shook his head as he believed that he wouldn''t be able to answer that suspicion of his.


    Instead of mulling over it, he focused his eyes on his Dimensional Clone that already landed on the ground.


    During the first 20 minutes, his Dimensional Clones still only targeted the Worker Ants it saw because they''re the only ones that were tagged with the Normal difficulty. It never tried attacking any insect higher than it.


    Because of that, it''s having a hard time to rack up points like he intended to.


    Within those 20 minutes, it attacked at least three Worker Ants but it only succeeded on one.


    Fortunately, it hadn''t gotten injured nor detected by the Ant Colony.


    As he continued observing it, Aldrin concluded that even if it could fight a higher difficulty opponent, the Dimensional Clone would be left in tatters, even worse than when it was stabbed the first time or worse, it would just die.


    It''s still too weak that it could only prey on ants.


    As time continued to pass, Aldrin continued watching the Dimensional Clone move about in his monitor. When he grew tired of it because of how slow his Dimensional Clone was in killing and gathering more IDLE Points for him, he then decided to check the whole game interface.


    Apart from those four locked tabs, Aldrin found another feature that he hadn''t explored yet.


    The ''Options'' menu.


    After checking that there''s no important thing happening on the screen with the Dimensional Clone, he moved his cursor and clicked on it.


    ''CLICK''


    In the aftermath of that clicking sound, a rectangular interface appeared in the middle of his screen, fully covering the centered view on his monitor. Upon seeing it, the ''Options'' menu was ultimately similar to most games. There, he could adjust the display, audio, and language. But there were also those he thought were unique for this game; the Target settings and the Attack settings.


    He hovered his cursor towards each of those options and as he expected, a descriptive pop-up showed up.


    ''Target settings'' was about what was the maximum difficulty the Dimensional Clone would attack.


    ''Attack settings'' was about what kind of strategy the Dimensional Clone would use when attacking.


    Since there was either Normal or Hard difficulty among the insects the Dimensional Clone encountered, he left the first setting alone.


    After clicking onto the ''Attack Settings'', another pop-up overlayed the middle of the screen. The default setting written on it was ''Attack on Sight''.


    Clicking on the drop-down menu, two more Attack settings appeared.


    ''Observe First.''


    ''Set up an ambush.''


    Upon reading that, Aldrin understandably shook his head as he thought about the earlier events during the first run of the Idle Adventure Mode.


    No wonder the Dimensional Clone got stabbed during the first attempt. Mindlessly attacking as soon as it saw a suitable target because of that setting. It recklessly attacked as soon as it recognized the Worker Ant as one with a Normal difficulty.


    After thinking about it, Aldrin noticed that it was also what his Dimensional Clone did during this current run.


    ''Fortunately, it won at first and it also retreated when it appeared impossible to beat the ant.'' Aldrin muttered.


    Perhaps that Dimensional Clone would most likely still charge through the whole Ant Colony if it saw a Normal Difficulty Worker Ant inside.


    It''s a great setting if the Dimensional Clone was already overpowered against these enemies. However, that''s still far from the truth.


    The Dimensional Clone who''s probably a copy of him had surely improved a bit because Aldrin ingested Dimensional Energy from the converted experience points but it was far from enough for it to attack blindly and win spectacularly.


    If Aldrin wanted to maximize his earnings through this shady program then he needed to think about the years of experience he lost from playing games instead of excelling at his academics.


    He was aware of the possibility that the IDLE Database could be taken away from him by whoever was behind this that enticed him to change his life.


    With that thought in mind, Aldrin focused back on his monitor to check on the Dimensional Clone.


    And as he expected, the Dimensional Clone was about to attack another Worker Ant again that somehow appeared from the taller-than-human grass from the northwest direction.


    With his hands swiftly moving the cursor to the Options Menu, Aldrin changed the Attack setting to ''Observe First''.


    As soon as he hit ''Save'', the charging Dimensional Clone halted on its steps and took a step back to maintain a distance from the Worker Ant who''s carrying something like a gigantic grain of rice on top of its head.


    The Dimensional Clone''s head then began to scan its surroundings and when it deemed that there was no other insect around, it picked up a sharp stone from its feet and hid it behind him.


    Following that, it calmly walked towards the unsuspecting Worker Ant and when it reached his arm''s reach, the Dimensional Clone abruptly raised its arm and¡­


    BAM!


    Shrieek!


    ¡­ Bashed the Worker Ant''s head which resulted in it shrieking loudly.


    Reading the status log below, Aldrin couldn''t help but flash a satisfied smile.


    "This is great."

 Chapter 5 - Earning Ten Times Than The First Run

    [Idle Adventure Mode Run Time: 1 hour 20 minutes, 23 seconds]


    [Total Creatures killed: 15]


    [Total IDLE Points gained: 75]


    [Total IDLE Points used: 25]


    [Total IDLE Points to be converted: 50]


    [Lower Dimension Conquest progress: 1%]


    [Remaining Chances: 3 (will reset at 0:00 local time)]


    [Evaluation: E+ Rating]


    For the second run, it was totally considered not bad when the IDLE Points he gained was 10 times more than the first run.


    It should be 75 Points but to continue gaining more, Aldrin used one of the power-ups that doubled the Dimensional Clone''s damage costing him 20 points and healed the Dimensional Clone once because of fatal damage it received costing him 5 points.


    Even though the Dimensional Clone began to carefully attack the Worker Ants after observing them, accidents could always happen. Furthermore, just like what the program stated before, the Dimensional Clone possessed the same strength as him and consequently, that also included his stamina.


    After constantly moving and killing those Worker Ants, the Dimensional Clone''s stamina slowly drained resulting in that fatal damage it received.


    Although that healing option could treat the Dimensional Clone''s wound, no matter how fatal it was, it couldn''t regenerate its stamina.


    That''s why after killing a few more Worker Ants and receiving another serious injury, the Dimensional Clone retreated again and waited for another heal.


    But upon reaching that point, Aldrin already chose to Leave the Dimension and harvest the Dimensional Clone''s gains.


    That double damage was actually a buff and the cost to upgrade it was multiplying. The first cost was 20 and if he wanted to double its damage again, it would be ten times the initial cost, Furthermore, it resets at every run! Although it''s a way for the Dimensional Clone to be more efficient at gathering IDLE Points, it''s also a way to burn the IDLE Points it gained.


    Because of the boredom he somewhat accumulated by only watching his Dimensional Clone move about on his monitor, he already scrutinized everything that could be seen on the game''s interface. And by doing that, Aldrin was now aware of the penalty if the Dimensional Clone died instead of pulling it out of the game before breathing its last.


    [In the case that the Dimensional Clone died, there will be a cooldown of three hours before the Idle Adventure Mode can run again. Furthermore, the unused IDLE Points will be halved before being converted to Dimensional Energy.]


    That''s a huge waste if that happened especially if the Dimensional Clone began amassing more IDLE Points. However, that also meant Aldrin had to keep his eyes open to be able to react in case the Dimensional Clone got close to dying.


    ''Wait. What in Cosmic Hells?! Is this still an idle game if I have to watch out for my Dimensional Clone''s well-being?'' Aldrin cursed before he began contemplating again.


    In the first place, the idle games he knew also have active features that forced the players to actively play it. But in this case, it was giving him a choice. No, choices. Apart from giving him the choice of controlling his Dimensional Clone or not, there was also the choice of watching over its progress to get the maximum gain or letting it on its own devices until it dies to get half the gain.


    It''s up to him what choice he would make.


    ''If only there''s a feature where I could set it up to automatically run¡­''


    Upon reaching that line of thought, Aldrin instantly shook his head.


    The game needed that clump of his hair to be sent inside. Unless it was possible to make it work when he''s away from his computer then what he''s thinking about would be next to impossible.


    Aldrin sighed before clearing his head once more. ''There are still those four tabs that were locked. I shouldn''t jump the gun and patiently wait until it opens. There''s no point for me to overthink things like this and I had to make do with what''s presented in front of me.


    Fortunately, Aldrin already developed the habit of stopping his thoughts on thinking about possibilities that may or may not happen yet. Failing all those exams and not landing on a suitable job that could make him the least bit useful for his family that raised him already tempered his mind.


    It could be said that he''s truly slacking off in his room day by day. However, in Aldrin''s mind, it''s not like he''s wasting it all on pointless things. He''s waiting for an opportunity to change his life.


    Like being called from those companies he applied to or someone to buy one of his game accounts that should already have a value on the market.


    To his luck, he got a more unbelievable opportunity presented to him this time. The opportunity to become an Energy Refiner by only playing that game!


    With his thoughts cleared, Aldrin now had a wide grin blossoming on his face. While still staring at the game''s interface that was about to close, he readied himself by comfortably sitting on his chair to receive the 50 IDLE Points that were about to be converted to Dimensional Energy.


    Although he wasn''t sure if that was enough to awaken himself to becoming an Energy Refiner, he was still looking forward to it.


    He truly hit the jackpot this time. With only his time and patience as his capital, he''s now receiving the benefits only those rich people could afford. Moreover, it wasn''t accompanied by any pain at all!


    If anything, it was like he was at a massage parlor, getting a massage from the best masseuse on the planet!


    Furthermore, thinking about the three chances left to run the Idle Adventure Mode of the IDLE Database, Aldrin was looking forward to his gains for today.


    Thinking about tomorrow hadn''t passed his mind yet but considering all of this happened only a few hours earlier, he''s still living the dream.


    -


    -


    "Still. Nothing changed." Aldrin was in front of the mirror again, staring at his body that was enhanced by the Dimensional Energy equivalent to 55 IDLE Points.


    He could certainly feel that his previously sluggish body was now beaming as if he ate the most nutritious food in the universe.


    If he could only perform five push-ups before becoming the host of the IDLE Database, he could now do five times more than that!


    With a swift change in his perspective, Aldrin began exercising his body before going back to his computer to use up the remaining three chances.


    In his mind, Aldrin was preparing himself to become a full-fledged Energy Refiner!


    He was originally industrious like this. He even diligently worked honestly at that convenience store in the hopes of becoming a manager. Alas, despite his performance, the corporation that owned that convenience store picked someone with higher education to take up the post. Hence, he left after working diligently for two years.


    As soon as he finished with his set of exercises, Aldrin went back in front of his computer and once again opened the software that was mysteriously installed in it.


    "Now then¡­ I can only hope that my Dimensional Clone will be able to acquire more IDLE Points than before!"

 Chapter 6 - Real Life

    The bright sun was already about to set when Aldrin was roused from his sleep. The first thing he noticed was his phone ringing non-stop placed next to his computer.


    Due to not having a bed, he was laying down on the ground with only a thin blanket sprawled beneath him.


    As he lazily stood up to reach for his phone in order to make it stop, his mind gradually cleared up and remembered the events that transpired earlier.


    ''I didn''t think it would be that tiring to just stare at your computer without doing anything at all¡­ Why was it that different when I was playing those MMORPGs? Ugh¡­''


    Remembering how he almost burned his seat from how hot his ass became from sitting on his chair for more than five hours, Aldrin couldn''t help but reach for his behind to rub it.


    "Ugh¡­ I should start working out for this part of mine as well. Or I should try to actively control my Dimensional Clone when the reset happens later. That way, I wouldn''t be that bored at just watching it move on its own."


    Moving from where he was lying down to where his computer was located, Aldrin only needed three steps to do it.


    As soon as he picked up his phone and read who was contacting him, he almost cursed again.


    Bert Daymon. His high school friend who was always contacting him whenever an event involving their alumnus class would have a get-together or a reunion.


    He was already invited numerous times by Bert before but he only went there the first time. When he was still trying out to be accepted into college.


    Seeing his former classmates settling into society or becoming college students became some kind of torture to him.


    He was envious. Envious that some of them managed to get in. Or some of them had connections that landed them in a better job even though they failed the college entrance exams. Furthermore, he was also envious of his classmates who hailed from an Energy Refiner.


    Even if those classmates of his weren''t lucky enough to awaken as an Energy Refiner, having one or two of them in their family was already enough to lift them up in the social pyramid.


    Bert was one of them. He''s now living his life like a young master from an ancient novel with all the money he was getting as an allowance.


    Instead of going to college, Bert opened a restaurant business that was probably thriving now.


    Aldrin did ask him to hire him before. However, Bert refused by telling him that he was only hiring attractive females for his restaurants as waiters and chefs.


    Nonetheless, the guy had helped him a few times before so he wasn''t that envious of him. In fact, he was even thankful.


    Just that, Aldrin wished that Bert would stop inviting him to the reunion given that Bert was aware of his current situation.


    "Aldrin! Did you hear?" Bert''s lively voice immediately filled his ears as soon as he answered the call.


    "What should I hear? Out with it. I just woke up."


    "You just woke up? What did you do? Did you pull up an all-nighter again? I told you, man. You should go out once in a while."


    "If you had just given me a job, I would''ve long been out into the society. Anyway, I don''t need it anymore."


    "And I told you why I cannot. I boasted about my business being filled with cute and attractive women. That''s how my business boomed, you know?"


    "Right. Right. Stop bragging and tell me when the next reunion will be. If I have time, I will go."


    "Huh? This call isn''t about that. But now that you mentioned it, it''s about time to gather everyone again. Especially if you hear this news!"


    "Stop keeping me in suspense, man. I still have something to do."


    "Alright, alright. You still have your games to grind on. Here it is. Someone from our class became an Energy Refiner!"


    ''Wait that''s not me, right? No one should know about the windfall I got earlier¡­'' Aldrin instantly suspected. However, he also instantly shook his head and dropped it. ''Why do I instantly point to me when I still haven''t awakened as one despite being injected by that much Dimensional Energy. Wake up, Aldrin! Don''t be so conceited already when you have nothing to show for yet.''


    "Seriously?"


    "Yes, I''m serious. Did I ever tell you fake news before?"


    "Who is it? Hurry up!"


    "Calm your balls, man. It''s Renissa."


    "Renissa? That Renissa?"


    Renissa Evergreen. She couldn''t be said to be a popular girl in our class but Aldrin remembered her to be someone he hadn''t interacted with even when he went to that reunion before.


    Aside from that, he only had limited knowledge about her. Still, Aldrin could boast about remembering everyone from his class or even those from the neighboring class. And among those, there were some who also ended up like him. However, compared to him, they didn''t give up and were still trying their best to fit into society as adults.


    "Who else has that name?"


    "Doesn''t she hail from a normal family?"


    "True. Based on what I heard, she experienced the Awakening when she got almost run over by a truck. If you look at the Refiner Association''s dimsite, you''ll see her name registered!"


    Almost run over by a truck¡­ Aldrin almost laughed upon hearing that but he managed to hold it in.


    "¡­ That''s amazing."


    "Right? Even I, who has relatives that are Energy Refiners, is this unlucky to not awaken as one. Should I also try to have myself be run over by a truck?" Bert seriously wondered.


    And with a monotone voice, Aldrin replied. "Yeah, you do that."


    "Man, what kind of encouragement is that? Anyway, I''ll set up a reunion for us. That way we can hear the details from Renissa herself. You better show up! I''ll give you a present if you do."


    "Now you got me going with that present, I will go. Message me when you finally have a date."


    "No problem. See ya. Stop playing games, dude."


    "You don''t have to remind me."


    Truthfully, Aldrin agreed not because of the present but because he was looking forward to seeing a real Energy Refiner. He had no idea how many IDLE Points he still needed to awaken himself as one so for reference, he wanted to interact with someone like that. Even if he could only get in a few words, he believed that he would be enlightened.


    After putting down his phone and stretching his body once more, Aldrin prepared to leave his apartment to buy food.


    He hadn''t eaten ever since last night and his stomach was already grumbling wildly.


    There were still a few hours before the day ended so he wanted to prepare himself for staring at his monitor for hours once more.


    However, when he reached the ground floor of his apartment, he felt his phone vibrating.


    Upon pulling it out to see if there''s another phone call or a message sent to him, Aldrin froze on the spot.


    In the application list, he saw a familiar icon and a familiar name.


    [IDLE Database]


    That program also made its way to his phone?!

 Chapter 7 - Metadome Battalion

    Although he was surprised upon seeing the IDLE Database appearing on his phone, it didn''t persist in his mind after Aldrin considered the mysterious happenings that surrounded the program.


    It was also automatically installed on his PC and to his surprise, it wasn''t eating any computer processes from it. No threads or cores were being used.


    He actually tried opening one of his heavy graphic games earlier to test if his PC would experience lagging. However, contrary to his expectation, it was smoothly opened as if his PC and all its processes were idle all the time.


    Despite how realistically beautiful the game interface of the IDLE Database-Idle Adventure Mode was, it was like a ghost software that also had an invisible storage location.


    In any case, to abate his curiosity, Aldrin opened the application of the IDLE Database while walking towards the nearby convenience store to get his food.


    "Can I run the Idle Adventure Mode here?"


    That''s the first idea that entered his mind as he waited for the opening screen of the application to fade out. As he expected, it was similar to what was being shown on his PC.


    His screen only showed a black background with a little text on the lower right that says ''Loading¡­''.


    Around 10 seconds later, Aldrin was once again faced with the same interface he was seeing in his PC.


    The spiral in the middle of the screen that was sending his Dimensional Clone down the Lower Dimension wasn''t glowing. That''s because he already depleted the available runs for today.


    On the lower left side, there''s the current status of the Lower Dimension as well as the total statistics of the Idle Adventure Mode.


    [Current Lower Dimension Information


    -Small Insect Colony#111222 : 5% Conquest progress]


    [Creatures killed : 94]


    [IDLE Points gained : 470]


    [IDLE Points spent : 110]


    [IDLE Points converted : 360]


    [IDLE Points stored : 0]


    [Conquered Dimension: 0]


    "I had already converted more than 300 IDLE Points into Dimensional Energy to nourish my body. But that was still not enough for me to experience the Awakening." Aldrin muttered to himself as he stared at the IDLE Database statistics.


    During the third, fourth and fifth run. He got an increasing amount of IDLE Points gained and that''s because of how the Dimensional Clone was also getting enhanced alongside him whenever he would be basked by Dimensional Energy.


    Nonetheless, the insects it could kill were still only the Worker Ants who, more often than not, were ambushed and killed without any chance to fight back. And whenever it would manage to fight back, the Dimensional Clone would receive an injury in different degrees.


    That just showed that despite being strengthened by Dimensional Energy, the Dimensional Clone was still ultimately weaker than a mere Worker Ant in head-to-head combat.


    He was aware that Idle Adventure Mode was just one of the mysterious program''s features.


    However, there''s no sign anywhere in the interface about the other ''Modes'' if there were any so he just took it as something he had yet to unlock. Just like the four locked tabs inside the Idle Adventure Mode.


    "If only Awakening was as easy as having a near-death experience. However, what happened to Renissa was probably one of the rare occurrences. It''s not like she''s the only one who experienced a near-death experience. Surely, someone somewhere out in this wide Universe had also experienced near-death but only received injuries and not a lucky occurrence like that."


    At this point, Aldrin had already arrived in front of the convenience store.


    Putting his phone back in his pocket, he entered it and immediately went to the boxed meals section.


    "Welcome¡ªOh! Aldrin, it''s been a while since your last visit. How is it? Did you run out of supplies?" The store clerk that was manning the register recognized him and immediately opened a conversation.


    "I did. But I feel like eating rice today. I''m getting sick of cup noodles." Aldrin replied without looking back at the clerk.


    This was his former workplace and the clerk was his coworker before. Even after a year that he left, she''s still working here.


    After picking three boxed meals in preparation for the next day where he believed he wouldn''t be able to get a wink of sleep, he went to the beverage section and grabbed a 2-liter bottle of soda.


    "These are a lot for one person. Are you having guests?" The store clerk with an above-average look and always had a kind smile on her face which was common courtesy for someone working in this industry continued conversing with him when he put down what he picked at the counter.


    "No. That''s all for me. It''s rare for me to eat this kind of food these days so I am going to splurge on it today." Aldrin answered with a smile on his face while taking out his card containing his meager savings to pay for it. "Anyway, why are you still working here, Nica? I thought you''re going to try the place I recommended."


    Although the girl was only above average, he believed that she would be able to pass Bert''s criteria considering he had already gone to that guy''s restaurant many times before. Since he had a nice working relationship with the girl, he also mentioned her to that businessman friend of his.


    "I can''t leave this district yet. I will try once I finish sorting out my problem at home. I''m sorry." Nica''s expression darkened as she replied apologetically after bringing back the boxed meals she heated to the counter and began packing what he bought. "Anyway, that will be 150 Federation credits."


    "I see. Good luck then."


    Aldrin swiped his card to pay for it and grabbed what he bought.


    He didn''t think too much about the girl''s problem which elicited that kind of expression from her. In the first place, she''s only a former co-worker and he''s not that close to her. Saying more than he needed to would just creep that girl out.


    After a few more exchanges with the girl, Aldrin left the convenience store and began walking back to his apartment.


    When he was only a few steps before the entrance of his Apartment Building, a loud sound of a blaring siren suddenly filled the whole place.


    No. The whole city.


    Following that, the sky above Aldrin suddenly became covered by a semi-transparent blue barrier that encompassed the whole city.


    And along with that, a holographic screen appeared just below the ceiling of that blue barrier which showed a female reporter announcing something.


    "A Dimensional Rift has been detected 10 kilometers northwest of Lonewind City. The Lonewind City Hall has declared a Level 1 Alert urging the citizens to remain in their house to protect themselves and wait for further announcement. The Refiner''s Association and the City Guards has mobilized a Metadome Battalion consisting of at least five Refiners to deal with the Rift."


    After hearing that announcement Aldrin turned his head towards the center of the city.


    Whoooosh! Whoooosh!


    And a few moments later, he saw a group of flying mechanical constructs; the Metadome Battalion that the reporter mentioned to be sent to deal with the Dimensional Rift.


    His apartment was located at the northwest so¡­ he could firmly see those gigantic war weapons piloted by soldiers and Refiners.


    Although they''re all going to fight those ferocious and mysterious monsters and creatures being spewed out from a Rift, Aldrin or even most of the citizens wasn''t feeling any threat in their lives.


    At this point in time, a Metadome Battalion was enough to safeguard the whole city whenever a Rift would appear.


    "Will I also be able to ride my own Metadome?"


    He couldn''t be a soldier that was trained to pilot one¡­ But with IDLE Database, he could be a Refiner!


    Once the Metadome Battalion passed above his head and continued flying outside the blue barrier protecting the city to go to the location of the Rift, Aldrin went back to his apartment and hurriedly returned to his room.


    Even though there''s still a few hours before midnight, he was already eager to go back and play the mysterious IDLE Database.

 Chapter 8 - Manual Control (1)

    With the advent of Energy Refiners, the human settlement of different planets reached the point of stability.


    However, stability didn''t mean that the Dimensional Rifts were wiped off of existence.


    The appearance of Dimensional Rifts still continued to this day and was still terrorizing humanity.


    Dimensional Rifts always appeared at random and whether someone could predict where it would appear, Aldrin had no knowledge of that subject.


    He was living like a normal citizen all this time after all.


    The knowledge he had inside his mind was all from what he learned in school.


    In any case, he''s aware that each city that was built was enclosed in walls while being protected by barriers that could be deployed instantly, just like what happened earlier, to prevent any attacks.


    Furthermore, there''s also a towering structure in the middle of each city that contains the so-called Dimensional Disruptor. It''s a piece of technology that was invented to prevent Dimensional Rifts from appearing inside the city. And usually, the Dimensional Disruptor''s range encompassed the whole city.


    To expand the city, one also needed to move the walls and upgrade their Dimensional Disruptors. Otherwise, a part of the city would be left unprotected.


    However, Dimensional Disruptors weren''t absolute. There''s still a slim chance for a Dimensional Rift to appear inside a city protected by it.


    When that happens, casualties among the general populace and destruction of the structures of the city were inevitable.


    That''s why City Halls and their appointed Mayors would recruit and train soldiers who could pilot a Metadome and cultivate Refiners that would be able to protect the city anytime.


    The Refiner''s Association wasn''t under the control of City Halls or even the Aldea Federation which Lonewind City belongs to. It''s an independent entity that every Refiner was a member of.


    Although they''re also helping in defending the cities, the primary function of the association was the management of the Energy Refiners.


    If Aldrin successfully Awakened and became a full-fledged Energy Refiner, he would also need to join and register his name on it.


    Energy Refiners that were unregistered in it were often terrorists or criminals that were being hunted down by the Association.


    -


    -


    As soon as the clock ticked to midnight, Aldrin closed the browser that was displaying an encyclopedia dimsite.


    After eating and exercising once more to prepare himself, he was left with nothing to do. So to abate his boredom, he began educating himself again about things that he had already forgotten. Or in other words, he began refreshing his knowledge about Cities, Refiners and Dimensional Rifts.


    "It''s time!" While rubbing his hands together, Aldrin''s excitement could clearly be seen.


    Moving his cursor to click on the IDLE Database, two successive clicking sounds could be heard filling his small room.


    A few moments after that, the familiar interface of the IDLE Database appeared in front of him.


    This time, he prepared himself to control his Dimensional Clone manually.


    Although that would take away the ''Idle'' essence of the game, he had to do it at least once to see the difference.


    "If I control him¡­ it will be like an RPG game, am I right? Or is it hack and slash? Either way, I''m also an expert when it comes to those kinds of games. Besides, I already watched how the Dimensional Clone moved. I will be even more meticulous than it when selecting my prey. There are 24 hours in a day. I can use all of that to gain a lot of IDLE Points!... Wait, will it still be called IDLE Points when I am actively playing the game?"


    With his thoughts going in a different direction once more, Aldrin slapped his cheeks with both hands to bring him back to reality through experiencing pain.


    After a few more clicking sounds, Aldrin then felt the same unimaginable itch on his head as a clump of his hair was plucked once more before turning to the same little shadowy figure; his Dimensional Clone.


    He had watched as it ran towards his monitor and jumped inside the glowing spiral.


    The option to control it manually was already selected by him so he''s now only waiting for it to load.


    However, before the ''Loading'' message could even show up in the game''s interface, Aldrin''s vision suddenly turned black as his consciousness appeared as if he was spiraling down a whirlpool.


    ''What''s happening?! Am I about to die? Is this the consequence of using this mysterious program?!''


    He tried shouting but all of that only echoed in his mind. His body seemed to be paralyzed and his vision was still yet to return.


    Did he start regretting his choice to gamble?


    Obviously not.


    He was prepared that at any moment, something like this might happen.


    Unfortunately, he''s not expecting that without even passing 24 hours since he got the IDLE Database, he would already be done for.


    Or so he thought¡­


    As he began to contemplate about his life and looked back to what went wrong, his five senses returned as he felt himself falling down from high in the air.


    "Nooooo!" Aldrin shouted on top of his lungs as his body plunged and accelerated downwards.


    However, moments after, his shout stopped as his eyes widened or what felt to be his eyes zooming in to thoroughly observe his surroundings.


    "W-where am I?"


    Although he knew his question wouldn''t be answered by anyone, he still couldn''t help but voice it out as he seemingly forgot that he was about to hit the ground.


    THUD!


    With his ass hitting the ground first, Aldrin felt an imaginable pain creeping throughout his body due to how fast his speed was.


    Fortunately, he didn''t fall on concrete but soft earth.


    "Ah!"


    Suddenly, something clicked in his mind. Ignoring the pain coursing through his body, he plopped his hands on the ground to support himself up.


    Following that, his eyes took in the scenery around him.


    Tall, gigantic grass, the blazing sun that appeared like it would engulf the whole sky and lastly, human-sized insects.


    "I¡­ am inside the game." As realization dawned on him, Aldrin began to visibly shake. "If I die here, will I truly die outside? Or am I just a clone of myself who gained awareness?"


    He''s a realist. He instantly accepted that he was transported inside the game. And although it''s hard to believe, he''s aware that the body he''s inhabiting was the clump of hair that was plucked on his head.


    That''s the first thing he checked as soon as he recognized the place he appeared at.


    And as he expected, there''s no bald spot on it.

 Chapter 9 - Manual Control (2)

    Although what Aldrin used to play before encountering the mysterious IDLE Database were all PC games that didn''t need any special hardware, he was aware that there exists technology for a Full-Dive Virtual Reality.


    It couldn''t be called luxury and it never became too popular as one would expect. Simply because of how messy the technology invented for it. There were a lot of apparatuses needed to connect to one''s body before one could send their consciousness inside.


    Nowadays, Virtual Reality devices are mostly known and used in the field of medicine. It was now an application for medical practices. From what he read before, it could wake up someone from a coma, rehabilitate someone who lost a limb and many more similar applications.


    But what Aldrin was experiencing this time wasn''t something like that.


    There were no apparatuses attached to him, all he remembered was how his consciousness suddenly darkened and before he knew it, he felt like he was being sucked into a whirlpool before eventually falling down from the sky.


    "Will I just give up without knowing the truth about what happened or what''s this about? I am inside the game¡­ Then I better just play it for now¡­"


    After a few minutes of contemplating this situation, Aldrin finally reached the point of acceptance.


    His eyes began moving as he tried to sense what was the difference between watching the Dimensional Clone move by itself inside his monitor and controlling the Dimensional Clone himself.


    As soon as his eyes caught sight of a human-sized Worker Ant that was carrying a crumb of something on its back, information about it popped up above its head.


    [Level 1 Worker Ant (Difficulty: Normal)]


    "It''s the same. Now that I''m looking at it in my perspective rather than when I am only staring at it through the monitor, I''m starting to feel the shivers." Aldrin hugged his arms and began rubbing them as if the hairs on his body were standing up.


    Unfortunately, he possessed the body of the Dimensional Clone so what he''s rubbing was all imaginary.


    Following that, he inhaled and exhaled. Although breathing was also quite imaginary given that Dimensional Clone isn''t a living being, Aldrin managed to calm himself.


    He first hid on a tall grass to gather information at the moment. Remembering what he observed from the Dimensional Clone, he began stalking the Worker Ant that was possibly going back to the colony where it belongs to bring that food back.


    As Aldrin waded through tall grasses while avoiding the other insects that were higher in difficulty, he arrived near a clearing.


    The place was devoid of any other insects and the Worker Ant that he was stalking would certainly pass by it.


    "Weapon, weapon."


    Aldrin muttered as his head began scanning his surroundings to look for a suitable weapon.


    A while later, he picked up a wooden stick that he deemed harder than steel itself.


    Although he''s a slacker, Aldrin exercised his body so he''s quite confident with his strength.


    The problem was¡­ he had no experience in brawling or fighting against someone, more so, fighting a giant insect.


    "Calm down, Aldrin. Just copy what your Dimensional Clone did. Aim for the head!"


    At the same time as he encouraged himself like that, the Worker Ant finally came out of another tall grass and arrived at the clearing.


    Still focused on its task to bring food back to its Colony, it was unaware of the shadowy figure creeping behind it.


    "DIE!"


    As soon as he arrived at the hitting distance, Aldrin shouted on top of his lungs as he swung the Wooden Stick down with all of his might.


    "Shrriiii--!"


    The Worker Ant who was squarely hit on its head failed to finish its shriek because Aldrin''s second swing came right after the first one.


    Using all his strength, Aldrin kept on bashing the Worker Ant''s head until it cracked and green slimy liquid seeped out of it.


    Compared to when he was just watching it through his computer, the details of the Worker Ant were clearly caught by him.


    Aldrin gulped down to prevent himself from puking from seeing that green slimy liquid that was most likely the ant''s brain juices as he steeled his resolve to continue hitting it.


    A few swings later, Aldrin stopped and immediately gasped for breath as he looked at the two messages floating on the corner of his eyes.


    [You killed Level 1 Worker Ant]


    [You received 5 IDLE Points]


    "I¡­ I killed it." With shaky hands, Aldrin stared at the Worker Ant he killed.


    The food it was carrying on its back had already rolled away from the location.


    Even though he knew that this was a game, the experience of hitting something until it breaks and the pain on his arm after swinging it nonstop couldn''t be denied.


    "Calm down. This is a game, Aldrin. It''s a totally realistic game. Think about the consequences if you stay here and get caught by another ant."


    He could be mistaken as a crazy guy if someone saw him talking to himself like this in the real world. However, this was the only thing he could do at the moment, to keep his sanity.


    He had to numb his senses and treat what he''s seeing before his eyes as computer-generated images.


    Although that was probably not the truth considering he was gaining Dimensional Energy through this game, he had to reach a consensus with himself to face this¡­ game with a broad and clear mind.


    After slapping his cheeks hard to feel the pain and wake himself up, Aldrin picked up the wooden stick that he dropped before quickly leaving the clearing to stalk for his next prey.


    -


    -


    Around three hours after being aware that he''s inside the game, the shadowy figure of Aldrin could now be seen running for his dear life as flocks of human-sized ants wielding a spear and shields were chasing after him.


    "I''m on a roll, dammit! Why did that group of stronger ants suddenly show up?! They aren''t alerted in any way!" Aldrin lamented as he looked back once more to check if his pursuers were still behind him.


    [Level 5 Soldier Ant (Difficulty: Very Hard)]


    [Level 7 Elite Soldier Ant (Difficulty: Impossible)]


    [Level 9 Commander Ant (Difficulty: Totally Impossible)]


    Seeing their information once more, Aldrin almost choked as he instantly sped up to widen the gap between them.


    After that first kill where he forced himself to take everything as a game, Aldrin''s performance gradually improved.


    With the Wooden Stick becoming his trustworthy weapon, he began to pile up achievements from killing every Worker Ant he encountered.


    If at the beginning he was only stalking before ambushing them, Aldrin grew bolder as he began to apply other strategies to catch them with the now-sharpened end of the Wooden Stick.


    In less than three hours, he already gathered 300 IDLE Points. He used 60 points to buy the three available power-ups, doubling his attack, speed and armor.


    He hadn''t received fatal damage yet but¡­ his body was already filled with wounds when some of the ants managed to fight back before they died.


    "I have to leave now but this damn game won''t allow me to! ''Lose your pursuers'' my ass! I''m not in Combat Mode anymore, am I?" Aldrin continued grumbling while his feet never stopped from running away.


    At this point, the thought of dying here being connected to reality was already put at the back of his mind. What he''s worried about was the penalty of dying wherein his accumulated IDLE Points would be halved.


    [Your pursuers gave up chasing after you. Leaving the Dimension is now possible.]


    After five minutes of nonstop running, Aldrin stopped in place as he excitedly raised both of his hands in the air.


    "Finally! Leave the Dimension. Now!"


    As soon as he said that, the same Spiral that dropped him to this place appeared above him. As the feeling of suction began, Aldrin finally heaved a sigh of relief before whispering to himself, "Manual Control is scary. But¡­ It''s an exciting experience that I can''t deny. Now¡­ the question is¡­ will I wake up in front of my computer or¡­?"


    With that thought in his mind, Aldrin once again felt his five senses being disabled.

 Chapter 10 - Dropped To Easy

    When his consciousness returned, Aldrin once again found himself staring in front of his monitor. He retained the memory of what happened so he hurriedly looked at the IDLE Database''s interface to check if he only dreamt of it or it truly happened.


    [Idle Adventure Mode Run Time: 3 hours 10 minutes, 24 seconds]


    [Total Creatures killed: 62]


    [Total IDLE Points gained: 310]


    [Total IDLE Points used: 60]


    [Total IDLE Points to be converted: 250]


    [Lower Dimension Conquest progress: 6%]


    [Remaining Chances: 4 (will reset at 0:00 local time)]


    [Evaluation: D- Rating]


    "It''s real¡­ My consciousness was sent inside the game."


    Although that''s what he wanted to see, he still became dumbstruck upon seeing the result of that run.


    And before he could recover, his computer''s monitor shined brightly as the transference of the converted Dimensional Energy began to bask his whole body once more.


    From inside Aldrin''s body, he began to sense the flooding Dimensional Energy flowing through his body as they began to gather in one place. Below his navel.


    However, when the flood stopped, the Dimensional Energy gathering at that place dispersed and scattered across his whole body, significantly enhancing his inner organs, bones and flesh.


    "That was the first time I clearly felt the flow of Dimensional Energy¡­ Am I close to Awakening?" Aldrin wondered as soon as the somewhat pleasurable feeling encompassing his whole body subsided.


    His eyes then moved down to check his body, his previously soft muscles due to minimal exertion hardened slightly.


    He felt that if he punched his wall now, he could punch through it given that it''s not that thick at all.


    Before starting the second run for the day, Aldrin stood up from his seat.


    However, he noticed that the foamy seat and backrest were awash with his own sweat. As it turns out, he sweated a lot during that 3-hour run where he controlled his Dimensional Clone inside the game.


    No. Given that his chair looked like it had just gotten wet, it happened when he was being basked by the Dimensional Energy light from his monitor.


    He then looked at the clothes he was wearing and sure enough, he had just noticed that he''s dripping wet with sweat.


    Due to that, he hurriedly went to his bathroom and took a quick shower.


    After eating one of the two boxed meals left that had already turned cold, he drank a glass of soda before going back in front of his computer.


    As he contemplated whether he would do Manual Control again or just let his Dimensional Clone hunt by itself, his phone vibrated, indicating that it received a message.


    Following that, from outside his window, he noticed lights coming from the northwestern direction.


    Upon understanding the situation, he went to his window and opened it to get a better view of the returning Metadome Battalion.


    At the same time as that, he read the message that was actually sent by the Lonewind City Hall regarding the Dimensional Rift that appeared outside the city.


    [The Level 1 Alert over the whole Lonewind City has been lifted. The Metadome Battalion led by Commander Yun of the City Hall Guards has successfully closed the Dimensional Rift and dealt with the monsters that escaped. The Barrier has been deactivated. Intercity Transportation has resumed.]


    "How does it feel like to fight against those creatures? Everything I know about them is all from footage and educational videos shown to us when I was still in school."


    Aldrin stared at the leading Metadome that was probably piloted by Commander Yun.


    It''s a name too famous within this city. A strong Refiner who single-handedly closed one Dimensional Rift that appeared when he was about to leave for an Intercity Competition among all Secondary Cities like the Lonewind City.


    After that event, although he failed to place high in that competition that was publicly broadcasted to every Secondary City, he was honored because of that feat. The clip which one of the train passengers caught was also broadcasted.


    Upon watching that, every citizen of Lonewind City began revering him as a Hero.


    Even Aldrin looked up to him. If he was not there at that place and time, the city would''ve received damage due to how close to the city the Dimensional Rift appeared.


    It took 10 minutes before the City Hall Guards and Refiner''s Association could respond. And by the time their troops arrived, Commander Yun already closed the Dimensional Rift.


    Once the Metadome Battalion passed by his apartment building, Aldrin closed his windows and returned in front of his PC to begin his second run.


    "I am close to Awakening. I am sure of it. Once I awakened as a Refiner, my whole life will definitely change. I can go back to our house and¡­ apologize to my family for being a hopeless nutcase before. I will not slack off again¡­"


    Halfway through his monologue, Aldrin''s voice trailed as an embarrassed expression appeared on his face, "Wait, I think I need a breather before experiencing that again¡­ I''m sorry Mom, Dad, your son is going to slack off again!"


    After saying that he resolutely clicked ''No'' when the prompt whether to manually control his Dimensional Clone appeared.


    "Go forth my Dimensional Clone and show those Ants how strong you are now!"


    He knew he sounded cringe but he couldn''t help it. It''s his way to cope with his embarrassment.


    Right. To embarrass himself further.


    Fortunately, it''s the dead of the night, no one heard him.


    Or so he thought.


    "What the fuck is the guy at the next unit doing at this hour? Roleplay?" One of Aldrin''s neighbors who was roused to sleep wondered upon hearing his voice that passed through the walls.


    -


    -


    [Level 1 Worker Ant (Difficulty: Easy)]


    Two hours later, after his Dimensional Clone killed more than 70 Worker Ants, he noticed a change in the Worker Ant''s information.


    "Easy? It dropped from Normal to Easy?!" Aldrin repeated twice.


    Following that, he watched as his Dimensional Clone, who surprisingly was also holding a sharpened wooden stick, attacked that Worker Ant and killed it in a minute.


    [Dimensional Clone killed the Worker Ant by stabbing its head multiple times]


    [You received 3 IDLE Points]


    "The gained points dropped¡­"


    With his eyes stuck to the monitor, Aldrin began wondering how that changed.


    Another minute later, his clone found another Worker Ant and as he expected, it showed the same information. Its difficulty dropped to Easy!


    "Is it because of the number I killed? No, there should be a notification about that somewhere¡­ Or is it because my Dimensional Clone already grew strong enough that the Worker Ants are now considered easy prey?"


    Aldrin had too many questions running in his mind. However, thinking about it, he actually noticed how his Dimensional Clone copied what he did earlier. It picked up a stick. It sharpened it enough to be able to stab the somewhat thick carapace of the ant. It also stopped relying on just ambushing and became able to set up a trap. More importantly, it was now disposing the Worker Ants'' bodies to not leave a trace that the Ant Colony could trace back to him.


    "It''s growing or it''s mimicking my real self¡­" Aldrin concluded. "If that''s the case and the difficulty will be lowered based on my Dimensional Clone''s capabilities, the caterpillar from before should also experience a drop in its difficulty."


    Sure enough, when the Dimensional Clone encountered a Level 3 Caterpillar a minute later, its difficulty dropped to Normal!


    And because of the Target Settings, the Dimensional Clone recognized it as one of its targets.


    Before Aldrin''s eyes, the Dimensional Clone began stalking the Caterpillar.

 Chapter 11 - Caterpillar And Unlocked Features

    Being a new enemy for the Dimensional Clone and something stronger than just a Worker Ant if it was based on the levels detailed by the game, the Caterpillar, which appeared to be possessing a soft skin which the sharpened wooden stick could stab, was worthy of its level.


    Just like the old saying goes, ''Don''t judge a book by its cover.''


    When the Wooden Stick that the Dimensional Clone wielded stabbed towards the gigantic Caterpillar that was just wriggling on its way to munch on a stalk of tall grass, the Caterpillar''s skin seemed unaffected as it only wriggled a bit before the force the Dimensional Clone used bounced back to him.


    It should be a great ambush. However, a split second after it bravely leaped out to deal a fatal blow against the Caterpillar, all the momentum it built was sent back in full force.


    The Dimensional Clone was sent rolling on the ground and only stopped after its third revolution.


    Although kind of a slow reaction, the angered Caterpillar that got its meal interrupted issued a silent shriek. It was unlike the Worker Ant''s dying shriek that Aldrin already got used to hearing.


    It was low, silent but¡­ ear piercing!


    And just like his Dimensional Clone, he had to cover his ears to protect them from that destructive shriek.


    Naturally, he first tried to mute the sound of his PC to escape from it. However, muted or not, the sound being produced by the game remained the same.


    In Aldrin''s mind, he could only attribute that phenomenon to the mysteriousness of the IDLE Database.


    "Oi! Stand up!"


    While still covering his ears, Aldrin shouted towards the Dimensional Clone when he noticed how it remained prone while covering its ears.


    However, that was proven useless. It was impossible for the clone to hear him. It didn''t have any consciousness after all.


    Moreover, it was only moving by itself through the machinations of the game.


    With the subject of its anger staying still on the spot, the gigantic Caterpillar, instead of producing silk from its mouth, raised half of its body as it aimed to trample on the Dimensional Clone using its wriggly and thick body.


    ''That''s a totally confident move.'' Aldrin thought. He couldn''t help but commend that caterpillar.


    Fortunately, it wasn''t the end for his Dimensional Clone yet. Perhaps sensing that it was about to face a fatal danger, it rolled to the side to dodge as well as pick up its dropped weapon.


    Although the Caterpillar had a strong defensive capability, its speed was on the slow side.


    Furthermore, because of the Caterpillar''s confidence where it even stopped its ear-piercing shriek, the Dimensional Clone got the chance to recover.


    Using the chance when the Caterpillar''s body fell down on its previous spot, the Dimensional Clone carefully picked an angle before stabbing the Caterpillar for a second time!


    As if it learned from its previous mistake, the Dimensional Clone actually aimed at the Caterpillar''s brownish spot on its green skin.


    STAB!


    Truthfully, there''s no sound that was produced when the Wooden Stick lodged onto the Caterpillar''s body but for Aldrin, it felt like he heard that when he saw how the Caterpillar''s skin instantly split open starting from the Wooden Stick''s point of contact.


    SPLASH!


    Instead of blood, the Caterpillar''s slimy juices that made up most of its innards burst out of its body.


    Faced with the sudden surge of the Caterpillar''s sticky and slippery juices, the Dimensional Clone failed to dodge and got drenched by it.


    Compared to Aldrin who would probably be bothered by the Caterpillar''s bodily fluids, the Dimensional Clone ignored it and only stepped back before aiming the Wooden Stick to another brownish spot.


    Furthermore, it did not stop with just one or two stabs.


    Since it was aiming for the Caterpillar to die, the Dimensional Clone circled around the wiggling Caterpillar to continuously stab at the insect''s weak points.


    A few seconds later, the Caterpillar stopped wriggling about as it finally died against the Dimensional Clone''s Wooden Stick.


    At the same time as that, the familiar notification about what he gained showed up after the lines of combat status log at the lower left side of the game''s interface.


    [Dimensional Clone killed the Caterpillar by repeatedly stabbing its sensitive spots]


    [You received 5 IDLE Points]


    Upon reading that, especially the last log, Aldrin''s face fell.


    "5 Points¡­ It''s the same as the Worker Ant from before¡­ Does this mean that gained points will always depend on the enemy''s difficulty?"


    As he considered what he observed from the Worker Ant that fell to Easy difficulty¡­ that question he uttered was more or less answered by himself.


    Easy Difficulty will yield him 3 Points.


    Normal Difficulty will yield him 5 Points.


    What about Hard, Impossible and Totally Impossible?


    That''s something he wouldn''t know unless he tried killing insects of that kind of difficulty.


    Following that thought, Aldrin instantly moved his cursor to the Options Menu.


    However, when he was about to change the Target Settings, he noticed that there were two rectangular boxes with drop-down menus instead of one.


    And those were labeled Minimum and Maximum.


    Aldrin instantly understood what it meant. He now had more freedom on choosing the difficulty of the Dimensional Clone''s target.


    It was most likely to prevent himself from losing a lot of time when the Dimensional Clone grew strong enough that almost everything in its surrounding would drop down to Easy difficulty or if there''s anything lower than that.


    He didn''t need it for now so he didn''t change anything. Moreover, he also stopped his idea of choosing a Hard difficulty insect to target.


    Closing the Options menu, Aldrin went back to watching the Dimensional Clone look for its next prey while still dripping from the Caterpillar''s slimy liquids.


    However, due to how the camera of the game was placed somewhere above the place, Aldrin took notice of Worker Ants walking in droves escorted by Soldier Ants towards the Dimensional Clone''s direction that was still unaware.


    No. He didn''t just guess that their destination was the Dimensional Clone because he observed how that march of the ants was homing to its direction.


    "It''s the Caterpillar''s slime juices! It''s attracting the ants! The Dimensional Clone is now a prey or a food that is about to be harvested by them!" Aldrin exclaimed as he reached a realization.


    Due to that, instead of letting the Dimensional Clone continue its hunt and before the game system recognized that it was being chased or in Combat Mode, Aldrin hurriedly clicked the option to leave the Lower Dimension.


    [Leaving the Dimension in 3¡­ 2¡­ 1¡­]


    As soon as that countdown ended, the same glowing Spiral appeared above the Dimensional Clone''s head and sucked it in to transfer it out of that Dimension.


    Fortunately, he was swift with his decision this time, otherwise¡­ the Dimensional Clone would have no way to survive that.


    The game interface soon darkened and the clump of his hair returned to him. Following that the result of the second run of the day appeared in front of him.


    [Idle Adventure Mode Run Time: 2 hours 8 minutes, 11 seconds]


    [Total Creatures killed: 76]


    [Total IDLE Points gained: 378]


    [Total IDLE Points used: 60]


    [Total IDLE Points to be converted: 318]


    [Lower Dimension Conquest progress: 6%]


    [Remaining Chances: 3 (will reset at 0:00 local time)]


    [Evaluation: D Rating]


    Aldrin was already about to wait for the conversion and transference of Dimensional Energy when he noticed that there''s a next page to the result of his run.


    After clicking once, a new set of lines appeared in front of his eyes.


    [Total IDLE Points Accumulated have reached 1000!]


    [Host has unlocked the 2nd tab of the Idle Adventure gameplay: Equipment and Skills]


    [Host has unlocked the ability to store IDLE Points for other uses]


    [Host has unlocked a new feature: Idle Shopping]


    [Some of the new unlocked features will only be available on and after the next run]


    "Equipment and Skills¡­ Idle Shopping." Ignoring that last message, Aldrin read the text out loud as he watched how on the top right of the IDLE Database''s interface, a shopping cart icon reminiscent of shopping menus on most games suddenly popped up and became another clickable menu.


    Curious as to what the new feature was, Aldrin moved his cursor towards the shopping cart icon and unhesitatingly clicked it.

 Chapter 12 - Idle Shopping (1)

    Aldrin held his breath as he clicked the shopping cart icon. It''s a new feature.


    Although he hadn''t become the IDLE Database''s host for more than a day yet, unlocking a new feature was always a welcome change. This just meant that he would''ve another thing to look forward to.


    As soon as his mouse''s clicking sound filled his room, the black background of the IDLE Database transformed to white before a list of items that could be purchased using IDLE Points appeared before him.


    Moreover, there were also five tabs just like with the Idle Adventure Mode. Instead of one, two tabs were already unlocked.


    The first tab was called Shop and the second tab was called Production.


    While he''s thinking about how to figure out the difference between the two, messages reminiscent of what he first saw at the bogus dimsite where he became the IDLE Database''s host appeared on the interface, explaining to him the new features.


    [Welcome to Idle Shopping!]


    [In this feature, Host can buy things without the hassle of going out of your house]


    [The expected delivery time is always between one second and one day]


    [If it exceeded that time frame, Host will be refunded of your IDLE Points used and will get to keep the package you bought]


    [Moreover, Host can also buy things that can generate IDLE Points]


    [Host can check it at the Production Tab]


    [However, each Production Method will need to be bought again after 24 hours]


    [Host can buy the Production Methods multiple times]


    [However, the cost will increase the more the Host buy]


    [The IDLE Points generated by the Production Methods will be credited to the IDLE Point storage every 0:00 local time]


    [Host can also harvest it manually but there will be a cooldown of five hours every manual harvesting]


    [As for the locked tabs. Host needed to discover the hidden criteria for unlocking them]


    [It is up to host how to discover it]


    After that series of messages, he was once again faced with the Idle Shopping interface.


    As Aldrin scanned his eyes to the list of items, he almost choked from his saliva when he saw the first item on the list that was being sold by this IDLE Database.


    [Exchange 10,000 Federation Credits: 100 IDLE Points]


    "10,000 Federation Credits! IDLE Points can be converted to real-life currency! How¡­ How is that possible?" Aldrin exclaimed as questions once again began sprouting in his mind.


    However, he soon calmed down.


    ''Do I still need to be surprised at everything? This mysterious program that became bound to me is about to turn me into an Energy Refiner! What is a few thousand Federation Credits!'' Aldrin thought.


    But after thinking about it, Aldrin stopped in place as he picked up his phone and opened his bank account to check his remaining balance from the money he saved up.


    520 Federation Credits¡­


    Earlier, he bought three boxed meals and a large bottle of soda at the Convenience store and it cost him 150 Federation Credits.


    He''s about to empty his savings!


    Following that, he looked back to the slightly glowing rectangular block due to his cursor pointing at it.


    [The Credits will be instantly sent to Host''s bank account directly after purchase]


    That pop-up descriptive information made Aldrin gulp his saliva once more.


    With only 100 IDLE Points he could get 10,000 Federation Credits¡­


    Considering he''s now gaining more than 300 IDLE Points in Idle Adventure Mode¡­ He could get 30,000 Federation Credits in an instant¡­


    "No! IDLE Points are precious¡­ It''s the crucial part of my being an Energy Refiner!" Conflict filled Aldrin''s face as he couldn''t move on from thinking about where 10,000 Credits could get him.


    In hindsight, he could become like his friend Bert. By converting his IDLE Points to Federation Credits, he would soon be able to get enough capital to open his own business. And from that, grow into a tycoon!


    That''s a nice prospect for everyone.


    "No¡­ I shouldn''t be tempted by¡­ little things like that¡­ I can earn more Federation Credits once I successfully become an Energy Refiner! I can exchange once or twice to abate my impending lack of money but it cannot be my focus." Aldrin shook his head and resolutely steeled his mind. "I got bestowed the chance to change my life through this IDLE Database. And for sure, being a tycoon isn''t my calling¡­"


    Unfortunately, even if he said all that with utter conviction, Aldrin''s mind continued moving to every possibility that opened before him.


    And one thought made a mark on his mind, ''Why do I need to choose? With IDLE Database, I can become both! An Energy Refiner and a Rich Tycoon!''


    As soon as he reached that point in his mental struggle, Aldrin heaved a sigh of relief as he began to calm his emotions down.


    Once he''s done, he moved his cursor to the other items on the list of what he could buy.


    [Purchase Weapon: Starting from 100 IDLE Points]


    [Purchase Armor: Starting from 100 IDLE Points]


    [Purchase Books: Starting from 50 IDLE Points]


    [Purchase Metadome: Starting from 1000 IDLE Points]


    [Expand IDLE Points Storage: Starting from 1000 IDLE Points]


    "Weapon, Armor and Metadome sounded plausible considering I will become an Energy Refiner¡­ but why do I need a book? Do I still need to study?" Aldrin wondered as he couldn''t think of any books that could cost 50 IDLE Points or 5,000 Federation Credits if he went by the conversion shown to him.


    Due to that, to clear his curiosity, his cursor moved towards it.


    [Rift Knowledge, Energy Refiner Knowledge, Concept Knowledge and other related books can be bought. It will not come in physical copy but a digital one that will be transferred directly to Host''s brain]


    After reading that, Aldrin nodded twice but¡­ he soon stopped upon reading a foreign word to him.


    ''Rift Knowledge and Energy Refiner Knowledge is understandable¡­ but what is Concept Knowledge?''


    Although he wanted an answer to his question, there''s no more information than he could glean from the descriptive pop-up.


    The only way to find out about it is to buy a Concept Knowledge book.


    "I''ll be putting that aside for now¡­ I still have a lot to check and I still have three runs to go through. It''s starting to brighten outside."


    He began his run right after midnight and during the two runs, he used up nearly six hours of time if he included the time he showered, he ate and he contemplated things.


    Without having a wink of sleep throughout the night, Aldrin still wanted to finish all the five runs before sleeping.


    Moreover, he was also excited about the other features he hadn''t checked yet. Especially the Production¡­ That meant, he now had another avenue for earning IDLE Points separate from the Idle Adventure Mode.


    As excitement welled up inside him, Aldrin skimmed through the other listed items before checking the Production Tab.


    Nonetheless, he still spent at most five minutes just rejoicing that it''s possible for him to buy a Metadome through the IDLE Database! It''s a heavily regulated product, how will this mysterious program make it possible?

 Chapter 13 - Idle Shopping (2)

    Production.


    Auto-generation of IDLE Points.


    That''s what Aldrin gleaned from the explanation that popped up earlier.


    Because of how he could be likened to a professional slacker before this encounter with the mysterious IDLE Database, Aldrin had a fair share of experience when it comes to playing idle games.


    The Idle Adventure Mode was just like the Auto Battler genre but less of the customization wherein it was easy to make your character stronger. Although it was the same in the aspect that the enemies were giving him in-game currency, the uses of it were limited to Heal and doubling the three main stats.


    It had a new feature now and still had three tabs to unlock so Aldrin believed that he could leave it running by itself if he''s not worried about getting only half of its harvested IDLE Points in case his Dimensional Clone died when he wasn''t looking.


    As for the Production tab of this Idle Shopping, it''s reminiscent of Idle Factory or Idle Tycoon games. Just like that one where the player would start by buying a Lemonade Stand to generate income. By using the money earned from the Lemonade Stand, the player could buy more Lemonade Stands until the player could afford to buy a bigger business like a Burger Stand or an Ice Cream stall.


    As the game progresses, the player would be able to buy bigger businesses, companies and more.


    That type of game.


    Compared to that game though, Aldrin didn''t have the starting capital to buy the first IDLE Points generator. Moreover, it couldn''t be bought by IDLE Points!


    He needed actual money or Federation Credits!


    [Hire a Small Merchant to buy extraordinary stones


    Current number of Small Merchants: 0


    Cost: 1000 Federation Credits


    Production: 1 IDLE Point/hour


    Failure Chance: 5%


    Duration: 24 hours


    Price Scale: Additional 50 Credits/purchase


    Next Bonus: x2 Income at 10 Small Merchants]


    As he read about the description of the first one. Aldrin''s face fell.


    Not only does it need Federation Credits, but it also has a Failure Chance. And that means, there''s a chance that it wouldn''t yield him any points.


    However, upon reading the last line, Aldrin somehow felt relieved. The income can increase as long as he buys more.


    Truly like those Idle Factory games.


    Unfortunately, this one had a limited duration.


    In hindsight, Aldrin would definitely earn if he invested IDLE Points in here. 1000 Federation Credits is equivalent to 10 IDLE Points. And if he''s lucky that the 5% chance of failure didn''t get triggered, he''d be earning 24 IDLE Points after a day. That''s 140% pure income.


    The more he buys, the higher the return.


    After doing the math, Aldrin took note of activating this feature as soon as possible.


    If he got enough Passive Income through this Idle Shopping then he could also ease up on focusing on Idle Adventure.


    That''s a straight path towards more time to slack off.


    "No! Not to slack off!" Aldrin suddenly blurted out after reaching that train of thought.


    How many times has he shouted at himself today? He can''t remember anymore.


    Either way, Aldrin''s face at the moment was depicting a wide grin. He couldn''t help but smile from ear to ear upon thinking about his future prospects as long as he managed this mysterious program well. And along with that, he started praying that whoever bestowed the IDLE Database to him wouldn''t take the program back abruptly.


    After experiencing the wonders of this mysterious software program, it became the one thing he feared the most.


    Once Aldrin calmed down, he closed the Idle Shopping interface and waited for the shower of Dimensional Energy to enhance himself.


    At the moment, only the Small Merchant was unlocked at that tab. In his experience with the same type of game, he might need a certain number of Small Merchants bought before the next one would be unlocked.


    And he was certain that the next one would be more expensive but higher in production rate.


    "One step at a time, Aldrin. There''s no need to rush." He muttered in an attempt to clear his thoughts. He was aware of how agitated he was upon witnessing the things presented to him. Even if it wasn''t him, Aldrin was certain that they would also experience the same upheaval of emotions after landing on this extraordinary windfall.


    Nonetheless, for Aldrin, to keep his mind sane, he was always doing a reality check on himself.


    He''s still a nobody. There''s no reason for him to be complacent or to be too overconfident. What he could do though¡­ was to plan his future with this mysterious IDLE Database.


    -


    -


    When the transference of Dimensional Energy began, Aldrin once again felt the flood of Dimensional Energy filling his body and gathering at the same spot as earlier.


    However, when he began to sense the impending Awakening, the flood of energy stopped. The sphere-like thing that was gradually forming slightly below his navel dispersed once more before strengthening every part of his body.


    "It''s still not enough¡­" Aldrin thought as he began to inspect his arms and moved his fingers by clasping them into a fist.


    If before it was slightly shaking, his fist this time was now firm and stable.


    He stood up from his chair and went next to the wall.


    Aldrin then made a stance to throw a punch.


    Swish!


    With a sudden whistle of the wind, Aldrin abruptly stopped his fist before it made contact with the wall.


    Crack!


    However, with the wind generated from the speed of his punch, the not-so-thick wall of his small apartment suddenly issued low cracking sounds as spiderweb-like cracks appeared on it.


    "Huh? Wait¡­" Aldrin wore a surprised expression as sweat gradually trickled down his face. "Idiot Aldrin! If the landlord saw this crack in his wall¡­ he would get angry and throw me out of this room!"


    He reprimanded himself as he began to look for something to cover the crack.


    Fortunately, he found a flowing banner hanging on the wall behind his PC. It''s from a game he was playing before his encounter with the IDLE Database.


    As soon as he moved it there and successfully covered the crack, Aldrin released a heavy sigh of relief.


    "In less than 2 days, I''m now strong enough to crack the wall even without hitting it," Aldrin concluded.


    If he told his friend Bert about this occurrence, would he believe him? Most likely not if he wouldn''t be able to prove it.


    In any case, after the short panic he experienced, Aldrin went to his bathroom again to wash his sweat-drenched body again.


    When he returned in front of his PC, he''s now wearing nothing but boxer shorts.


    "I believe I will be sweating again after this¡­ Better be prepared than use up all my clothes." Aldrin wryly smiled.


    Following that, he moved his cursor and initialized the Idle Adventure Mode once again.


    He was still not confident to manually control his Dimensional Clone again so he promptly picked ''No''. Moreover, he was going to scrutinize the new feature in that mode.


    Equipment and Skills.


    A few moments later, Aldrin watched the little Dimensional Clone being sucked inside the white glowing spiral once more.


    And while he waited in bated breath, Aldrin prepared himself to click on the second right away.


    However, what welcomed his eyes were two large font notifications in the middle of the game interface.


    [The Ant Colony located in this Lower Dimension has issued stricter security when the dead bodies of Worker Ants turned up]


    [Soldier Ants are now doing regular patrols around the Ant Colony]

 Chapter 14 - Equipment And Skills

    Aldrin read those two messages twice and he couldn''t help but feel worried over his own Dimensional Clone or in fact, for his IDLE Points income this run.


    The Dimensional Clone was being sent to the same Lower Dimension. And every time, only its notoriety, if it was caught in the act, would be reset.


    Those Ants it killed remained in this dimension and were slowly but surely making an impact in the nearby Ant Colony.


    He was expecting this kind of development. However, in his estimation, it was too soon!


    Normally an ant colony has a population of thousands or even millions. A few hundred Worker Ants could be replaced easily by new hatchlings and they usually didn''t care about the dead.


    How will he easily kill those Worker Ants now?


    To maximize his income, he was planning on focusing on the Easy difficulty Worker Ants than risk it by hunting the easier-to-kill Caterpillars.


    If he got drenched with its body juices again, not only one but an entire battalion of Soldier Ants would come the Dimensional Clone''s way as he had observed earlier.


    But because of this new situation, that plan would be hindered.


    After contemplating for a while, Aldrin dropped the plan and just decided to observe the situation first.


    "Before everything else, there''s that new feature. By its name, the Dimensional Clone might be able to circumvent the sudden change in difficulty to hunt a Worker Ant."


    He watched as the Dimensional Clone landed on the ground and immediately moved towards the tall grasses to look for prey.


    In less than a minute, it found a Worker Ant. Or¡­ A group of Worker Ant.


    Because they''re all in Easy difficulty, the Dimensional Clone began to stalk them while sharpening the Wooden Stick it picked up on the way.


    While that was happening, Aldrin moved his cursor to the new unlocked tab to check it.


    With the dark sky outside his windows gradually brightening, Aldrin put his entire focus on the new set of pop-ups explaining the new tab.


    Compared to the explanation with the Idle Shopping earlier, what was written this time was simple.


    [Equipment: The Ability to arm and outfit the Dimensional Clone]


    [Skills: Unlockable abilities to aid the Dimensional Clone in gaining more IDLE Points]


    It''s too simple.


    Or more like, it''s an explanation that he had already guessed just by reading the tab.


    In short, it didn''t help him at all.


    Either way, Aldrin moved his cursor downwards to check on the clickable ones.


    The Equipment and Skills tab was actually divided into two sections.


    On the left side, there''s a standing image of the Dimensional Clone that was all black and shadowy. Around it was boxes that corresponded to a type of equipment to be worn in it.


    Counting those boxes, it amounted to eight pieces of equipment.


    Weapon(R)


    Weapon(L)


    Head


    Body


    Arms


    Legs


    Feet


    Back


    "It''s the typical equipment slots from the RPG or Adventure Games," Aldrin commented before moving his eyes below that part.


    There''s no such thing as inventory as a gamer would expect. Instead of that, the category of the equipment was listed along with a Level indication and how much it would cost for him to raise it.


    And that meant the improvised Sword using a Wooden Stick wasn''t categorized as a weapon.


    [Level 0 Weapon(R): 10 IDLE Points]


    [Level 0 Weapon(L): 10 IDLE Points]


    [Level 0 Helm: 10 IDLE Points]


    [Level 0 Body Armor: 10 IDLE Points]


    [Level 0 Arm Guard: 10 IDLE Points]


    [Level 0 Leg Guard: 10 IDLE Points]


    [Level 0 Foot Guard: 10 IDLE Points]


    [Level 0 Back Guard: 100 IDLE Points]


    Apart from that Back Guard, everything was priced cheap¡­ Initially, at least.


    Moreover, he could switch any of the two Weapon Slots to a Shield for defensive purposes or a Bow for long-range attacks.


    Following that, before he moved to check the Skills, Aldrin noticed a little note at the bottom.


    [Everything in this tab is permanent upgrades and will be carried over to the next runs.*]


    "Nice!" Aldrin couldn''t help but exclaim.


    However, before he could fully rejoice, he noticed a smaller note beneath it which explained the asterisk at the end.


    [* This will only be true while the other tabs are still locked]


    Upon reading that, Aldrin immediately guessed that¡­ among the three still-locked tabs, there might be a feature that would wipe out the upgrades he put on this time.


    For example, a Prestige feature that was a prominent feature among the idle games he encountered. It resets everything in exchange for a bonus.


    Since this IDLE Database felt like a collection of idle games, that feature was definitely possible. That''s why Aldrin already made a mental note to watch out for it.


    As his eyes finally moved to the list of skills he could unlock for his Dimensional Clone, the first one on the list instantly made Aldrin smile blissfully as if he found paradise.


    [Level 0 Multiply


    Description: Dimensional Clone +1


    Cost: 100 IDLE Points]


    "My previous problem is now solved. With two Dimensional Clones, the speed at which they hunt down prey and gain IDLE Points will double!"


    However, another thought passed through his mind¡­


    ''Wait, if I manually control it? Will I be able to control all the Dimensional Clones? Will my consciousness be cloned as well? That''s kind of¡­ scary.'' Aldrin concluded.


    But to stop himself from being derailed once more, his signature move, ''Slapping his own face to wake himself up and clear his mind'' was initiated.


    SLAP!


    As the loud sound of that slap rang out in his room, Aldrin endured the stinging pain as he completed his check on the new features opened up to him.


    At the moment, only the Multiply Skill was unlocked while the other skills were still grayed out.


    Instead of seeing the skill, it was overlaid by the requirement to unlock each skill


    For example, the Skill below Multiply requires Aldrin to upgrade any of the two Weapon equipment slots to Level 5. It was different for each Skill so¡­ he had to manage it well.


    Unfortunately, there''s not even a preview of what kind of Skill would be unlocked. Aldrin could only guess depending on what type of equipment was needed.


    Just like that one that needed a Level 5 Weapon, it''s most likely an attack Skill.


    After understanding and checking everything to make sure that he didn''t miss anything, Aldrin minimized the Equipment and Skills tab and returned his focus to the Dimensional Clone.


    At the moment, it had finally begun its assault on the group of five Worker Ants.


    [The Dimensional Clone killed a Worker Ant by successfully ambushing it]


    [You received 3 IDLE Points]


    "Shrieek!"


    While the Dimensional Clone successfully killed the first one in one swift strike to its head, the other four Worker Ants shrieked loudly before they all pounced towards the Dimensional Clone, their somewhat terrifying magnified pincers aiming to bite onto it.


    The Dimensional Clone swiftly moved and dodged all of them.


    At this point, a bunch of Easy difficulty Worker Ants wasn''t a threat to it anymore. With the Dimensional Clone adapting Aldrin''s careful nature, it danced around the four Worker Ants, delivering swift strikes and killing them one by one.


    In less than five minutes, the Dimensional Clone gathered 15 IDLE Points!


    At this point, Aldrin now had the option to upgrade any of the equipment slots but he remained unmoved.


    In his mind, he better invest in an additional Dimensional Clone first rather than upgrade those.

 Chapter 15 - Multiply

    [You leveled up Multiply¡­]


    [Generating another Dimensional Clone¡­]


    As soon as the Dimensional Clone gathered 100 points or 105 points, to be exact, after killing 35 Worker Ants, Aldrin immediately opened the Equipment and Skills tab to get the first Skill.


    He deliberated whether to upgrade the Dimensional Clone''s equipment or more specifically, its weapon first. However, after seeing how it was already easy for the Dimensional Clone to hunt down even a group of Worker Ants, he held back from spending anything before amassing the needed 100 points.


    Following those notifications, Aldrin watched closely as the Dimensional Clone who was just running and looking for its next prey abruptly stopped its feet.


    Along with a smoke-like aura that was being exuded by the Dimensional Clone, it creaked a few times as if its skeleton was being broken apart. A few moments later, Aldrin witnessed how the Dimensional Clone split in half before the two halves grew the missing half of their bodies.


    It truly multiplied just like the name of the skill suggested.


    "I am ready for another bald spot¡­ but I guess this is better." Aldrin couldn''t help but blurt out as he scratched his head while heaving a sigh of relief.


    The spitting of the Dimensional Clone was so quick that it didn''t even take a minute to complete. It was quick and seemingly a natural thing for the Dimensional Clone to do.


    With the two Dimensional Clones standing side by side, Aldrin noticed how there''s a new feature that suddenly appeared at the Equipment side of the Equipment and Skills tab.


    Between the standing image of the Dimensional Clone where the eight square boxes for equipment are located and the list of equipment upgrades, two small squares were now visible that were numbered 1 and 2.


    One was currently white while the other one was grey.


    Upon seeing that, Aldrin instantly understood its purpose.


    They''re used to switch between the two Dimensional Clones status or equipment pages.


    The two Dimensional Clones'' equipment was separate from each other. They''re two separate entities that possessed a set of equipment that he needed to upgrade separately.


    Moreover, on top of the standing image of the Dimensional Clone, there''s now a name box with a small pencil icon at the right.


    And that meant one thing, he could now give them a name¡­


    Without delay, Aldrin renamed the first one as Striker and the second one as Tank.


    For now, naming them with their intended role was the best.


    He planned on letting the first one to dual wield weapons, while the other one would bear a shield. If he got a third Dimensional Clone, that one would be the Long-range Hitter or in short, Hitter.


    After that initial 100 IDLE Points to get the Multiply skill, he now needed 1000 IDLE Points to upgrade it again.


    In Aldrin''s mind, he deemed that the high spiking of the cost would probably persist in every feature.


    As he progressed with the IDLE Database or the features it would unlock in the future, he would be expecting the inflating cost to upgrade. And that''s why every IDLE Point gathered was too valuable.


    After observing the Equipment and Skills tab for a little longer, apart from the separate equipment, there''s nothing else that could be considered new.


    The Skills side remained the same. Aldrin guessed that the Dimensional Clone would end up possessing the same Skills. However, they probably needed to reach the required equipment level for it.


    To test that theory, he minimized the tab and began to watch as the two Dimensional Clones moved side by side to hunt for prey.


    After a while, Aldrin opened the options menu to change the parameter of the Target settings. From Easy-Easy, he switched it to Easy-Normal.


    This way, Normal difficulty insects would now be targeted by the Dimensional Clones rather than look for more Worker Ants.


    From his seven runs in this Small Insect Colony, he already saw that there''s not just ants and caterpillars here, there were also the other types of bugs but their levels were too high.


    There was Grasshopper, Mantis, Beetle, Spider, Bee and Butterfly. Their Levels were all at two digits.


    Nonetheless, considering ants live in a colony, their threat was still higher than them, except for Bees¡­ That would be another tough opponent for the Dimensional Clones in the future.


    -


    -


    [Idle Adventure Mode Run Time: 2 hours 30 minutes, 50 seconds]


    [Total Creatures killed: 178(13 Hard, 100 Easy, 64 Normal)]


    [Total IDLE Points gained: 750]


    [Total IDLE Points used: 600]


    [Total IDLE Points to be stored: 150]


    [Lower Dimension Conquest progress: 7%]


    [Remaining Chances: 2 (will reset at 0:00 local time)]


    [Evaluation: D+ Rating]


    The planet''s nearby sun was already hanging up in the sky when the 3rd run for the day ended.


    Upon seeing the statistics shown in the IDLE Database''s interface, Aldrin couldn''t tell if he should be happy or not.


    "I got too confident¡­ I thought they would be able to deal with the Soldiers¡­"


    Actually, the two Dimensional Clones truly became able to deal with a higher-difficulty insect. However, the reinforcements that swiftly backed up the Soldier Ants almost killed the two.


    Fortunately, they managed to run.


    During that run, Aldrin almost used up everything his Dimensional Clones earned. Starting from the 100 Points for the Multiply Skill, 60 Points for the 3 Power-ups at the first tab, 340 for leveling up all pieces of the Dimensional Clones'' equipment to 1 and an additional 100 for leveling up Striker''s main weapon and Tank''s shield to level 2.


    With only 150 Points left, Aldrin contemplated his next step.


    However, after remembering the mental note he made earlier and the fact that he had two more runs left for the day, he swiftly clicked on the shopping cart icon of the Idle Shopping and exchanged the 100 Points for 10,000 Federation Credits.


    Bzzzzt!


    As soon as he clicked it and the 100 IDLE Points were deducted on his remaining 150, Aldrin noticed his phone vibrating. It''s an indication of a notification.


    With shaky hands, Aldrin grabbed his phone and turned it on.


    [Federation Bank Express


    You have received 10,000 Federation Credits.


    Your current balance is now 10520 Federation Credits.


    Sender: ID]


    "It''s real¡­ Everything this IDLE Database showed me is real¡­"


    Although it sounded unmanly for tears to form at the corner of his eyes, Aldrin couldn''t help it. How long has he been living a frugal life? It''s probably more than two years. Even when he was still working, he''s only spending enough to keep himself alive¡­


    But now¡­ he got an instant 10,000 Federation Credits from a game he was playing¡­ Although that''s not the most mystical thing it gave him, money is money.


    He can now treat himself to a hearty meal!


    However, as soon as that thought passed by his mind, Aldrin''s attention went back to his phone that had started ringing.


    Upon seeing the name registered on the screen, Aldrin answered it.


    "Aldrin! Come to my restaurant now! Quickly!" Bert''s hurried and somewhat agitated voice instantly filled his ears. The slight sleepiness he was feeling from not having a wink of sleep somehow flew out of his mind.


    "Hey wait¡­ I haven''t gotten a wink of sleep yet, what''s wrong?"


    "Again? Sleep later, I''ll pay for your hotel expenses, just come."


    "What has gotten into you that you''re this hurried?"


    "Idiot, you''re the one who suggested it to me. Have you forgotten?"


    "Huh? The reunion?"


    ''Bert. This guy needs at least a week to prepare for that, why is he talking about that now?'' Aldrin thought.


    "That''s right! I contacted Renissa immediately yesterday after our call. I got her message just now¡­ She''s only available today. So¡­ I''m going to contact everyone else for an unannounced reunion party. Those who can come will come. I called you first so you better be thankful to me¡­ Come now, my staff will guide you in the private room we always use for our reunion parties." Bert quickly answered as he explained the situation.


    After digesting what his friend said, Aldrin found that this abrupt reunion made some sense.


    Renissa was already an Energy Refiner. She''s not an ordinary civilian anymore. Most likely, she was about to undergo training to hone her abilities. That''s why¡­ time was now tight for her.


    Her acceptance of the invitation was already generous given that their class was only meeting a few times each year. Although some were friends with each other, most of them were just¡­ classmates, and nothing else.


    "Sure, sure. Thanks for the heads up, oh Great Bert Daymon. I''ll be there soon." Aldrin sarcastically answered that he knew his friend wouldn''t take offense from it.


    "Don''t be late!"


    After that final reminder, the other party ended the call.


    And seconds after it, Aldrin murmured to himself, "¡­ I still have two runs but¡­ this is also important. The IDLE Database is also inside my phone. Perhaps I can let it run by itself. It''s a chance to meet a true Energy Refiner¡­ I better learn something from her!"


    Following that, Aldrin put down his phone and immediately purchased 7 Small Merchants to start their production of IDLE Points and that immediately cut away more than half of what he exchanged leaving him with 2470 Federation Credits.


    Aldrin endured the slight heartache he felt after seeing how the five digits in his bank balance went back to four as he closed the Idle Shopping Interface and waited for the 50 IDLE Points to be converted to Dimensional Energy.


    He first planned to store it but given the current circumstances, he felt that the soothing effect of the basking in Dimensional Energy would wake him up better than any type of coffee.


    And sure enough, Aldrin felt refreshed after the quick flood of Dimensional Energy was absorbed and refined in his body.


    After turning up his PC, he wore a rather casual pair of clothes and pants before picking up his phone.


    While on the elevator, Aldrin opened the IDLE Database application installed in it and began his 4th Idle Adventure run for the day.

 Chapter 16 - Class Reunion (1)

    The Lonewind City is divided into ten districts and for the residents to easily remember it, each district was named based on which direction it was located.


    For example, there''s the Northwestern District where Aldrin was living at the moment.


    His family''s home was at the exact opposite of it, the Southeastern District. He was afraid to see the disappointed face of his parents and sister so he chose to live far away from them.


    Bert''s restaurant was located in the Southern District.


    He had already opened branches in other districts. However, since that one was the closest to most of their classmates in high school and it was his main branch that was already renovated to become a three-story restaurant, that''s always the place they''re using to gather everyone for a reunion.


    To go there, Aldrin needed to ride public transportation called the Plasma Train.


    It''s a high-speed train that can shorten the travel time from district to district. It only has 10 stations and each district has one.


    In just 30 minutes after boarding the Plasma Train, Aldrin arrived at the Southern District Station.


    As he had expected, the train station would be filled with people. Nonetheless, the security and organization of the City Hall''s department managing the Plasma Train Stations were impeccable.


    After following the guides towards the exit, Aldrin was once again presented with the familiar scenery of the Southern District.


    Without reminiscing about his memories here, Aldrin''s feet began moving.


    And while doing so, his phone never left his hand. Once in a while, he would check the progress of his two Dimensional Clones that were teaming up to hunt down prey.


    Before Aldrin knew it, the two already fitted into the role that he''d given them.


    Striker also became the scout who would stalk a group of Worker Ants, a Caterpillar or a patrolling Soldier Ants.


    When the two finally determined that it was the time to strike, Tank, who was wielding a Level 2 Shield on its right and Level 1 Club on its left, would draw their aggro.


    Apart from choosing the secondary weapon whether to make it a Shield or a Bow, it was also possible to choose what kind of weapon they would wield.


    In short, Aldrin''s Dimensional Clone could become anyone. And when he observed how they moved, they''re slowly evolving and learning. Moreover, the greatest growth the Dimensional Clone showed was after he manually controlled it. It was as if what he did as the controller of the Dimensional Clone was being recorded by the IDLE Database and was then being adapted by his Dimensional Clones.


    To check if that idea was true, Aldrin was already preparing himself mentally to dive inside the game again.


    -


    -


    When he arrived at Bert''s boasted restaurant called Paradise Hall, Aldrin couldn''t help but shake his head as he marveled at his friend''s accomplishments.


    True. The capital for his business came from his well-off family but he strove to make it this big through his own efforts. Compared to Aldrin, there''s truly nothing to be envious of about Bert.


    The appearance of the restaurant is sophisticated and clearly something Bert put his all effort into making. It has three entrances that are guarded by six women in colorful one-piece dresses. Their necklines are only below their collarbones, giving only a slight view of the three women''s cleavages.


    Moreover, even if they appeared delicate and beautiful on the outside, the six women were professional fighters or they had undergone training to be one. Moreover, they possess licenses to do security jobs.


    As soon as Aldrin approached one of the entrances, one of the lady guards in one-piece dress smiled beautifully at him before she sexily gestured towards the interior of the restaurant, "Sir Aldrin, this way please."


    He expected that as this wasn''t the first time he went here.


    Although he only went to the previous reunions once, he was already like a regular face in this place whenever he would visit Bert.


    Perhaps in exchange for not hiring him, that guy ended up putting him on a VIP list. Every time, he would be directly sent to his friend''s office for a chat and a free premium meal.


    That was a good time. Especially when he was struggling over his failed exams. That guy cheered him up. To have someone as a friend like Bert despite the insecurities he had shown before, Aldrin was truly thankful to him.


    Of course, that guy tried introducing Aldrin to his beautiful workers. And that was in hopes that he would be able to find someone who would be able to comfort him better.


    However, although he tried following his advice, Aldrin failed to land on one. The best he could get before was to be on speaking terms with them. Moreover, since he''s only occasionally visiting Bert, that connection he managed to make would be disconnected. That''s why he decided not to try anymore.


    "Here is your room, Sir Aldrin. Enjoy your time."


    The lady guard brought him to the third floor of the establishment and towards the front of a room that had a designation on top, VIP Room.


    The woman then bowed slightly towards him, while making sure to show him a glimpse of the ravine beneath her dress.


    It didn''t have any meaning. It''s just how Bert instructed his staff. That way, he was able to get a line of loyal patrons at every branch he opened.


    "Thank you."


    After returning the courtesy, Aldrin pushed open the door and was met with the people already waiting inside.


    "Oh? If it isn''t Aldrin¡­ You finally have the guts to show your face here again." A man in a leather jacket and possessing a quite handsome face as well as a totally confident attitude called out to him.


    Upon hearing that, Aldrin turned his head to the speaker. "Oliver. It''s a rare chance to see an Energy Refiner. I can''t miss it."


    Although the tone of the man''s voice was somewhat unkind, Aldrin answered normally.


    The man was another descendant from a family with an Energy Refiner. He''s like Bert but compared to that friend of his, this man was only reliant on his family''s wealth and power.


    And that''s because it was his older brother who was a full-fledged Energy Refiner who awakened years ago. By now, his brother was already a known name among the City Hall Guards.


    "Ah. Right. It is impossible for someone like you to meet one. It''s your lucky day then. Come and sit with us."


    After saying that with a condescending tone, he hollered at him as if his attitude didn''t have any problem.


    There were two other individuals beside him, one man and one woman. The man was his best friend or best lackey, Jacob and the woman was his long-time girlfriend since their high school days, Emily.


    Apart from the three, Bert or any of their other classmates hadn''t arrived yet, especially the star of the day, Renissa.


    "I guess I have to decline, I have an important matter to look at. Maybe later?" Aldrin politely rejected while lifting his phone as he began moving to the seats near the corner of the room.


    The Idle Adventure mode was still the most important for Aldrin. Besides, he came here to see Renissa and Bert, not this somewhat self-important guy.


    He didn''t have anything against him but he''s also not comfortable hanging out with the guy. He thought that it was better for him to use his time wisely.


    Fortunately, none of them noticed the small bald spot on top of Aldrin''s head, otherwise, that would be another topic to mock him for.


    "Playing a mobile game at this age? Grow up, dude." With a slightly annoyed tone because of his rejection, Oliver loudly said that before the two with him laughed as if it was amusing for them.


    In any case, instead of continuing to be entangled with useless banter with them, Aldrin focused his entire attention on what''s happening on his phone screen while waiting for the others to arrive.

 Chapter 17 - Class Reunion (2)

    [Soldier Ant has been bashed in the head by Tank, dealing 20 blunt damage and stunning it for 1 second]


    [Soldier Ant has been stabbed twice and slashed thrice by Striker''s dual saber, dealing 60 piercing and slashing damage]


    [Striker killed the Soldier Ant by beheading it]


    [You received 10 IDLE Points]


    Aldrin watched as the fifth patrolling Soldier Ant who stumbled at the two Dimensional Clones'' hunting ground fell upon their improving teamwork.


    Ever since leaving his apartment and running the Idle Adventure Mode through his phone and arriving here, it''s now almost an hour.


    At the moment, Striker and Tank already amassed the body count of nearly 100 Worker Ants, 20 Caterpillars and 5 Soldier Ants.


    Naturally, it was all because of their meticulous hunting. If there was a spear-equipped Soldier Ant around, they would bide their time and wait for the Worker Ants to reach a distance wherein the battle would already be over before the Soldier Ant nearby noticed something.


    Although that strategy already went awry for the fifth time ever since the start of the fourth run, the Ant Colony''s decision to make a Soldier Ant patrol an area was working against them.


    Striker and Tank were close to figuring out fighting them without getting injured. Every Soldier Ant was like giving them experience on how to deal with that type of Ant''s spear-wielding that was even more sophisticated than what Aldrin could see from the ancient movies he watched before.


    "Aldrin? Hey. It''s nice seeing you again."


    Aldrin''s concentration on the game was suddenly shattered when a somewhat melodic voice of a woman called out to him.


    Raising his head to see the speaker, Aldrin was presented with the gorgeous face of the famous beauty of their high school class, Alisa Felldrum.


    Because their surnames were both letter F, he was always luckily sitting next to her whenever the desk arrangement was by their surnames. And that allowed for Aldrin to be on speaking terms with her.


    She wasn''t called a famous beauty for nothing. That was backed by her slightly curly blonde hair reaching her back, her doll-like face that was unadorned with heavy makeup as well as her figure that was seemingly too perfect for a woman her age to possess. Furthermore, she was also known for her easier-to-approach and kind disposition.


    Aldrin could admit that he was one of those boys who developed a crush on her. No¡­ everyone had a crush on her during their high school days.


    However, Alisa was one of those you would call as a career-oriented woman. She never dated anyone and now that she''s in college and about to graduate, she''s totally focused on getting a good job in a well-known company.


    In any case, Aldrin was not sure if she was still the same as how he remembered her. It was more than a few years since their graduation and the last he interacted with her was during that first reunion.


    At the moment, Alisa was staring curiously at Aldrin''s phone that he left exposed with the Idle Adventure mode opened in the background.


    Upon noticing her eyes were focused on his phone''s screen, Aldrin hurriedly put it down on his side while silently hoping for Striker and Tank not to stumble against a group of Soldier Ants again or any other insects that were either Impossible or Totally Impossible in difficulty.


    "Weird, why are you pretending to play something when you''re only staring at your home screen?" Alisa sat down on the seat next to him and asked.


    Because he was focused on watching his two Dimensional Clones hunt down the prey they would encounter, Aldrin failed to notice that Oliver also called out to the newcomer but it was a warm welcome like someone who was trying to impress another individual.


    However, Alisa declined his invitation when she saw Aldrin on the other corner of the large VIP Room and decided to go to him rather than converse with Oliver''s group.


    Apart from not wanting to be entangled with someone who always has an air of superiority around him, Alisa also noticed how Oliver''s girlfriend, Emily, was about to stare daggers at her.


    She was already planning to apologize to Aldrin once this reunion of them ended for using him as an excuse.


    Either way, although that undercurrent wasn''t caught by Aldrin, he could easily guess the reason considering Alisa was the next one who arrived after him.


    Furthermore, what actually caught Aldrin''s attention was what the girl just said.


    ''Pretending to play something? Even though she couldn''t possibly see it clearly due to the distance¡­ the opened IDLE Database application was occupying my phone''s screen.'' Aldrin thought while lifting his phone from his side to check and it was still showing the two Dimensional Clones wading through the tall grasses to look for another prey. ''Can''t she see it or it is just her way to start a conversation?''


    With that thought in mind, Aldrin replied to her in a rather subdued voice before raising his phone to intentionally show his screen to her, "You caught me, huh? I can''t decide which to play, you see."


    Upon hearing that, Alisa giggled silently and replied with the same subdued voice, "Or you''re just pretending to be busy to avoid them. I''m here now. Converse with me while we wait for the others."


    With that kind of answer, Aldrin determined that Alisa couldn''t see what''s on his screen.


    "Sure. Let me catch up on what I missed." Aldrin answered as he silently put away his phone on his side once more.


    Because he was focused on the fact that Alisa couldn''t see what''s happening on the screen, he failed to notice the girl''s expression upon hearing his answer.


    ''Is this the same Aldrin as before? He sounds like he managed to pick his confidence back up. Did something great happen to him?'' Alisa thought to herself. She remembered how sullen he was during that first reunion he attended. She also tried talking to him but back then, he''s only answering in short phrases so she eventually stopped.


    In any case, without mentioning what''s in each other''s minds, the two began conversing normally with each other, catching up on what they missed throughout the years that passed.


    And as time continued to pass, their other classmates began arriving one by one, filling up the VIP Room.


    In the end, Alisa also ended up leaving Aldrin''s side when her friends showed up. On the other hand, Aldrin was now next to his friend who was once again the host of this reunion.


    "Oh! I didn''t expect that everyone would be here. We''re all curious about our classmate who became an Energy Refiner, huh?" Bert tapped Aldrin''s shoulder and stood up with a microphone in his hand to let his voice catch everyone''s attention.


    Although Bert was on the chubbier side during their high school, Aldrin could only nod at the current state of his friend''s body, he''s slimmer now and the air in his person was that of a joyful businessman with a booming business.


    "Well then, let''s not keep everyone in suspense anymore, Renissa, please!" While excitedly announcing that, he gestured towards the closed door.


    Slowly, the closed door was pushed open by two of Bert''s beautiful restaurant staff.


    And with everyone''s eyes trained on the door, they watched as a woman of average height entered the room, she had icy-blue shoulder-length hair while wearing a skin-tight dress accentuating her body figure that was perhaps only slightly lesser than Alisa''s.


    In her hand was a metallic briefcase that appeared to be heavy but she was carrying it easily.


    Moreover, because of how Aldrin could now sense the flow of Dimensional Energy, he noticed the slightly chilling aura being exuded by the woman.


    At the moment, she''s a lot different than how he remembered her. Her back was straightened and she carried a rather authoritative air around her.


    ''Is she truly Renissa? No¡­ Does every full-fledged Energy Refiner carry the same air around them?'' Aldrin thought.


    No. Everyone was thinking the same thing, even Bert who invited her and organized this reunion.


    "What? Why do you all look like you''re seeing a ghost?" With a slight smile on her lips, Renissa uttered a question taking everyone out of their stupor.

 Chapter 18 - Unexpected Development

    With Renissa opening up the conversation in a light-hearted tone, the women were the first ones to move to greet and congratulate her.


    "It''s true! You look totally different, Renissa. This hair. Is it natural?" One of the leading girls leading the pack pointed at Renissa''s icy-blue hair and was seemingly tempted to reach it.


    "It is natural and¡­ it is somewhat dangerous if you carelessly touch it. I apologize." Renissa stopped her from touching it. Following that, she brushed her own hair and a cold breeze could visibly be seen being emitted by it before crystal-like beads of ice fell down to the ground.


    And upon seeing that, everyone was clearly stupefied as they stepped back, in fear that they would be frozen.


    Aldrin who was watching somewhere at the back was also somewhat amazed at what he witnessed.


    In his memory, Renissa was a black-haired woman. For her hair to turn into a natural icy-blue while also possessing that kind of effect, Aldrin guessed that it was because of her Awakening as well as the Dimensional Energy inhabiting her body.


    For her to harness it like that, it made Aldrin excited at the prospect of his impending Awakening.


    "That''s amazing, Renissa! Come come. Let her sit first, guys!"


    To break the ''ice'' that seemingly formed from that amazing display of what sets an Energy Refiner apart, Bert, as the host of the party, shouted with his microphone again to let the girls make way for the star of the day.


    With his words, the women, who were just crowding around and got scared from what Renissa''s hair could do, parted to let her pass.


    Renissa thanked Bert for his quick wits before moving from her position.


    She was aware that the enthusiasm everyone showed earlier was replaced with a small fear.


    She expected that. She was an ordinary civilian just a month ago. But because of a near-death incident, she found herself in a new world, or rather, she began seeing the world in a new light.


    After taking a seat, Renissa put down the metallic briefcase to her side.


    At this point, even the guys were thinking twice about how to converse with her.


    She''s a lot different from how they remembered her. Even Oliver, who was fully convinced that Renissa would still be the same normal citizen, was somewhat timid and couldn''t make a move after seeing that spectacle. It reminded him of his brother who couldn''t care less about him anymore after Awakening as an Energy Refiner.


    Amidst the silence, Bert who could easily read the air clapped his hands and his waitresses brought in drinks and meals inside.


    With food and drinks, it somehow abated the awkward atmosphere that suddenly built up.


    And at this point, Aldrin, whose purpose of coming here was to interact with a real Energy Refiner, stood up and walked towards Renissa''s table.


    "Hi¡­ I have no idea if you still remember me. Either way, I want to congratulate you. You surprised all of us with the news. Moreover, for you to spare us the time by coming here despite your now-busy schedule, you have our thanks." Aldrin blurted all of that out which made the attention of everyone to be focused on him.


    However, ignoring all of that, he sat down in front of the Energy Refiner and poured her a glass of wine. "Here, let me serve you."


    "I do remember you. But you''re not like this before. Did something happen?" Renissa received the glass and with one of her eyebrows raised, she inquired in the same line of thought as Alisa earlier.


    Thinking about it, Aldrin agreed with her. If this was before his encounter with the IDLE Database, he would be satisfied just watching at the side. Even though he wouldn''t be bothered by the others calling him out or making fun of him because of what he accomplished in life, he wouldn''t be this bold to approach the star of the day when everyone else was still deliberating.


    Aldrin poured a glass for him first and after taking a sip, he answered, "Something like that. Anyway, I think everyone''s curious not of me but you¡­ Everyone can agree with me that you changed completely, is it because of the Awakening?"


    "Oh! That''s a great question, Aldrin! Yes, Renissa, tell us. We''re truly curious. How does it feel to awaken and become an Energy Refiner?" Bert backed up Aldrin with his microphone still in his hand.


    At this point, everyone''s eyes were now waiting for an answer while they also began drinking at their own table.


    Although there were others thinking of also standing up and joining the two at their table, they reeled in that thought given that there''s already someone asking questions for them.


    Renissa smiled meaningfully and took a sip as well before answering, "Hmm? Did I change? Maybe¡­ It''s like a new door was opened for me. I had undergone training for a month ever since that day¡­ And tomorrow, I will be going to a Primary City to attend a Refiner''s Academy."


    Refiner''s Academy¡­ That''s something a Secondary City like Lonewind City didn''t have. Every newly Awakened Energy Refiner was required to attend it to further understand what it means to be an Energy Refiner.


    According to what Aldrin read in the information accessible through the dimnet, most of the secrets of the world or the universe in its entirety were only accessible for the Energy Refiners.


    "I see. That''s why you agreed for today." Aldrin nodded. No. Everyone nodded their heads and it gave the justification for this abrupt gathering.


    Everyone was naturally curious about an Energy Refiner, given that even those busy with work or studies arrived on time.


    "I don''t mean to be rude but your hair¡­ and what happened earlier, is that normal?" Aldrin continued with his question. He wanted to be prepared in his own Awakening. In his mind, direct interaction with an Energy Refiner was better than any information he could read on the dimnet.


    "I''m glad you asked. No. This isn''t normal. This is the result of how I am still a novice at refining Dimensional Energy." Renissa smilingly answered.


    And when everyone heard that, they all heaved a sigh of relief while nodding continuously towards Renissa as well as Aldrin who became something like an interviewer for them.


    However, Renissa had other thoughts upon seeing how Aldrin remained calm without any change in his expression.


    ''This guy¡­ Is he possibly an Energy Refiner fanatic? No. A fanatic will be too excited, unlike this guy. It''s normal to be curious but he''s calmly sitting here in front of me without being uncomfortable by my gaze.'' Renissa suspected while staring at Aldrin''s calm composure. ''I accepted this invitation to see my former classmates'' reaction¡­ but out of everyone, I am more baffled by this guy¡­ Why do I feel some kind of familiarity from him?''


    As thoughts continued to run around Renissa''s head, she suddenly thought of something. She closed her eyes for a few seconds before focusing her gaze on Aldrin.


    On the other hand, Aldrin felt it. He felt the feeling of someone probing his whole person as if clothes and any other obstacle were insignificant as that probe focused entirely on his inner self.


    After a while, with her eyes slightly widening, Renissa showed a surprised expression, "You¡­ what are--"


    However, before Renissa could finish her question and blurt out what she discovered, the hairs on her skin stood up as a chill ran through her spine. It was a chill that was enough to make her shiver despite her icy disposition.


    And likewise, Aldrin felt an impending danger looming towards them.


    "Everyone! Duck!"


    The Energy Refiner hurriedly stood up from her seat and picked up the metallic suitcase beside her as she shouted that.


    Based on the urgency of her voice, some followed her like Bert and Alisa. While others were stupefied at this sudden development.


    "I said duck! That is if you don''t want to die!" Renissa shouted once more and this time, with an even higher sense of urgency.


    BOOM!


    As soon as her voice died down, the roof of the three-story restaurant suddenly exploded. Some of those who failed to duck was about to be showered by the debris of rocks and metals falling down from above.


    "W-what?!"


    "What''s happening?!"


    Surprised shouts instantly rang out but it was all drowned when another explosion ensued.


    BOOM!


    "What else? Hurry and leave this place. A rift! A Dimensional Rift opened near us!" Renissa gravely answered as her ice-blue hair fluttered behind her, creating a thin film of ice shield that tried to protect the whole room from the falling debris.


    Following that, Aldrin, who followed her advice to duck, lifted his head after understanding the situation to catch a glimpse of Renissa in her role as an Energy Refiner.


    Due to that, he saw how the metallic briefcase in Renissa''s hand opened.


    It then produced a white katana as well as armor parts that flew towards the woman, attaching themselves to her body.


    A few moments later, a quadrupedal winged beast appeared from the opened roof.


    GROWL!

 Chapter 19 - Dimensional Rift

    "What?! A Dimensional Rift right in the middle of the Southern District?!" The horror-stricken voice of the Lonewind City Mayor filled his office as soon as he heard the report coming from the District Leader stationed at the Southern District.


    He then stood up from his very comfortable seat and looked out of his office''s window in the direction of the Southern District.


    From there, the Lonewind City Mayor could only gulp down his saliva. This was the last year of him being a Mayor of this Secondary City and to misfortune, he experienced what any career-politician like him would call as a career-destroying challenge.


    It was rare for the Dimensional Disruptor to fail in repelling a Dimensional Rift from appearing but that didn''t mean it was impossible. And to his dismay, it happened in his term.


    While lamenting on the number of casualties it would pile up as well as the dirt that would be thrown at him, the Lonewind City Mayor cleared his head while thinking of doing everything in his power to clear his image before the end of his term after this challenge.


    A few seconds later, he fixed his posture and fixed his tie before shouting out loud, "Anyone?! Connect me with the City Hall Guards and the Refiner''s Association!


    "Right away, Mr. Mayor!"


    His staff that was awaiting his order was already ready and had long connected to the City Hall Guards Commander, Commander Yun.


    In less than ten seconds, a holographic screen appeared in front of the Lonewind City Mayor showing the face of the famed hero of the whole City.


    Without waiting for a greeting, he declared, "Mobilize every personnel available and order those near the Southern District to contain it. You have the full authority on how to handle the situation."


    ''Understood." After acknowledging the order, Commander Yun immediately disconnected and from the outside, sounds of Metadome engines starting as well as running soldiers at the nearby City Hall Guard barracks rumbled around the whole City Hall compound located in the middle of the Central District.


    Following that, the Lonewind City Mayor called for the head of the Communications Department who was ready to relay the news to everyone.


    Without waiting for a greeting like earlier, the Lonewind City Mayor declared. "Level 3. No. Level 4 Alert!"


    There were five classifications for the state of emergency for a Secondary City like the Lonewind City. And even if it would cost him some of his amassed fortunes from being in the seat, he still chose to pick the second-highest alert.


    Level 1, Stay at Home for District that would be directly affected in case a Rift creature managed to approach the city. Can be declared if a Dimensional Rift appeared 50 kilometers from the city.


    Level 2, Stay at Home for Every District. Can be declared if a Dimensional Rift appeared 20 kilometers from the city.


    Level 3, Evacuate the District directly affected to its neighboring districts. Priority: The citizen''s lives. Making the whole district as the battlefield if need be. Can only be declared if the Rift appeared less than ten kilometers from the city or inside one of the City Districts.


    Level 4, Evacuate the District directly affected as well as the surrounding Districts away from the battlefield. Priority: The city itself. Those who will refuse to evacuate will be left behind and will be left to themselves in a battlefield consisting of Energy Refiners, Metadomes and the Rift Monsters and Creatures. Whether they survive or not was all on their luck. Can only be declared if the Rift appeared inside the city.


    Level 5, Abandon City, save what can be saved and evacuate who can be evacuated out of the city using the transportation lines. Can only be declared when the initial District where the Dimensional Rift appeared fell in less than an hour and the City Hall Guards failed to contain the Rift.


    -


    -


    After finishing giving orders to various departments, the Lonewind City Mayor immediately turned off all communication as he prepared to leave his office.


    "Prepare my Metadome and send the order to the four Windguards to follow me." He ordered one of the staff waiting outside the Mayor''s office


    Even though he''s a career-politician, he also trained in piloting a Metadome, just that¡­ he''s not combat-oriented and it was all for posturing. However, even if he''s not, the four Windguards he called for are.


    For the sake of his image, the Lonewind City Mayor decided to go to the frontlines himself.


    Such was the dedication he possessed. Before the citizens'' well-being, his image first.


    Nonetheless, considering his responses were quick, he''s still considered to have done a great job as the Lonewind City Mayor.


    -


    -


    On the 3rd floor of the Paradise Hall restaurant, Aldrin watched how Renissa, devoid of fear for her life, jumped up to face the Rift Monster that had already leaped down to her.


    Those little armor pieces that flew out of her suitcase along with her katana only covered her arm, her temple and her front. It''s not a complete Battlesuit that was the standard equipment of an Energy Refiner.


    They''re made from a special metal that reacts to Dimensional Energy and that metal was stronger than any known ore discovered that was devoid of Dimensional Energy traces.


    As soon as Renissa and the winged beast met right on top of the thin ice film she conjured, a blast of ice-cold air and a blast of scalding fire seemingly scattered and filled the room with steam that faded away quickly.


    With his eyes focused on the battle above, Aldrin saw how half of the upper part of the VIP Room was frozen while the other half was scorched black.


    Moreover, the thin film of ice Renissa made was now cut or rather, melted in half, drenching some of their classmates in scalding hot water, resulting in screams of pain from those affected. Among those were the trio of Oliver, Jacob and Emily.


    Some of those that were under the still-frozen ice like Bert and Alisa hurriedly moved to pull them out of that spot.


    Renissa, who saw what happened, frowned and expended her Dimensional Energy once more to recreate the thin film of ice that was acting as a shield for her classmates.


    If there was no ice shield previously, they would be toast from the fires of the beast she''s fighting.


    "Aldrin! Hurry up! Let''s go!" Bert, who was carrying Jacob on his shoulder, called out to Aldrin who''s picking up Oliver.


    The others who moved to rescue their classmates also carried one as they all began to leave the room.


    This somehow quick response from them was actually borne from the drills etched in their mind ever since they started attending school. They were taught to always be ready in case this kind of event happened.


    Now that there''s a Rift Monster appearing from above, all of them would be helpless if not for Renissa.


    Their Energy Refiner classmate that was a source of fear for some of them earlier was now risking her life to save them.


    They''re non-combatants and even if they were, they''re not trained to deal with the mysterious Rift Monsters that ordinary soldiers, without the aid of Metadomes or any Dimensional Energy-integrated weapons, had no hope to contend with. That''s why the only thing they could do was to not become a nuisance to those who could fight.


    ''I''m not an Energy Refiner yet¡­ and even if I am. What can I do against those¡­ All I ever fought were human-sized ants and caterpillars¡­'' Aldrin thought as he finished deliberating whether to stay to try and help the lone Energy Refiner and someone he had just been talking to earlier or leave now along with everyone to evacuate to safety.


    Since he already had the scalded Oliver on his shoulder, he chose to leave despite feeling a slight urge to stay. He''s still an ordinary human and not an Energy Refiner, there''s nothing he could do even if he remained. He''ll just become a liability for Renissa.


    When they stepped out of the VIP Room that had no windows at all, Aldrin''s eyes were drawn towards the open space that could show the situation outside the building.


    And for the first time in his life, he saw a real Dimensional Rift. In his estimate, 300 meters away from the restaurant, a crack in space could be seen floating. And at the moment, the crack was like a gigantic opened eye as different Rift Monsters and Creatures continued to appear from it.


    And upon seeing how many there were, Aldrin started to be assaulted by fear.


    There''s no way for them to run. What would await them outside were that seemingly endless horde of ferocious monsters.


    However, it was at this exact moment that a stronger-than-normal vibration was being issued by the phone in his pocket.


    Having suspected what it could be about, Aldrin pulled out his phone and as he expected, it''s from the IDLE Database.


    While still continuously vibrating in his hand, Aldrin read what was written on his phone screen.


    [A Dimensional Rift has been detected nearby the Host''s location]


    [Scanning¡­]


    [The Dimension at the other side of the Rift is currently too dangerous for the Host]


    [Advising Host to flee]


    [Due to the current circumstances, Idle Adventure Mode will be paused and the current harvested IDLE Points will be credited to Host.]


    [Calculating¡­]


    "It''s not the time to look at your phone, dumbass! Let''s go!" Bert angrily shouted at Aldrin.

 Chapter 20 - Awakening

    Awoken by that shout of Bert, Aldrin hurriedly put his phone back in his pocket and followed them down to the Paradise Hall''s basement or more specifically, the Emergency Shelter.


    As part of the building standards in every part of the city in regards to the possibility of Dimensional Rift appearing nearby or inside the city itself, Bert''s restaurant had an Emergency Shelter built below his restaurant''s cellar.


    Although it wouldn''t be able to guard against massive explosions, it was the safest room for the staff and customers as long as there''s no Rift Monsters that could dig underground.


    Compared to being exposed aboveground, normal people truly had no other choice but to rely on the Emergency Shelters to hide and wait for rescue or the situation to die down.


    Furthermore, they''re positive that sooner or later, the City Hall would send rescuers and combatants to close the Rift.


    Given that they already heard the Alert Status announced through the holographic projection above the city''s skylines as well as a message on their phones, most people in the restaurant had mostly calmed down as they lined up to enter the Emergency Shelter.


    By the time Aldrin and his group reached the cellar, they were welcomed by the six lady guards of the restaurant. Taking in the injured first, those inside the shelter had already prepared beds and first aid kits to treat them.


    "What''s the situation, Salyn?"


    After being relieved from carrying Jacob, Bert asked the most beautiful lady guard who''s holding onto a plasma sub-machine gun.


    "Some customers left the establishment when the chaos ensued while some were unfortunately hit by something while dining at the outdoor tables from the 1st and 2nd floors. It''s too late for them. Other than that, all the staff and customers had already been granted entry to the shelter." Salyn answered respectfully while still being vigilant towards the stairs leading to the ground floor.


    The other five lady guards were doing the same while all holding the same make of plasma sub-machine guns.


    They were prepared to fire and defend the place if a Rift Monster appeared.


    Even if that kind of weapon wasn''t something that integrated Dimensional Energy, it could at least hold back a Rift Monster.


    Furthermore, they''re only standing guard here since not everyone, especially their boss, hasn''t entered the shelter yet.


    "I see. It''s unfortunate for the victims that were dining outside. I have to revise the plan for that. Provide protection in case the same thing happens¡­ Anyway, great job all of you. Come on, let''s go in." Bert patted Salyn''s shoulder which made the woman smile despite the current situation as he urged all of them to also climb down the Emergency Shelter.


    However, when Bert turned towards the entrance, he saw Alisa still standing there, frozen as she was looking at something or someone.


    "Bert¡­ What''s happening to Aldrin?" With a layer of worry in her voice, Alisa pointed at Aldrin who was standing still while holding his phone.


    When Bert followed her gaze and saw his friend frozen there while staring at his phone that had its screen turned off, he was somewhat appalled. ''What''s this idiot doing? Is he waiting for a call from someone? During this crisis?''


    However, unbeknownst to them, Aldrin who got relieved of carrying the complaining Oliver was now staring seriously at the IDLE Database interface.


    [470 IDLE Points has been credited to Host and sent to IDLE Points Storage]


    The IDLE Points Storage was located at the top right of the IDLE Database''s interface. Upon seeing the earlier 0 changed to 470, Aldrin couldn''t help but smile despite the clear feeling of fear like crawling ants on his skin.


    In less than two hours, Aldrin''s two Dimensional Clones had earned him 470 IDLE Points or 530 if he included the 60 points used to double their attack, armor and speed.


    Moreover, the Idle Adventure mode was only paused and it could be resumed later. Perhaps after the current situation was resolved or he moved far away from the existing Dimensional Rift.


    Being near the Dimensional Rift, the IDLE Database''s advice for him to flee was still glowing in a bright-colored font, urging him to leave its vicinity.


    But given that it was filled with Rift Monsters outside, Aldrin had no way to leave its vicinity yet. In contrast to that, this sudden harvest of IDLE Points made him think of other possibilities when his eyes went down the current statistics of the IDLE Database.


    [Current Lower Dimension Information


    -Small Insect Colony#111222 : 8% Conquest progress]


    [Creatures killed : 410+(146)]


    [IDLE Points gained : 1908+(530)]


    [IDLE Points spent : 830+(60)]


    [IDLE Points converted : 978]


    [IDLE Points used: 100]


    [IDLE Points stored : (470)]


    [Conquered Dimension: 0]


    ''There''s an additional line, huh? If 100 then it''s about the IDLE Points I used in Idle Shopping. The 100 IDLE Points I exchanged for 10,000 Federation Credits¡­ Moreover, the stats in parentheses are most likely because of how the 4th run of the Idle Adventure Mode is only paused and hasn''t ended yet.'' After understanding the changes in the statistics of the mysterious program, Aldrin''s eyes then focused on the number of IDLE Points converted. ''Although I have no proof, I know I am already close to awakening. Renissa saw something earlier. If not for the sudden appearance of the Dimensional Rift, she was about to ask me about it¡­ She must''ve seen my body filled with Dimensional Energy.''


    With that kind of suspicion, Aldrin then intently stared at the number 978. ''What if I needed an exact 1000? Well, it''s better to be sure than waste time at this moment.''


    Having decided that, he tapped on the top right, bringing up the IDLE Points Storage interface.


    After selecting 170 IDLE Points, he nervously tapped the glowing blue rectangle that says ''Convert to Dimensional Energy''.


    Aldrin wasn''t deaf. He could clearly hear the clamor being made by his friend, Bert and Alisa who was calling out to him earlier to go down the shelter.


    However, he had to try.


    No. He needed to try.


    If by chance his suspicion was correct then his chances of surviving this predicament were high.


    Moreover, although Aldrin had no idea how strong he would become or if he would be able to act as a proper Energy Refiner once he awakened, he at least wanted to help that Energy Refiner classmate of theirs who, without thinking twice, saved them.


    Aldrin had no heroic thoughts at the moment. He just wanted to return the favor shown to him.


    At any moment, those real experts in Dimensional Rifts in the form of City Hall Guards and the Refiner sent by Refiner''s Association would soon come. That''s why the situation outside wasn''t his problem at the moment.


    A few seconds later, just like with his PC, his phone screen shone brightly as it basked him with Dimensional Energy, filling his whole body and gathering on that spot where a sphere was being formed.


    However, in Bert, Alisa and the six ladyguards'' eyes that were looking at his stationary self, Aldrin only remained standing as if he was frozen at his spot.


    "This guy¡­ Is his head hit by a stone earlier?!" With a slightly annoyed tone, Bert stomped his feet as he decided to take it into his hands to drag his crazy friend inside the shelter.


    Every second they spent outside the Emergency Shelter was a second closer they were to facing danger.


    Much to his surprise, when Bert arrived behind Aldrin, he suddenly felt a startling feeling run across his whole body before he was pushed back by an unexplainable force.


    And right after that, before the eight people''s eyes, Aldrin who was just frozen earlier with his phone in his hand floated slightly as a surging wind seemingly formed around him.


    "A-awakening!" Alisa exclaimed upon seeing the strange phenomenon happening to their classmate. "He''s undergoing Awakening¡­ Aldrin is about to become an Energy Refiner!"


    With her clear melodic voice filling the whole Cellar and traveling down the opened shelter door, not only them, those who heard it, especially their former classmates were surprised.


    Contrary to the reaction of those witnessing what''s happening to him, Aldrin actually felt his whole body to be in severe pain. If not for enduring it, Aldrin would probably scream already. His gamble or guess was right but he was not prepared for this.


    Unlike the soothing sensation that he already got used to whenever he was being basked by Dimensional Energy, once he sensed that the sphere successfully formed from that place below his navel, a violent burst of energy spread across his entire body.


    ''Is this what Renissa felt when she awakened? Is this the level of pain those artificially-made Energy Refiners were feeling? I don''t know¡­'' Amidst the pain that was as if he was being hit by numerous blunt paddles, pricked by countless needles and slashed by sharp swords, Aldrin held on as he focused on tiding through this pain.


    The IDLE Database asked him if he wanted to change his life. And at this moment, that was already about to happen. Would he succumb to the pain and give up? Obviously not!


    After an indeterminable amount of time for Aldrin, the pain soon subsided as he felt himself falling down on the floor.


    Between the state of consciousness and unconsciousness, Aldrin heard the worried shouts around him but he had no energy to respond to them. At the moment, he only wanted to rest his body after experiencing that extreme pain that was probably close to what torture feels like.


    If only he could open his eyes and look¡­ On his phone screen, a new set of messages from the IDLE Database filled it.


    [Host has successfully Awakened and became able to sense the mystical Dimensional Energy everpresent in the wide Universe.]


    [As a congratulatory gift, a Concept Book has been bestowed to Host.]


    [You received Concept Book: Shadow Clone]


    [Due to becoming an Energy Refiner a special Skill has been generated by the IDLE Database]


    [Summon Dimensional Clone: Spend 100 IDLE points along with Host''s Dimensional Energy to summon one or more Dimensional Clones from the Idle Adventure Mode. (Shadow Clone Concept Enlightenment required)]

 Chapter 21 - Energy Refiner

    By the time Aldrin regained consciousness, the first thing that assaulted his mind was loads of information about something he never heard before.


    ''Concept Book: Shadow Clone? Huh? What is this?''


    Even before opening his eyes to see his surroundings or remembering what happened before he lost consciousness, the content of the Concept Book named Shadow Clone was the first thing that flashed in his head.


    Although the information was seemingly etched into a part of his memory which he could flip open its pages like a physical book if he focused his mind, most of the words written inside that book were incomprehensible for him.


    Aldrin skimmed through its contents just for the heck it and gradually, he began to remember what happened before his vision went dark.


    However, as soon as he opened his eyes, he was met with the gorgeous face of Alisa along with the soft sensation at the back of his head.


    ''Wait? Did I die and I am currently experiencing paradise?'' Another thought entered his mind.


    He was aware where his head was currently resting and judging from that worried face of his former classmate, it''s not wrong to think that he was in paradise given that this situation was normally impossible.


    "You''re awake! Thank God!"


    Aldrin clearly heard the joy in Alisa''s voice upon seeing him awake.


    And at this point, his eyes suddenly widened.


    Before he could respond to Alisa''s joyful exclamation, he finally remembered what happened and why he lost consciousness.


    ''I successfully awakened¡­ I endured the pain and¡­'' Once he reached this line of thought, he focused his senses to the inside of his body, Or more specifically, to the location of the sphere that formed from the gathering of the Dimensional Energy to that spot as well as the refinement of the gathered energy.


    While focusing on that spot, Aldrin remembered what the public populace knew about Energy Refiners.


    Apart from sensing the everpresent Dimensional Energy, Energy Refiners had the ability to harness, refine and use the Dimensional Energy for themselves.


    Obviously, Energy Refining was the primary ability of every Energy Refiner.


    And to Aldrin''s understanding of the Awakening process that he had undergone, the sphere that formed inside his body was his first craft as an Energy Refiner.


    The Energy Quintessence.


    If at first, the Dimensional Energy that was being injected or absorbed by his body was spreading, this time, as an awakened Energy Refiner, Aldrin could feel that the energy was gathered at the Energy Quintessence.


    From there, it was meticulously refined turning the raw Dimensional Energy into something unique to him before being distributed to every part of his body.


    This was the state of being an Energy Refiner. The Refined Energy was solely his to dispatch or use. Moreover, if he wanted to, he could now harness the everpresent Dimensional Energy in his surroundings.


    Even if he stopped converting IDLE Points to Dimensional Energy, Aldrin could tap into the seemingly endless Dimensional Energy, albeit slowly. And it all depended on his future development.


    For this new lease in his life, this was just the start.


    "Aldrin, stop staring at Alisa and get up. We have to hide in the shelter."


    This time, another voice reached Aldrin''s ears. His friend''s


    Bert was currently shaking his head while also smilingly watching Aldrin, ''He finally got his bout of luck. Good for him¡­ But when will it be my turn?!''


    Contrary to the expression he was displaying, Bert was lamenting about his luck. Despite that, he would be lying if he didn''t say he''s envious but more than that, he''s happy for the windfall that happened for his friend.


    As for the trigger of Aldrin''s awakening, he''s not sure. All they saw was Aldrin standing frozen and the next second, he awakened.


    It didn''t cross his mind that the phone of his friend was suspicious. In the first place, he saw nothing unordinary from that phone.


    When Aldrin heard Bert''s voice, he realized that he''s right. Instead of standing up after Alisa''s exclamation, he ended up remembering what happened and got lost in his thoughts.


    Now that his wandering mind returned, he noticed how Alisa was now shyly embarrassing her face.


    By deducing the whole situation, Alisa picked him up and made him comfortable when he lost consciousness but instead of thanking her, he ended up embarrassing her this time.


    He was unconscious for only a few minutes, otherwise, he would''ve been brought inside by Bert.


    "I apologize, Alisa." Aldrin hurriedly stood up from her lap and apologized.


    "It''s fine. I am aware you''re in deep thought and not staring at me¡­ I just can''t help it." Alisa replied as slowly got up.


    Upon seeing that Aldrin helped her while uttering his gratitude towards her.


    He was truly thankful to the woman for letting him use her lap and understanding the situation by not turning it awkward.


    Following that, he guided Alisa towards the entrance of the Emergency Shelter and let her climb down first. Before disappearing inside, Alisa raised her head to look at him, wordlessly asking why he''s not climbing down after her.


    To answer that, Aldrin gently shook his head and nodded soon afterward.


    He had no idea if Alisa understood it. However, seeing her nod and continuing her descent, she probably did.


    Soon afterward, Aldrin faced his friend. By just looking at how his arms were crossed, he''s waiting for him to climb down.


    However, Aldrin had other plans¡­ He was aware that he was probably making a stupid decision this time. Yet, he couldn''t help but remember Renissa''s figure that was gracefully fighting against a Rift Monster.


    If another Ruin Monster arrived, their classmate, who helped them escape and was now risking her life to defend the normal citizens, would be in grave danger.


    He''s now an Energy Refiner. And he has the IDLE Database.


    It''s not like he would just throw away his life. If he found out that he would just become easy prey, he wouldn''t hesitate to run.


    But even if there''s only a slim possibility that he could stand on par against the Rift Monsters, he chose to gamble on it.


    "Bert, you go first."


    The six lady guards had already entered before Alisa. Bert only remained here because he was the one who would be closing the shelter doors.


    Upon hearing Aldrin''s words, Bert immediately frowned. "What? Do you plan on going back aboveground? Just because you awakened as an Energy Refiner? Do you think you''re invincible now? Please, don''t act like a hero, dude."


    He''s from an Energy Refiner family. He knew that even if Aldrin awakened this time, he would still be a far cry from Renissa''s display of prowess. In his mind, this friend of his probably developed a hero complex. Before it developed, he wanted to wake him up.


    If Aldrin was gratified with his continuous friendship despite falling to the lowest depths, Bert also had a reason why he''s still friends with him. Perhaps Aldrin had already forgotten it but he''s the one who encouraged him to change himself from the fatty who had no direction in life to the business-driven guy of today.


    "No. I knew you would think that. I''m not invincible. I''m aware of that. And I''m not a hero. But Bert, Renissa shielded us even if that''s not her duty. She didn''t hesitate to jump up and block the Ruin Monster to let us escape. Now that I might be able to help her, even if only to escape, I will do it. This isn''t heroism, this is me wanting to help a former classmate and repay what she did for us."


    Bert took a while to digest Aldrin''s answer and upon focusing on his resolute expression, he could only sigh and accept that he wouldn''t be able to change Aldrin''s decision.


    "Alright. I don''t want to look like an ingrate. Just don''t die out there, man. You finally got your chance to change your life. Don''t waste it." Upon saying that, Bert began descending the ladder.


    "Don''t worry. You still have to give me fees for a hotel where I can sleep. I will be back with all my limbs intact." Aldrin answered as he waited for Bert to fully descend before closing the door to the Emergency Shelter.


    And as soon as he did, Aldrin raised the phone that remained clutched in his hand.


    As soon as the screen lit up and the IDLE Database''s interface once again appeared before him, he quickly read the things missed earlier before tapping the shopping cart icon.


    After converting the 170 IDLE Points to Dimensional Energy, he still has 300 IDLE Points to spend with.


    And without hesitation, he used all 300 points to buy two Weapons and one piece of Armor.


    The delivery time estimate was one second to one day. However, after being exposed to the bizarre things that the IDLE Database could do, Aldrin had built a certain trust that even if he''s in a place ridden with Rift Monsters, what he bought would be successfully delivered to him.


    He decided to wait for it upstairs so he began ascending while at the same time, reading the Concept Book that he received from the depths of his mind.


    He put it at the back of his mind earlier. However, with the ''Summon Dimensional Clone'' presented to him as a new feature to bring his Dimensional Clone out to the real world, it was not a coincidence that the IDLE Database granted the Concept to him¡­


    After his awakening, he was supposed to become enlightened in the Shadow Clone concept.

 Chapter 22 - Shadow Clone Concept

    Because of how limited the information about Energy Refiners to the public, Aldrin had no idea about Concept. He wondered about it when he saw that he could purchase a Concept Book through Idle Shopping, but without any other explanation, he skipped it.


    And this time, although the whole book about it was etched in his mind, Aldrin had to focus on what he''s reading to become enlightened with it.


    Fortunately, there''s a brief explanation about Concept. What it is and what it is used for.


    If Energy Refiners could refine the everpresent Dimensional Energy to transform it into something uniquely connected to them, Concept was the application to which refined Dimensional Energy could be used.


    Taken by the literal meaning of it, Concept was the thought of an Energy Refiner how he or she would transform his or her refined Dimensional Energy.


    In reality, although there were countless things to conceptualize into a Concept as an Energy Refiner, realizing and using it was a different story. That''s why there were books written to guide Energy Refiners to realize the Concept they chose or what they had in hand.


    Consequently, Concept had different levels or categories. The strongest concepts were those in their purest essence like Light or Darkness. As for the Shadow Clone Concept that Aldrin was trying to be enlightened with, it wasn''t as pure as the two examples.


    There was a line in the concept book that explained the essence of the Shadow Clone Concept.


    ''There can be no Shadow without Light and Darkness.''


    Although it only explained the Shadow Concept, the second word ''Clone'' most likely further diluted it.


    To check it, Aldrin went to the Idle Shopping interface and searched for ''Shadow'' Concept Books.


    And as he expected, there were numerous Shadow + Word Concepts but no Shadow Concept alone.


    There were also no Light, Darkness, Fire, Water and any other word that Aldrin thought would be a purest essence.


    Most likely, he couldn''t buy those strongest Concepts or they were just needed to be unlocked.


    Either way, with just that few lines, Aldrin was gradually becoming enlightened with the Shadow Clone Concept as he continued reading the contents of the Concept Book.


    By the time he reached the second floor and before the stairs going to the third, Aldrin achieved the complete enlightenment about the Shadow Clone Concept.


    ''Shadow Clone.'' Aldrin silently murmured and from inside him, he could clearly feel his Energy Quintessence and the refined Dimensional Energy churning about.


    Although unbelievable at first, Aldrin watched as his stretched shadow on the ground materialized into a semi-transparent Shadow Clone possessing his own figure.


    After ordering it to go upstairs to help Renissa, it instantly moved without making any sound. And surprisingly, he was aware of its every movement as if he now possessed another set of eyes.


    ''Should I be amazed at myself or not?''


    In the end, it wasn''t as hard as he thought at first. Or perhaps, it was just a low-level Concept that anyone could be enlightened with.


    There was a bit of a problem though. Even if he was enlightened before he reached the third floor where Renissa was currently fighting and he even sent a Shadow Clone to help her, he didn''t leave a spare of 100 IDLE Points to use the ''Summon Dimensional Clone'' because of how pessimistic he was for his chances earlier.


    ''If I survive this day, I will start leaving a spare of 100 IDLE Points in the storage¡­'' Aldrin vowed as he began ascending the last flight of stairs.


    The Dimensional Clone should be different from a Shadow Clone. And that''s the reason why it was a feature from the IDLE Database.


    ''It will be superior due to how my Dimensional Clones can become stronger than my own self through the upgrades and enhancements in the Idle Adventure mode.'' Aldrin concluded.


    Following that, Aldrin shook his head to clear his mind and follow behind his Shadow Clone.


    He actually tried to materialize another one. Unfortunately, the refined Dimensional Energy was not enough or his further understanding of the Shadow Clone was still not enough.


    -


    -


    At the same time as Aldrin was ascending the stairs, Renissa, who was locked in a fight against one Rift Monster, began to feel the fatigue.


    She was inexperienced and on top of that, she expended a great part of her refined Dimensional Energy to save her classmates.


    Renissa told the truth earlier when Aldrin asked her about her hair and the breeze of icy-cold wind that immediately formed beads of ice. It was because of her still being a novice resulting in the Concept she got enlightened with to be out of her complete control.


    Fortunately, she brought her Equipment Case with her. If not for that, she would be as helpless as them.


    "Die!" Renissa brandished her katana and made an upward diagonal slash as soon as he saw the chance.


    The white katana that was covered with her Icy Breeze Concept issued a sizzling sound and produced an almost suffocating stream when it drew a line the quadrupedal flame beast''s body.


    A dying howl immediately echoed across the whole VIP Room where they had just been drinking earlier.


    Following that, the slightly huge body of the beast fell down from above and crashed onto the thin ice film breaking it into pieces before finally landing on the ground, lifeless.


    Upon seeing that, Renissa softly landed on the ground and swung her katana clean before sheathing it back.


    Thinking back to the training that she had undergone ever since awakening as an Energy Refiner, Renissa aimed to end this fight and¡­ find somewhere to hide.


    She''s already exhausted. Moreover, she didn''t possess a Metadome slug it out against these Rift Monsters.


    However, before she could even think of leaving the room, another chill ran down her spine.


    Without taking the time to check where it was coming from, Renissa hurriedly rolled out of the way.


    BLAZE!


    A few seconds later, a fireball landed from her previous position bursting into the floor, burning in it.


    Had she failed to dodge, she would''ve been burnt and scorched black by that fire.


    From above the destroyed roof, another flying flame beast could be seen descending.


    "Another one¡­ I have no mo¡ª" Before Renissa could finish her despairing sentence, she was astounded to see a shadowy figure suddenly appearing in front of her. And without any indication, it seemingly wanted to protect her from the beast.


    A few seconds later, the shadowy figure leaped from the ground to meet the flying beast mid-air.


    "Has the City Hall Guards arrived?"


    That''s the first possibility she thought of. However, she instantly rejected it.


    If they arrived, she would''ve heard the loud engines of the Metadomes and the explosion caused by the soldiers'' weapons.


    "Am I late?!"


    And while she''s thinking of another possibility, another figure appeared from the opened door of the room.


    Turning her gaze towards the newcomer, Renissa''s eyes widened. "Aldrin, what are you doing here?! I told you to escape!"


    "Thankfully, I''m not late." Instead of answering that slightly agitated question, Aldrin approached Renissa with a relieved expression as he tried to help her stand up. "I''m sorry. It''s not that I didn''t follow your words. You see¡­"


    Aldrin trailed his voice and pointed above which Renissa''s gaze followed after.


    At the moment, the Shadow Clone that jumped upwards had finally met the Rift Monster.


    Before their eyes, the Shadow Clone faced the flaming claws of the beast with its semi-transparent fist.


    And to Renissa''s utter surprise, the result was even! The beast was pushed back while the Shadow Clone dropped to the ground.


    As if something clicked in her mind, Renissa looked at the man next to her. "You¡­ You awakened."


    "Yes. Fortunately or unfortunately." Aldrin answered with a wry smile. In his mind, he was also surprised that the clone withstood that.


    "No¡­ Is that your Concept? How?!"


    Before everything went down earlier, she already noticed that the man in front of her was brimming with Dimensional Energy in his body. However, the thing she was truly baffled at was the fact that he now had a Concept!


    "Something like that? I don''t know how to explain it but can we skip the questions for later? My Shadow Clone isn''t invincible. Let''s escape."


    Although it appeared as if that clash was even, the clone was actually damaged to the point that it was already on the verge of disappearing.


    And until this point, the Weapons and Armor he was waiting for still hadn''t arrived.


    That''s why instead of staying, running together was the most plausible choice given that he already noticed the exhaustion from the woman.


    "You¡­ Alright." Reeling in the curiosity building up in her mind, Renissa sighed and answered.


    Before the second clash between the Shadow Clone and the Rift Monster happened, the two of them dashed out of the room.

 Chapter 23 - Inevitable Fight

    As the two Energy Refiners began descending the stairs and away from the Rift Monster that could probably take down Aldrin''s Shadow Clone at any moment, Renissa''s curiosity about Aldrin ended up being unable to be contained by her.


    In her knowledge, a Concept was something hard to gain enlightenment by oneself, especially if someone didn''t refer to a Concept Book. The even more special fact about Aldrin was no one or even if there was, it was super rare for a newly-awakened Energy Refiner to become enlightened with a Concept.


    Renissa had even begun to suspect that Aldrin was already awakened long before this reunion. However, upon remembering what she saw earlier, it all pointed to that suspicion to be false.


    ''If he''s not awakened before, then he must be a rare talent. He also awakened in a different way than me.'' That kind of idea ran around her head as she constantly looked back to Aldrin that was running beside her.''


    -


    -


    "Uh... Can you stop staring at me? I told you. I will answer your questions later. By the way, you''re not injured in any way, are you?"


    Aldrin noticed how Renissa kept on staring at him even though they''re supposed to be in a hurry. That''s why before any of them became uncomfortable with it, Aldrin opened a conversation as soon as they reached the ground floor of Paradise Hall.


    Even though he could somehow guess what''s going on in her head, now''s not the time for questions.


    Truthfully, he was actually amazed upon seeing that Renissa managed to kill the Rift Monster from earlier. But when he noticed that the fluctuations of her icy-cold hair were less intense than what she showed earlier, Aldrin guessed that Renissa probably used up most of her strength to accomplish that feat.


    ''A single Rift Monster reduced an Energy Refiner who trained for a month in this state... That goes to show that I will suffer worse if I ever faced one of them alone... Then there''s a flood of them outside! No wonder the use of Metadomes is normalized. They will lose numerous soldiers without it.'' Aldrin shook his head as he thought of that possibility.


    Despite hearing Aldrin''s words and questions, Renissa still took a while to respond to him. "... I''m not injured. Just low on refined energy. I need to replenish it."


    "I see. I might need to replenish mine as well. I can''t summon another Shadow Clone."


    The vision of the Shadow Clone they left behind had already disappeared. Although he saw how it tried to fight back against the Rift Monster, it didn''t put up much of a fight to give Aldrin an idea of how to defeat it by himself.


    Perhaps only remembering this time that he was supposed to be a newly-awakened Energy Refiner, Aldrin watched Renissa react to his words rather strongly. "That''s normal! It''s already a wonder you can do it almost instantly after awakening."


    "Is that so?" Aldrin wondered. But upon thinking about it, he found that Renissa was right. It was too strange for him to Awaken and at the same time possess a Concept.


    In any case, Aldrin thought that even if she asked him later about that, he had to make an excuse because pointing to the IDLE Database would be useless or he might be seen as outright lying.


    Better create a believable lie than tell the truth and be perceived as lying because she wouldn''t know what IDLE Database is. Furthermore, it was already proven that no one could see it... Alisa, Bert and those with him earlier never saw it and thought of it as him just staring at his phone.


    Following that the two Energy Refiners began to look for a place to hide while waiting for the Metadomes of the City Hall Guards and replenishing their refined energy to use a Concept if they ever faced against a Rift Monster again.


    They naturally avoided going to the Emergency Shelter lest they implicate those hiding there. That''s why even if they already found an obscure place, namely the bathroom, they stayed vigilant.


    Five minutes later, Aldrin was instantly alerted when he heard a distinct growl of the beast slowly nearing their position. If he''s not wrong it was the same beast that was on the third floor earlier.


    Apart from its growl, they could also hear the walls of the place being destroyed by it. And most likely it was searching for them.


    Although they didn''t look like it, Aldrin started to suspect that the Rift Monster was an intelligent species.


    Beside him, Renissa also opened her eyes, cutting off her refinement of Dimensional Energy before gripping her katana tightly.


    The two looked at each other and without words exchanged between them, they dashed out of their hiding spot.


    The space inside the bathroom was narrow, if the Rift Monster found them there, they would be at an extreme disadvantage.


    They had no other choice. They had to move into a bigger space if fighting was inevitable. Besides, leaving the restaurant was not a good idea. Instead of one, they would be faced with a horde of Rift Monsters while inside this restaurant, they only need to defeat this one.


    Although Aldrin was lamenting the plight of his friend''s main branch of business, he knew that it was inevitable.


    -


    -


    When they arrived at the lounge and dining area of the restaurant, they finally heard the arrival of the Metadomes and the engines of vehicles that were most likely evacuating those in every building and house''s shelter from a distance.


    Considering the restaurant was unluckily located near the Dimensional Rift, they believed that it would still be some time before they were granted relief by the experts at handling this situation.


    "Have you recovered enough?" Aldrin asked her which Renissa answered with a nod.


    "Enough to last against another one if you use your Concept again."


    "I see. But I can fight too, you know?"


    "How? You''re empty-handed."


    "Me? Not anymore." While showing a rare smirk, Aldrin pointed outside.


    And when Renissa followed what he was pointing at, she saw a flying courier drone carrying a metallic suitcase almost the same as her Equipment Case.


    It entered Paradise Hall and dropped the suitcase in front of Aldrin before flying away.


    "You..."


    "Renissa, questions later, okay?" Aldrin cut her off as he picked up the suitcase that surprisingly used biometrics to unlock.


    After a few beeping sounds that indicated a correct verification of his identity, just like what happened when Renissa''s suitcase opened, two different types of weapons fell on Aldrin''s hands before a small black breastplate attached itself to his chest, providing protection to it.


    As he excitedly stared at the black-gripped Sword that was a meter long as well as a brown handgun, he recalled the specifications of what he bought at the Idle Shopping interface.


    With only 300 IDLE Points, the best he could buy was the cheapest that cost him 100 IDLE Points each.


    [Blacksteel Sword


    Grade: 1


    Specifications: A standard sword used by Energy Refiners. Its sharpness can be enhanced by using refined Dimensional Energy]


    [Stag Mk.1


    Grade: 1


    Type: Handgun


    Specifications: A standard handgun used by Energy Refiners. It uses refined Dimensional Energy to craft bullets.]


    [Basic Refiner Breastplate


    Grade: 1


    Specifications: A part of Basic Refiner Battlesuit. Made from a special alloy that is known to be durable. It uses refined Dimensional Energy to repair or enhance its durability. Will transform into a whole Battlesuit once all parts are collected which will provide further enhancement for the wearer]


    ''As expected, IDLE Database will not fail me. Although Renissa''s question towards me probably piled up again, I would think of an answer later.'' Aldrin thought as he calmly stood next to the flabbergasted woman.


    "...What the hell are you?"


    That''s the only question she could utter and with complete difficulty before the Rift Monster finally appeared before them.


    "Let''s see. I''m an Energy Refiner like you." Aldrin calmly answered as he pointed the handgun towards the newcomer and unhesitatingly pulled the trigger.


    BANG!


    Before even the bullet could hit the same quadrupedal beast, Aldrin fired two more shots as he dashed forward.


    And with the sound of gunshots, the stupefied Renissa woke up as she gritted her teeth to follow after him.


    "My Concept is the most effective against it as long as it will not be able to counter or block me. Can you take his attention so I can deal with it?" With her mind geared up for combat, a suggestion and advice instantly left her mouth.


    "Understood."


    Although he might appear fearless for someone who had just awakened, Aldrin was just taking in the reality of the situation. If he didn''t fight and just cowered in some corner, what''s the use of being Awakened?


    With Renissa who already killed one of these cooperating with him, he just needed to follow her strategy at the moment.


    With the three energy bullets hitting the beast''s skin, it howled towards his direction and spit a fireball.


    Upon seeing that, instead of dodging sideways, Aldrin rolled forward, letting the fireball shoot past him.


    Following that, with his remaining refined energy, a Shadow Clone formed beside him.


    After throwing the sword in his hand and ordering it to charge towards the beast, Aldrin then stood on one knee and carefully aimed his handgun.


    BANG! BANG! BANG!


    At the same time as the three energy bullets hit the Rift Monster, his Shadow Clone arrived and slashed his sword at it.


    However, the beast used its sharp claws to block the sword.


    Upon seeing that, Aldrin wasn''t worried.


    He was successful with his role after all.


    As a cold breeze swept over his position, Aldrin saw the icy blue-haired Renissa appearing from behind the quadrupedal winged beast.


    With the Shadow Clone taking the beast''s attention, Renissa slashed her white katana to its two wings.


    While the scorching hot blood spurted out from it, Renissa''s katana then became covered with ice as her Icy Breeze Concept enhanced her slicing power.


    Just like earlier, steam rose as the ice from her sword and the fiery flesh of the beast made contact.


    Without any chance to defend itself, the beast howled its last even before Renissa landed on the ground.


    And that''s because the Shadow Clone also used the opportunity to stab the sword in its hand to the beast''s throat.


    As something that could be counted as Aldrin''s first battle as an Energy Refiner.... they won against it in less than a minute! Moreover, it was his Concept that actually dealt the final blow!

 Chapter 24 - Energy Refiner Industry

    According to the knowledge Aldrin learned from school, Dimensional Rifts would always stay open until closed by someone.


    That''s why it was always nothing short of a disaster every time the Dimensional Disruptor failed and the Rift opened in the middle of a city.


    The infrastructures that were built to withstand any sort of natural disaster would suffer the most damage and casualties would be inevitable.


    Paradise Hall being relatively safe was no more than a coincidence. Even without checking them, Aldrin believed that those who failed to run inside Emergency Shelters or those who ran out of establishments in panic were just running to their deaths.


    Dimensional Rifts were abrupt and apart from Energy Refiners and trained soldiers, it would be a miracle for a normal citizen to survive the onslaught pouring out from it.


    If not for his encounter with IDLE Database, he would be like his friend and their classmates, hiding inside a shelter while hoping that they would be safe until the rescue arrived.


    "Will you stay here? I contacted the corporation I belonged to. They will send me a Metadome for my use. Moreover, I also received an order to join the efforts in closing the Rift. I can''t help but think that I am now more in danger after becoming an Energy Refiner."


    While scouting the situation outside the Paradise Hall where the same quadrupedal winged beasts could be seen either running or flying towards the source of explosions and engine sounds at the distance, Aldrin heard Renissa''s words that was coated with her lamentations over her changed life.


    Upon hearing that, Aldrin also began thinking about his own situation. He was enticed by the chance to change his life. Furthermore, when he became aware that he had the possibility to become an Energy Refiner, he was truly elated.


    However, at this moment and after becoming one, he was finally faced with the fact that... his life had just become more complicated than how it was originally.


    As a slacker, he would probably die of old age living a normal life or if he''s unlucky, die from an accident like a Dimensional Rift or just an ordinary accident.


    As an Energy Refiner, he would truly go up the ladder of society but at the same time, he would be exposed to the complicated world which every Energy Refiner was facing. The dangers would also be far more possible than the low probability of being caught in a Rift incident like this.


    But if he asked himself whether he had begun regretting his decision, Aldrin would instantly answer no.


    As for the reason... his family.


    At the moment, that''s the reason why he wanted to change into something else.


    He had already decided that if he ever survived this day, he would return, apologize and show them what changed in him.


    And through IDLE Database, he was going to make sure that his family would be living a more comfortable life in the future.


    "I guess I have no other choice but to stay here. Even if I became an Energy Refiner this time, that''s the limit I could do. Help you to show my gratitude for earlier." Aldrin answered.


    The two dead Rift Monsters inside this restaurant were only a small number compared to hundreds or perhaps thousands of the same beasts from the Dimensional Rift.


    Even if they rejoiced earlier, it was only for their survival. But the threat wouldn''t end unless the opened Dimensional Rift was closed.


    Upon hearing his answer, Renissa put a palm on her forehead, reprimanding herself. "That''s right... I keep forgetting you had just awakened because of your stellar performance... I am also new to this world but unlike you, it took me this long to settle myself in this new life."


    "I bet you also have no idea about the Corporation I mentioned. So here, let me give you some tidbits. When I registered at the Refiner''s Association, I was approached by the City Hall and two private Corporations offering incentives and benefits to become an Energy Refiner who will work as an employee to them."


    "And you can probably guess why Energy Refiners like us will be recruited by the City Hall. To fight for and defend the City from threats. On the contrary, the Corporations are essential for us Refiners who don''t want to be tied to the government. They will offer us the alternative of doing contractual work instead. In exchange for them providing us benefits and the essentials for Energy Refiners; not limited to equipment and training, we will be sent by them to fight in cases like this."


    "As for how they will earn from us... See that corpse of the Rift Monster we killed? It''s a valuable resource that could be sold or made into ingredients and materials. By sending their employed Energy Refiners, they will earn a share of looted resources. Naturally, the government or the City Hall will also offer the same thing but... your freedom will be limited. When you register, if we ever survive this day, choose wisely."


    Renissa ended her explanation by patting Aldrin on his shoulder and whispering her gratitude to him for appearing back then.


    Following that, Renissa bid him take care as she dashed out of the Paradise Hall to welcome the vehicle transporting her Metadome as well as fellow Energy Refiners employed by the same corporation she belonged to.


    Upon counting, there were at least four of them, five including Renissa who were all operating a five-meter tall bulky humanoid mechanical construct.


    Engraved on the shoulder of each Metadome was a snowflake logo of the corporation they belonged to... the Frostland Corporation.


    At this moment, Aldrin was enlightened with one fact: The announcement from the City Hall wasn''t counting Energy Refiners from Corporations like them. They''re only highlighting those who belonged to them to instill the fact that the city was defended by the City Hall Guards.


    But those who were working in this industry and risking their lives in frontlines like these were aware of what''s really going on.


    Perhaps it was to make sure that there would be peace and order for the normal citizens and to make them trust the government more. Or perhaps there were other different explanations.


    Either way, for Aldrin at this moment, his eyes were slowly being peeled to what''s really happening in the world or the wide universe.


    -


    -


    A few minutes after the five Metadomes from the Frostland Corporation charged and pushed the frontline of the battlefield towards the vicinity of the Dimensional Rift, rescue vehicles finally arrived to evacuate those hiding in the Emergency Shelter.


    "Aldrin, are you not going to evacuate with us?" With a hint of worry to his voice, Aldrin heard Bert''s question when he and Alisa stopped for a bit upon noticing him remaining standing at his spot.


    As his answer, Aldrin shook his head, "I want to watch how this will all end. Even if I will not be able to contribute more, this is my world now, Bert. Besides, the spot I will be leaving means another life rescued."


    "Stop trying to be a hero, dude. Tell him, Alisa."


    Having the baton suddenly passed to her, Alisa was initially surprised but regained her composure soon after. "Eh? What should I say? He doesn''t look like he is going to be persuaded, even by me... Then let me say this instead... Take care, Aldrin. I still have to apologize to you."


    "What? I''m not dying anytime soon. I''m just going to watch it here. And if it''s about how you use me to dodge Oliver earlier, you don''t need to apologize. Go on now, you two. The vehicle is waiting." Aldrin put on a calm smile to reassure them before urging the two.


    He still had no heroic thoughts in his mind after all that he experienced. The talk about his supposed seat was just him stating a fact.


    After seeing Bert and Alisa leave and board the rescue vehicle, Aldrin moved out of the ruined Paradise Hall to get a better view of the battlefield.


    He wanted to see how they would close the Dimensional Rift. Moreover, he got taken in by his curiosity to look at what''s on the side of the rift.


    He still remembered what the IDLE Database warned him about...


    [The Dimension at the other side of the Rift is currently too dangerous for the Host.]


    ''Does that mean it''s possible to pass through that Rift and arrive in another Dimension?'' Aldrin wondered.

 Chapter 25 - Man-made?

    While following along a throng of Metadomes, the Lonewind City Mayor received an update from the frontlines.


    No matter how quickly he responded, it still took minutes before the first wave of Metadomes from the City Hall Guards arrived at the place.


    By then, the Rift Monsters that spewed out of the Dimensional Rift had already scattered and killed a lot of civilians who failed to find a safe place or had just panicked upon being aware of the situation.


    Despite the drills and reminders, not everyone would be able to react swiftly when the real deal happened. Panic would immediately set in on most of the people and only after a few minutes of chaos would they come to remember that they were prepared to respond to this kind of disaster.


    However, when that time comes, it would be too late for most of them.


    "Windguards, let''s increase our pace and catch up with Commander Yun. Tell the three Corporations and the Refiner''s Association to not let the damage spread to the neighboring districts." The Lonewind City Mayor ordered after reading the report.


    The population of the Southern District was around 100,000. And the Lonewind City as a whole was 1.2 million. The figures sent to him which listed the confirmed casualties had already reached 40% of the Southern District''s population.


    In the last two years of his duty as the Mayor of this Secondary City under the Federation, this incident was the one with the highest casualty rate.


    With his fist clenched tightly, the Lonewind City Mayor was already lamenting about it being recorded in his list of achievements and failures.


    Even if it was considered an unexpected event or accident because of the failure of the Dimensional Disruptor, everything happened under his watch.


    He could mend it with his quick response but it would still leave a stain on his record.


    "Also, give me a chance to show through the media that I am fighting alongside all of you." The Lonewind City Mayor added as he sped up the flying speed of his 5-meter tall green Metadome that was more sophisticated in design than what the Frostland Corporation provided for their Energy Refiners.


    -


    -


    As Aldrin moved from place to place to close in and watch the happenings towards the near subjugation of the Dimensional Rift, he was carefully treading the streets and ruined structures, making sure not to be detected by the stray Rift Monsters.


    Even if he was detected, with his increased physique after becoming an Energy Refiner, he would instantly flee and lose his pursuer.


    At this point, he was only following behind Renissa and her fellow Frostland Corporation Energy Refiners, observing how different it would be if an Energy Refiner operated a Metadome.


    Compared to how a trained soldier operated a Metadome, Energy Refiner could channel their refined energy and enlightened Concept to it.


    Aldrin witnessed how the Metadome that Renissa was piloting exuded her Icy Breeze Concept.


    She should be still depleted of her refined energy. However, thinking about it, she wouldn''t be sent to the frontlines without letting her recover or that would just be sending her to death.


    Despite being inside the tall Metadomes that towered over the winged beasts from the Dimensional Rift, if they received critical damage, especially near where they''re located inside it, the Metadome''s cockpit, it would be a miracle not to suffer an injury.


    From Aldrin''s point of view, even if he received or bought his own Metadome, it would take a while for him to learn how to properly operate it based on what he was witnessing.


    "Sweet! They''re finally here, time to bail out."


    After moving from one establishment to another, Aldrin suddenly paused in his steps when he heard that elated voice.


    The first thought that entered his mind was that it was a survivor. It was the most plausible possibility.


    He was about to approach the source of the voice but stopped when he heard the sound of a clear dial tone reach his ears.


    ''He''s calling someone?'' Instead of approaching the source, Aldrin rested his back on the remaining standing wall of one establishment. Truthfully, he had no idea why he suddenly chose to not approach the owner of the voice. Perhaps it was a gut feeling.


    To make sure that he was just being paranoid, Aldrin tried peeking from where he was. What he could see was the back of an adult man inside a seemingly obscure house.


    The interior was dark. His hands and the lower half of his body were the only parts that were being illuminated by the light coming from outside.


    By Aldrin''s observation, the man was standing with a straight back confidently and he didn''t appear to be a civilian who should be hiding in an Emergency Shelter.


    However, he was sure that the man was wearing civilian clothing yet on one of his hands was a handgun.


    Even though he''s a distance away from it, Aldrin wouldn''t mistake it when he was also gripping one.


    Due to that, Aldrin trained his eyes to focus on what type of gun it was.


    He was aware that it was legal to own one in this day and age. But normal civilians were only allowed those low calibers and non-Dimensional Energy-integrated firearms.


    With his eyes that were somehow enhanced after becoming awakened, what he saw from the man''s hand wasn''t an ordinary handgun.


    In fact, it''s something he had just seen earlier... in the list of items in the Handgun Section of Idle Shopping.


    An Energy Refiner weapon.


    ''An Energy Refiner?!'' Aldrin exclaimed inwardly.


    Upon considering what he heard from the man, Aldrin suddenly thought of a grave possibility and it immediately made him freeze in place, not daring to peek again in case the man noticed that he was observing him and was eavesdropping.


    At the moment, following Renissa and watching the process of closing the Dimensional Rift was already thrown out of his mind. He somehow felt that he stumbled into something he shouldn''t.


    Nonetheless, that didn''t stop him from doing something. Before the dial tone ended, Aldrin pulled out his phone and opened the recorder app. Without delay, he tapped the record button at the same time as he heard the dial tone stopped.


    The place was kind of noisy due to the sound of engines all around.


    However, perhaps thinking that there was no one who could hear him, the man''s voice was loud enough for the recorder to capture when he began talking to whoever was on the receiving end of his call.


    "Hey? Are you hearing this? I need an extraction out of this shithole! The busybodies have arrived. Tell the man from the Council that the trial of the product was a success. It rendered the Dimensional Disruptor null."


    Before Aldrin could react to the words the man uttered, his voice continued and this time, it confused or rather it further proved the possibility Aldrin thought of resulting in his heart beating faster from nervousness...


    "What? Obviously, I had already taken care of dispatching evidence and eyewitnesses... Make sure? Alright, alright. Stop nagging me. I made sure. Tell them to pick me up outside the wall. No delay. I don''t bring my Metadome with me for this trial so it will be bad if someone from either the Federation or the Refiner Association spotted me. I''m not supposed to be here."


    As soon as the man ended his words, silence ensued.


    However, tension couldn''t help but rise in Aldrin''s mind.


    Because a few seconds later, he heard footsteps approaching his direction.


    ''Am I detected by him?'' With his back remaining prone to the wall, Aldrin held his breath.


    As the volume of the footsteps gradually rose, Aldrin believed that if he didn''t move, he would be found out.


    He recorded what he heard and even if there were background noises, he knew that anyone would be able to dissect the words the man uttered.


    He didn''t know what he would use the recording for but if this Dimensional Rift was truly man-made according to what he heard, then this needed to reach the necessary authority.


    However... the first thing he needed to do was to prevent himself from being found out.


    ''He mentioned taking care of eyewitnesses. There''s no doubt that I will also be another body he will take care of if he finds me here... I need to escape.'' Despite the tension, Aldrin looked for a place to run into.


    However, before the footsteps reached his position or he decided on a direction, loud sounds of Metadome engines approached from above the sky.


    "Crap! That showoff mayor and his cronies!" The voice of the man rang out followed by his footsteps going in the direction of the outer wall of the Southern District.


    A few seconds after the sounds of footsteps disappeared into the distance, Aldrin heaved a sigh of relief. ''He escaped... Am I lucky or what?'' He then raised his phone and played the recorded audio. ''But what am I to do with this? The Mayor? Right... I better submit this... However, do I need to hide my identity?''


    Aldrin still had the stand of not doing anything heroic. But the secret he stumbled upon not only concerned him but... concerned every city. Forget other cities, if the Dimensional Rift was opened in the Southern District where his family was located. Moreover, it was deliberately opened like this... Aldrin suddenly felt a cold feeling passing through his body.


    ''It''s unacceptable!'' Aldrin declared in his mind while clutching his phone tightly.

 Chapter 26 - The Aftermath

    Around two kilometers outside the southern wall of the Lonewind City, a lone figure could be seen seemingly gliding through the wind.


    It''s the same man that Aldrin saw earlier.


    At the moment, a faint green wisp of energy could be seen covering his whole person.


    With this, there''s no doubt that he''s an Energy Refiner. And not just a novice Energy Refiner like Aldrin or Renissa. He was an experienced Energy Refiner that already traveled around the planet, working as a mercenary for someone other than the existing government in the Planet Dualmoon.


    After a while, the man stopped in place when a huge shadow loomed above him.


    At first, nothing could be seen except feeling the raging winds and hearing the faint sound of the engine and turbines that was totally subdued.


    A few seconds later, a silver jet gradually appeared with its cloaking mechanism deactivated.


    The figure from below didn''t hesitate as a green burst of energy shot from his feet, propelling him upwards.


    As soon as he reached the height of the silver jet, its door opened and he changed trajectory to hop inside.


    The cloaking activated again before the silver jet quickly flew away from the Lonewind City.


    "Have you recorded the entire process?"


    Once he settled down on one of the seats inside the silver jet, the man in a suit next to him asked.


    "Here." He threw a recorder device in the shape of a pen towards the man in the suit which the man instantly checked with one of his devices.


    "Alright. This is great enough. Hide yourself for a while until this incident passes. You''re most likely recorded in that city''s non-citizen Energy Refiner list." The man in a suit nodded and instructed him. "Even if you took care of eyewitnesses and left no evidence, it''s always not a bad idea to add another layer of protection.


    Following that, silence ensued.


    However, inside the man in civilian clothing''s mind, something was bothering him and it''s not the fact that he was ordered to lay low. ''There''s someone there. Whether he heard me or not was unclear. He might be an Energy Refiner but he''s probably a newly-awakened that the fluctuation of Dimensional Energy around him was too weak. If not for that showoff mayor arriving, I will not be this bothered. He better not hear anything or...''


    As his thoughts trailed, a sinister smile flashed on his lips. ''... I might need to take a trip back in the future.''


    -


    -


    After recording and living through that predicament thanks to the arrival of the City Hall Mayor who was riding his flashy Metadome along with the famous Windblades, Aldrin changed his plan of watching the entire process of closing the Dimensional Rift.


    If he could be real for a moment, the man he encountered could easily kill him. Not just because of his inexperience but because of the eerie fluctuation of Dimensional Energy being emitted by him.


    It''s totally different from what he felt from Renissa that was still somewhat gentle despite having icy properties. Or in other words, weaker than from that man.


    Because the plasma train was down for this part of the city and the seats from the rescue vehicles were better used for those who truly needed it, Aldrin, amidst corpses and destruction left behind by both Metadomes and Rift Monsters, took a few hours of walking to reach the border between the Southern and Central district that had its peripheral walls raised.


    While on the way there, Aldrin was notified through the vibration of his phone that the IDLE Database or specifically, the Idle Adventure resumed its operation as soon as he reached a certain distance away from the Dimensional Rift.


    When he checked what changed to it now that he awakened as an Energy Refiner... the difficulty of the insects experienced a change. The Worker Ants remained as Easy Difficulty but the Caterpillar and the patrolling Soldier Ants dropped to Easy and Normal Difficulty respectively.


    As for the higher leveled Ants, his Dimensional Clones failed to find one of those during the duration he was checking it.


    After reaching the Central District wall and was about to gain entry the same as the many evacuees who couldn''t wait for rescue vehicles, he was actually detected as an Energy Refiner by the guards stationed in it.


    Due to that, he was given quick passage while some of the soldiers tried to befriend him, perhaps for a favor from an Energy Refiner.


    An Energy Refiner always had a special standing in this new era. They''re the ones most responsible for closing the Dimensional Rifts so they were given some special treatments.


    Fortunately, nobody checked if he was registered to the Refiner''s Association, otherwise, it would bring him some trouble like... he might be mistaken for an undocumented Energy Refiner that was often linked to terrorist organizations.


    He could resolve it by telling the truth about him being recently awakened but... it would still take him some time to leave. Checking those who were with him earlier and his family that was also evacuated towards the neighboring Eastern District would surely be delayed.


    He walked through the busy streets of the Central District where people were all sorrowful towards what happened in the Southern District as well as the damage that spread towards the neighboring Southeastern and Southwestern Districts.


    Up above the sky, the same projection that was showing the face of a reporter as she delivered updates from the frontlines could be seen.


    [It is a grave day for the Southern District. A Dimensional Rift appearing right in the middle of the city is something we all did not expect...]


    No matter how grave the news was, it was the job of the Communications Department to deliver it to the residents of the Lonewind City.


    Although people were already given joyful news about the opened Dimensional Rift successfully closed, complete with some of the footage where the Mayor himself was fighting against the Rift Monsters, the mood of the whole city remained forlorn.


    According to the current official tally of the casualties, the number of dead residents of the Southern District alone is as high as 50,000 people. Among those 50,000 casualties, there were at least 10 Energy Refiners that fought bravely against the Rift Monsters and 200 Soldiers from the City Hall Guards who responded to their duty.


    Through the footage shown that caught the battlefield along with the people fighting in it, Aldrin caught sight of Renissa''s Metadome along with her co-workers from the Frostland Corporation.


    And as he expected, they were labeled as part of the City Hall Guards.


    Since he didn''t have her contact, Aldrin first checked on Bert, Alisa and their other classmates who were now in one of the prepared evacuation centers in the Central District.


    After knowing they''re alright and relaying to them that he was still alive, Aldrin asked Bert for Renissa''s contact to also check on her.


    When he connected to Renissa via call, she told Aldrin that she had already returned to her corporation''s branch headquarters in Lonewind City.


    As it turned out, the woman was also trying to contact him but it passed her mind to ask Bert for his contact when she also checked on them earlier.


    In any case, Renissa told him to meet her tomorrow. Before she leaves for the Primary City where a Refiner''s Academy was located.


    As thanks for his help, she thought of treating him, sharing her experience as an Energy Refiner as well as accompanying him to the Refiner''s Association to register himself as one.


    Renissa also mentioned giving him his share for that one Rift Monster they killed together. Although it was only supposed to be a small sum, she wouldn''t forget his contribution.


    If Aldrin thought that she saved them, Renissa was also thinking the same thing. If not for Aldrin, she would probably be injured and unfit to operate the Metadome or worse, dead against the second Rift Monster that appeared.


    After agreeing and setting that meeting with her, Aldrin''s feet turned towards the Central District''s Plasma Train Station.


    ''It''s better to check on them personally than only calling them... Besides, it''s been a while since I answered any of their calls or rather, I hadn''t answered them at all.'' Aldrin thought as he went to board the train towards the Eastern District.


    As Aldrin expected, most of the passengers could be seen gloomy. Such was the mood created by the unprecedented disaster of a Dimensional Rift opening and killing numerous lives.


    He quickly found a corner to sit in before the train started moving.


    With his phone in his hand, Aldrin watched the progress made by his Dimensional Clones while waiting for the train to arrive at his destination.


    RING!


    However, halfway through it, his phone lit up to show an incoming phone call... and upon seeing the name registered on it, Aldrin deliberated whether to answer or not.


    After a few seconds of deliberation, Aldrin inhaled deeply before picking it up.


    As soon as he put the phone next to his ears, the nostalgic voice of someone he hadn''t seen or heard for more than 2 years entered his ears.. "You finally had the guts to answer your phone, huh? Idiot brother."

 Chapter 27 - Third Dimensional Clone

    After hearing that kind of remark from the other line, Aldrin was more relieved than mad from how he was called.


    "Is that how you greet your brother, Althea?" With a visible smile on his lips, he addressed the caller who''s none other than his little sister.


    She''s five years younger than Aldrin and although they grew up somewhat differently, his sister looked up to him as a role model.


    He was proud of that fact until he flunked on his college entrance exams. Ashamed from that failure, he ran away from home.


    During the 1st year of his new life and when he was still working at the convenience store, Althea kept on messaging and calling him. However, he never answered.


    After being looked up to by a sister that was excellent in more ways than him, he could only be ashamed if he returned without any face to show for. Especially, when he became a slacker and thought even lower of himself years later.


    "If it''s my idiot brother who went AWOL just because he flunked all of his college entrance exams, then he deserved it. He even waited until a disaster happened nearby before having the courage to answer his beloved sister''s call." Althea answered with an extremely frustrated tone as she listed Aldrin''s wrongdoings.


    Upon hearing that, Aldrin felt like he was being stabbed multiple times because of how guilty he was. He couldn''t refute what his sister just said. It was true after all.


    "Anyway, how''s life going for you? Mom and dad are worried." His sister continued, changing her tone for the better, yet still somewhat frustrated.


    "I''m great. I''m still eating, by the way." Aldrin answered before switching the topic to the most important one at the moment. "Have you all evacuated to safety?"


    "I won''t be able to call you if that''s not the case. We''re currently in an evacuation center and will stay here overnight. Tomorrow we will be allowed to return to our house." Althea answered and told him their current status.


    "Right. How silly of me." Aldrin heaved another sigh of relief.


    Although the spread of damage was only minimal to the neighboring Districts. Minimal still amounted to a thousand casualties near the border.


    Their house was somewhere in the middle of the district so Aldrin was somewhat confident that they had evacuated safely.


    Moreover, this call from her sister was a great timing to confirm it, relieving him of worry that... It might be too late.


    After a minute of silence, his sister''s voice reached his ears once more, "Hey, I''m about to graduate high school. Won''t you at least come home to see me graduate? It''s a special occasion. Even if you forgot to greet me during my birthdays, you''re still my brother and¡­ I want us all to be there."


    ''Together...'' Aldrin lamented. In the first place, he''s the one who was too ashamed to return because of his failure.


    And now that his life changed and became an Energy Refiner through the IDLE Database, he decided to go back and apologized to them. If living together would be hard because of this new path he''s treading, Aldrin was already thinking of how he could help them. He could send money that he would earn from the IDLE Database or give them a better life.


    Either way, he wanted to atone for his selfish decision from before.


    "You''re right. You''re at that age now..." Aldrin said in amazement. "Congrats Althea. You''re finally going to surpass your useless brother."


    Upon hearing his words, Althea responded with a voice full of agitation. "You! Stop that! That''s not how I remembered you, idiot brother!"


    Perhaps if he was in front of her, his sister had already lunged at him with punches and kicks.


    "Is it? I apologize then... By the way, Althea. I''m going there. Tell me which evacuation center you are in."


    "Huh? That fast?" Surprised at his sudden announcement, Althea almost couldn''t believe it. She was asked to call him but she never thought that her brother would return like this.


    "I''m on the Plasma Train already. See you soon, Althea."


    Aldrin held off telling her that he was right in the heart of the incident location earlier. His sister was already surprised enough that if he added more shocking revelations like he survived and even killed a Rift Monster, he would probably be called delusional instead.


    In any case, he''s not going to keep it a secret for them anyway. And it was better to tell them about it in person.


    "W-wait. I''ll tell mom and dad!"


    "Sure. Message me the address. I''ll be there."


    -


    -


    After ending the phone call with his sister, Aldrin''s phone screen returned to the Idle Adventure mode interface.


    The view instantly returned to the two Dimensional Clones that were currently resting while holding onto their wounds to stop the bleeding.


    Not including the 470 IDLE Points that he received earlier, the two Dimensional Clones had already amassed more than 1000 IDLE Points throughout the few hours that passed ever since he left the vicinity of the Dimensional Rift.


    When he read the status log, during the call with his sister, the two Dimensional Clones encountered a battalion of Soldier Ants led by an Elite Soldier Ant. Although they barely won by targeting the spear-equipped Soldier Ants first, it earned Aldrin 120 IDLE Points just with that battle alone. That battalion was composed of 20 Normal Difficulty Soldier Ants and 1 Very Hard Difficulty Elite Soldier Ant.


    From what he read, the wounds the two Dimensional Clones received were mostly from the Elite Soldier. If not for the stun that was induced by Tank''s shield, the two Dimensional Clones would be dead.


    And after reading further. The Ant Colony''s alertness had already gone up another level because of the number of ants he killed. It was now more normal to encounter groups of Soldier Ants and worse a Battalion led by Elite Soldier Ants. There''s also the possibility of running into a Commander Ant that would be leading a legion of Soldier Ants.


    The one he encountered before when he first controlled the Dimensional Clone manually was most likely moving on along with those Soldier and Elite Soldier Ant. Moreover, the security of the Ant Colony wasn''t that high yet at that time. That was a lucky occurrence for him.


    If he encountered another Commander Ant, he better expect to fight against hordes of angry ants who would be too aggressive due to the threat it was facing, the lack of Worker Ants to search for food.


    ''Let''s see... There are still a few hours that will be enough for the 5th run before the reset. I better put them to work for a little bit longer.''


    Aldrin tapped on the first tab and healed the two Dimensional Clones by using 10 IDLE Points. Although they appeared ragged, as soon as their wounds disappeared, Striker and Tank grabbed their weapons and stood up to look for more prey.


    Following that, as he was totally satisfied with his current gain, Aldrin didn''t hesitate to upgrade the Multiply skill.


    ''Another worker to earn me IDLE Points... With this, a perfect party set up will finally be established.''


    [You leveled up Multiply...]


    [Generating another Dimensional Clone]


    From the screen, he watched as Striker split into two once more. Almost the same as what happened earlier, a third clickable square appeared at the Equipment section for the third Clone.


    Despite what he experienced earlier as well as seeing the Multiply Skill add another 0 to its required IDLE Points, Aldrin was grinning from ear to ear when he renamed the third Dimensional Clone to ''Hitter'' and upgraded its seven pieces of equipment except for the back part to Level 1.


    He then switched Weapon(R) to a Bow because a gun was still unavailable to be picked. As for Weapon(L), he picked a dagger. In case an enemy could creep towards Hitter, it would be able to react faster using that dagger.


    With this kind of setup, Aldrin watched the three Dimensional Clones move together and rack up 200 more points before ending the 4th run.


    He''s still a novice Energy Refiner at the moment, but seeing how his IDLE Point gains were growing bigger and bigger, Aldrin had an inkling that he wouldn''t stay like that for too long.... thanks to IDLE Database.

 Chapter 28 - Family

    [Idle Adventure Mode Run Time: 7 hours, 28 minutes, 15 seconds (Paused for 3 hours, 40 minutes, 19 seconds)]


    [Creatures killed(Before Pause): 146(6 Hard, 25 Normal, 115 Easy)]


    [Total IDLE Points gained: 530]


    [Total IDLE Points used: 60]


    [Total IDLE Points to be stored: 470]


    [Creatures killed(After Pause): 309(1 Very Hard, 24 Hard, 91 Normal, 193 Easy)


    [Total IDLE Points gained: 1294]


    [Total IDLE Points used: 1080]


    [Total IDLE Points to be stored: 214]


    [Lower Dimension Conquest progress: 10%]


    [Remaining Chances: 1 (will reset at 0:00 local time)]


    [Evaluation: C- Rating]


    ''It has only been less than seven hours since the Dimensional Rift appeared¡­ When I started the 4th run, it took me more or less than an hour to reach the Paradise Hall. And minutes after that, while I was interviewing Renissa, it happened.''


    For Aldrin, it felt like an eternity had passed. He transformed from a normal civilian to an Energy Refiner who managed to kill a Rift Monster. Beside him, there''s the Equipment Case containing his sword, gun and breastplate.


    Many lives were lost and most likely some of those were faces he had already seen before.


    If before he would say it was inevitable and everyone was prone to that danger brought by Dimensional Rifts, he couldn''t say the same today after witnessing or rather after chancing upon that clear conspiracy.


    That Lonewind City or specifically, the Southern District was used to test something.


    In his phone, there''s the audio recording of that man which pointed to the Dimensional Rift being intentionally opened by some kind of device¡­


    Humans of this new era were fighting and surviving against the onslaught of unpredictable Dimensional Rifts but for others to use it just for a trial? Aldrin''s knowledge of the world was slowly crumbling.


    It wasn''t just about Rifts and Energy Refiners anymore. In the years that passed ever since the advent of this new human civilization away from the dried-up Earth, there were more things that''s happening in the background and absent from the civilian''s knowledge.


    ''I stepped foot in this world of Energy Refiner¡­ I have no idea how deep the conspiracy about Dimensional Rifts was and I have no ability to dive into it at the moment. The best I can do at the moment is to continue using the IDLE Database to make me stronger and through that¡­ prevent the same thing from happening.'' Aldrin clenched his fist as conviction swelled inside him.


    By the time the Plasma Train stopped at the Eastern District station, Aldrin had already started the 5th run of the day.


    The 214 IDLE Points left for him were put to better use. 114 IDLE Points were stored and the remaining 100 were exchanged for another 10,000 Federation Credits.


    Before buying more Small Merchants, Aldrin harvested the IDLE Points generated by them during the hours that passed, adding 47 points to his storage.


    Although some triggered the 5% Failure chance, it''s already more than half of his capital for buying the 7 Small Merchants.


    His invested IDLE Points would return to him soon and after that will be pure profit.


    Compared to the Idle Adventure wherein it depended on his Dimensional Clones to kill creatures from a Lower Dimension, the Production Tab of Idle Shopping only needed him to wait before reaping the profits.


    For a former slacker like him, it''s the ideal life only waiting for profits without actually doing anything. If not for what he experienced and discovered today, Aldrin would''ve been rejoicing at his prospective future with the IDLE Database.


    By buying 7 more Small Merchants, Aldrin''s bank balance went back from 5 to 4 digits in less than a minute once more. And it was even lower than what was left earlier and after deducting the plasma train ticket fares, he''s down to 1770 Federation Credits.


    It was due to the price scaling¡­ The 15th Small Merchant would cost him 1700 to purchase.


    Aldrin refrained from buying more despite having the funds to do so¡­ He would be left with 70 Credits after all.


    In any case, Aldrin soothed his mind before leaving the train station by looking at the changed status of the first IDLE Points generator.


    [Hire Small Merchants to buy extraordinary stones


    Current Number of Small Merchants: 14


    Cost: 1700 Federation Credits


    Production: 2 IDLE Points/hour


    Failure Chance: 5%


    Duration: 24 hours


    Price scale: Additional 50 credits/purchase


    Current Bonus: x2 Income


    [Next Bonus: x1.5 Income at 25 Small Merchants]


    There''s still six hours before midnight. With 14 Small Merchants, Aldrin could expect up to 168 IDLE Points to harvest by that time. His invested points would return and he would have more IDLE Points to use for other things!


    -


    -


    As he walked through the streets of the Eastern District, the same forlorn atmosphere permeated all around. Nonetheless, some still tried to go on with their lives.


    Despite the disaster that struck the Southern District, normal civilians still had to continue with their daily lives. There''s nothing they could do about the disaster. Besides, their livelihood depended on their jobs. Unless they''re directly affected like the evacuees, there''s no stopping for them. They could mourn for the lost souls but that''s it, life still goes on for them¡­


    When Aldrin arrived at the evacuation center pointed by the direction given by his sister, he instantly saw how busy the place was. There were government bodies distributing supplies and food for the evacuees. There were also other organizations doing welfare work.


    The response for this kind of thing was always great and that''s the reason why the current Mayor had a high trust rating. He was just unlucky this time.


    Taking his eyes off from the busy side of the evacuation center, Aldrin searched for his little sister who should be waiting for him outside.


    It didn''t take long for him to catch sight of her. Although she''s taller than what he remembered, there''s no doubt that''s his sister.


    A little away from the main entrance to the evacuation center, Althea was standing beside a plant box with her hands slipped into the pockets of the thick and long jacket she was wearing.


    Aldrin immediately approached his sister and was welcomed by a scowl from her.


    "I thought you''re only jesting about coming but here you are¡­ Idiot brother. Let''s go." Althea turned around and began walking towards the main entrance.


    Inwardly, Althea was scolding herself for almost failing to restrain herself from jumping towards her brother like how she used to do five years ago.


    Although Aldrin noticed that, he only shook his head and followed behind her.


    Before arriving at the evacuation center, he was thinking of how to interact with her given that he truly left home without saying anything to her but to his surprise, it''s more normal than he expected.


    ''Perhaps I am the only one who thought of myself as a failure. No¡­ that''s most likely the case.''


    Along the way, Althea and Aldrin passed through hallways where the government employees were distributing relief goods and supplies to those who hadn''t received them yet.


    Althea mentioned that they already got theirs and they had nothing else to do but to wait for tomorrow wherein they would be transported back to the Eastern District.


    After ascending the stairs and reaching the third floor of this evacuation center, they arrived in front of one of the numerous rooms allocated for the evacuees.


    The government was quite generous, each household was allocated one room that was the same size as a classroom. Although there''s no furniture except for a table, each room has its own bathroom at least. That way, once the evacuees settle, there''s no ground for further chaos.


    "Are you ready?" Althea asked him before twisting the knob open.


    Aldrin nodded despite the feeling of nervousness crawling to his chest.


    He already decided to return and apologize for what he did so¡­ this bout of nervousness was just from the fact that he hadn''t seen them for years.


    He never planned to hide the fact that he had awakened as an Energy Refiner to them. As for the existence of the IDLE Database, that''s something he wouldn''t be able to prove even if he told them about it.


    No one could see the IDLE Database interface except Aldrin.


    Instead of that, he''s prepared to tell them what he experienced earlier.


    That way, there was at least a plausible explanation for his awakening.


    "Mom, dad. I''m sorry for causing you too much trouble¡­ I''m sorry for leaving."


    Without hesitation, Aldrin emotionally uttered his apology to the couple that raised him into being.


    Upon seeing their hair that was about to turn white¡­ the conviction inside him about letting them experience a good life away from tolling themselves with their work day-to-day heightened.


    ''I will strive as an Energy Refiner. And at the same time, I will strive to unearth everything about the mysterious IDLE Database. I don''t know where this will lead me. I also don''t know how many truths and conspiracies I will have to face. My motivation might be too shallow for some but this¡­ is me. I''m just a normal slacker who stumbled upon something of unimaginable scale.. As long as I or those I care for can live a peaceful and fulfilling life then that''s enough.''

 Chapter 29 - I Havent Slept Yet

    [It is in my deepest condolences to deliver the news about the disaster our city had faced. Many lives have been lost and many structures have been destroyed. And yet, here we stand...]


    Hours after Aldrin went to meet his family, they''re now huddled together while watching the late-night speech being delivered by the Lonewind City Mayor regarding the disaster. His voice was filled with grievance over the fate of those who died.


    In the end, the total casualty tally reached more than 60,000 people. The majority of them were residents of the Southern District while the minority were those who were working there from other districts or those who were just visiting.


    The Dimensional Rift was so sudden that there''s no warning issued by the Dimensional Disruptor about it.


    Normally, despite failing to contain or avoid a Dimensional Rift, the Disruptor would notify whoever''s governing the place. Which in turn gave them time to prepare for the upcoming disaster. That way, it might''ve been unavoidable but the casualties would be minimized.


    However, the incident for today was not like that. And only the Mayor or those who were informed about the function of the Dimensional Disruptor knew about it.


    Furthermore, the Mayor wouldn''t deliberately tell everyone about it lest he wanted to suffer more for his political career.


    Instead of that, he already called for an investigation into the incident as well as inspection of the Lonewind City''s Dimensional Disruptor.


    On the other hand, while watching that announcement, Aldrin was already thinking about how he would pass the audio recording to the authorities.


    Although that''s a clear piece of evidence that something or someone tampered with the Dimensional Disruptor to allow a Dimensional Rift opening in the Southern District, he had no further evidence to prove it. Furthermore, if he went public with it, it would just cause public panic.


    That''s why he thought of passing it to the immediate authority, or in other words, to that Mayor who even fought in the frontlines.


    ''... It will be a hassle if I submit it myself. I better submit it anonymously.'' Aldrin decided.


    E-mails were still a thing but they had been changed to Dim-mails or dimensional mails where they could even reach different planets that were connected to the dimnet. If he masked his address using applications that allowed one to send anonymous mails, he was confident that it would be hard for them to find out that it came from him.


    Having decided that, Aldrin made a mental note to do that later when he had the time.


    "Are you sure you''re there? Why didn''t we see you in the footage?" Althea blurted out a question as soon as the projected screen turned off.


    He had finished reconnecting with his parents and little sister earlier. Although he received some nagging from his parents, they eventually urged him to draw near them. With tears in their eyes, they welcomed their IDIOT son back.


    As for Althea, who was watching from behind them, hearing their parents and Aldrin shed a tear couldn''t help but join them.


    After that tear-filled reunion where Aldrin continued apologizing to them, he then spilled the beans about becoming an Energy Refiner.


    Showing them his Shadow Clone Concept was the one that convinced them that he''s not lying.


    And upon seeing that, even if his parents weren''t that elated because that meant he would be thrust into the danger of Dimensional Rifts, Althea was excited.


    Her idiot brother returning was already a happy occasion but with him returning as an Energy Refiner, that''s something the girl found exhilarating.


    "That''s because¡ª"


    "Althea, your brother hasn''t even registered to the association. He had just awakened. I bet he can''t even pilot a Metadome."


    Aldrin was cut off by their mother, Almira. Their father, Adrian, continued. "Moreover, your brother wouldn''t be sent to those fields without proper training. This time... he was lucky."


    Upon hearing that, Althea''s excitement waned.


    "It''s not about being shown in the footage, Althea. Mom and Dad are correct. I still needed training to become a true Energy Refiner. I got lucky this time and it changed my life... I admit that... if not for this, I would still be ashamed to meet you."


    "Really an idiot brother! Wait for me until I awaken as well and I''ll beat you up whenever you say that."


    Although it''s near impossible for Althea to awaken, Aldrin found it hilarious. And at the same time, he truly appreciated the warmth they showed him again.


    Before he knew it, his hand was already on top of his sister''s head, patting and ruffling her hair. And watching the two getting along again, their parents were also satisfied.


    Aldrin had countless nights lying on his cold floor but now, he''s back to his family.


    -


    -


    [Total IDLE Points gained: 1520]


    [Total IDLE Points used: 780]


    [Total IDLE Points to be stored: 740]


    By the time his parents and sister turned in for the night, Aldrin who stayed with them was still wide awake.


    Showed on his phone screen was the result of the fifth run that ended 15 minutes before midnight.


    Spending 780 IDLE points for healing the three Dimensional Clones twice which cost 20 points, purchasing the three multipliers which cost 60 points, leveling up all of Tank and Striker''s equipment to Level 2 except for the Back Guard which cost 600 points and leveling up Hitter''s back guard which cost 100 points.


    With 740 IDLE Points to spare and the remaining 161 IDLE Points that he had stored. Aldrin could now consider himself as somewhat rich with 901 IDLE Points. That''s 90,000 Federation Credits and¡­ it was already close to half of their family''s annual income which was 200,000 Federation Credits.


    Aldrin believed that in a few days, he would be able to earn enough IDLE Points to let his parents stop toiling away with their work.


    His father was a simple factory worker in a Biotech Company providing parts for Energy Refiner Equipment. As for his mother, she''s also working in a factory for clothing. Every day, they''re working nonstop so Aldrin thought that¡­ It''s about time to let them rest and enjoy their life.


    ''With how much I am earning now, I''ll surprise them and make an excuse about it being a government subsidy for being an Energy Refiner after registering to the Refiner''s Association.''


    With that thought in mind, he enthusiastically began to allocate his earnings for the day.


    Setting aside the 100 IDLE Points for emergency usage of summoning a Dimensional Clone, he had 800 IDLE Points to spend.


    ''It doesn''t mean that just because I''m already an Energy Refiner, I have to stop converting IDLE Points to Dimensional Energy¡­ I still needed more of that to expand my Energy Quintessence.''


    Splitting the 800 in half, Aldrin without hesitation converted 400 IDLE Points to Dimensional Energy.


    A few moments later, his phone screen lit up brightly as he was once again basked with Dimensional Energy.


    From inside him, Aldrin clearly felt the flood of Dimensional Energy going straight to his Energy Quintessence.


    Using the knowledge he acquired about refining energy, Aldrin instantly put his Energy Quintessence to work, refining the flood of Dimensional Energy and making them his own.


    As his refined Energy filled his Energy Quintessence, Aldrin could clearly sense the expansion of the sphere below his navel and the excesses that couldn''t be contained spread throughout his body, strengthening himself further.


    By the time the flood of Dimensional Energy subsided, Aldrin sensed his Energy Quintessence to have been expanded nearly double of its previous size. If he could only summon one Shadow Clone initially and he needed to refine more Dimensional Energy to summon more, he believed that he could now summon two without depleting his refined energy.


    Moreover, he felt his physical strength also experienced a change. If he could only crack that wall of his with the wind generated from his punch¡­ he was sure even without trying that he could make a hole from it without even touching the wall¡­


    "Brother, what are you doing? Why are you so sweaty? Ugh¡­ you reek. Go and take a bath and move over to that side!"


    Perhaps because of his excessive movements from earlier, his sister that was sleeping beside him, due to how this evacuee room having only one futon for the whole family to share, woke up.


    And like she said, he was reeking of sweat once more! Moreover, the sweat he excreted this time truly had some kind of reeking smell¡­


    Thinking about how his body was gradually turning fit, Aldrin thought of the possibility that the process of absorbing and refining Dimensional Energy was cleansing his whole body.


    After apologizing to his sister who went back to sleep with a frown as soon as he stood up. He went to the bathroom to take his shower while bringing the phone with him.


    To save time, he''s going to think of what to do with the remaining 400 IDLE Points while showering.


    The midnight reset was approaching soon so¡­ he''s in for another sleepless night.


    ''Wait¡­ I still haven''t slept ever since last night¡­'' Aldrin suddenly came to a realization. ''And I''m not tired yet¡­ Is it because of my awakening?''

 Chapter 30 - Spatial Pocket

    [You purchased Concept Book: Spatial Pocket]


    [You converted 200 IDLE Points to 20000 Credits]


    ''As I thought... Nothing''s impossible when it comes to Concept. As long as one could think of it, an Energy Refiner could be enlightened with it... And this Spatial Pocket... it''s like an inventory from games. But I have to sort things inside like those games that were trying to be realistic in their inventory. Moreover, its space is only 1 cubic meter... Fortunately, it can expand along with his progression as an Energy Refiner.''


    Aldrin contemplated after being enlightened with the Spatial Pocket Concept.


    He was actually thinking of picking a Concept Book that could give him a fighting edge much like Renissa''s Icy Breeze. However, as soon as his eyes spotted the Spatial Pocket, he stopped scrolling down the long list of Concept Books and spontaneously bought it.


    It cost him 200 IDLE Points, a little costly than a simple Concept Book like Tiny Water Ball, Diluted Fire Spark and the likes. However, compared to the Shadow Clone that actually cost 1000 IDLE Points, it''s on the cheap side.


    ''I still have no idea about the power ranks of an Energy Refiner. But comparing myself to that man... I am too inferior, to say the least.''


    After finishing his shower. Aldrin returned and sat on the side of their futon, making sure not to wake up his sister who already went back to sleep.


    It''s already past midnight but Aldrin still wanted to try something.


    He reached for the metallic suitcase containing his bought equipment.


    Following that, Aldrin thought back to the first time he activated his Shadow Clone.


    Focusing on the Concept and visualizing it, his Energy Quintessence soon worked its wonder as his refined energy began to be channeled to his fingertips.


    ''Spatial Pocket.'' Aldrin stretched his arm forward.


    And with the faint refined energy glowing on his fingertips, Aldrin saw how the space in front of him gradually cracked open.


    Although it didn''t look like he opened another world or dimension, he saw a neat space beyond the crack.


    Aldrin stretched his empty hand inside it and tried to feel its interior.


    ''It''s solid and smooth... There''s no existing air though. It''s a vacuum when it''s closed.'' Aldrin concluded.


    Considering it''s a Concept for storing one''s possessions, Aldrin stopped investigating its interior and put the suitcase inside.


    As soon as it settled inside, Aldrin flicked his fingers, closing the Spatial Pocket.


    After that, he waited for two minutes before channeling refined energy to his fingertips once more.


    And this time, instead of stretching his arm to his front, he stretched it to the side.


    As the Spatial Pocket gradually opened before his eyes, Aldrin''s lips slowly curved into a satisfied smile.


    Inside it, the metallic suitcase he placed was still silently lying inside, without any complications.


    ''It''s working as intended. Then I don''t need to worry about bringing it with me in a way that it would invite gazes from people just like how Renissa arrived earlier.'' Aldrin nodded continuously.


    In the following minutes, he continued opening and closing the Spatial Pocket many times until his refined Dimensional Energy got depleted.


    With his eyes about to shut down due to extreme sleepiness, Aldrin finally realized that it was a bad idea to deplete his refined Energy. The fatigue it caused him was more than the fact that he hadn''t gotten a wink of sleep for a day.


    While he struggled to keep his eyes open, Aldrin hurriedly started the 1st run of the day for Idle Adventure Mode, exchanged 10,000 more Federation Credits from the IDLE Points he received from the Small Merchants and bought 11 more Small Merchants for 21,450 Federation Credits, unlocking the second bonus of x1.5 Income.


    Before his consciousness waned, Aldrin settled himself to his previous position at the futon, squeezing himself next to his sister who immediately pushed him away using her feet.


    -


    -


    At the Lonewind City Branch of the Frostland Corporation, Renissa arrived early to meet the Branch Head in her office.


    Two pink-colored wheeled luggage bags were standing behind her. In it were her possessions she would bring with her in her move towards a Primary City called Sunspeak to attend a Refiner''s Academy located there.


    "Great job yesterday, Renissa. You fought against a Rift Monster that was above your current level and killed two of them without the aid of a Metadome. Your one-month training paid off. Those old men at the Corporation''s central branch for this planet were looking forward to your future as a strong Energy Refiner." The branch head who looked like a woman in her thirties applauded her. Although she''s not like Renissa that had her hair turned to blue due to her inexperience as an Energy Refiner, she''s emitting a more chilling aura that could possibly freeze someone if she directed her gaze at them.


    The way she applauded Renissa wasn''t a mocking one but a courtesy she was instructed to do by those old men she mentioned. As could be seen with her forced smile that she often did.


    However, as an answer to that applause, Renissa immediately shook her head to deny the achievement placed on her head. "As I stated in my report, it''s not my feat alone. A new awakened helped me deal with the second one."


    "I know. I read your report. You''re going to meet this... newly-awakened Energy Refiner, am I right?"


    "Yes... How did you...?"


    "You''re so easy to read, Renissa. I trained you for a month, if I''m still unfamiliar with your habits and personality then I will deem myself a failure as an instructor." The branch head smiled meaningfully. "I will be visiting the Refiner''s Association later, if he''s truly up to standard, who knows? I might recruit him and send him to the same place as you."


    "That..."


    Renissa was left tongue-tied. Before she knew it, this branch head reached the conclusion that something is going on between Aldrin and her.


    ''Is expressing gratitude already equal to being linked with someone?''


    In the end, knowing that the branch head would just brush away any refute she would utter, Renissa dropped it and sighed instead.


    As she thought about it, it''s truly not bad if Aldrin also received the same training and got sent to the same place. That way, she can have someone she''s familiar with at an unfamiliar place like the Refiner''s Academy.


    "Alright... You can go now, remember to appear at the Intercity Station before the appointed time of your departure..." The branch head was about to let Renissa go and send her away when she suddenly remembered something. "Ah, by the way... This is for you."


    From her hand, a black thin book flew towards Renissa.


    "Concept Book?" Renissa was surprised upon understanding what it was. On the cover of the book, the title of the Concept was elegantly written in silver font.


    ''Spatial Pocket''


    "It should be given to you after graduation at the Academy. But in light of your achievement and how they got a favorable prospect for your future, I''m allowed to bestow it to you in advance." The branch head explained before pointing to the luggage behind her. "Become enlightened with it soon, alright? But honestly, it''s hurting my eyes to see you dragging those two. We Energy Refiners should always be prepared to respond to any situation."


    Upon hearing that, Renissa wryly smiled. She couldn''t help it. Even if she already left more than half of her possessions at home, it still needed two large luggage bags to fit them all.


    After thanking the branch head, Renissa turned around to leave, excited with the new Concept Book she received.


    She was aware of the Concept Book and how much it was if she had to buy it using her own pockets.. 200,000 Federation Credits.

 Chapter 31 - Meeting Renissa

    "Aldrin, stop looking at your phone. You returned but all I can see is you keeping your eyes on it. Are you talking to someone? Is it your girlfriend?"


    Aldrin''s concentration on watching over his three Dimensional Clones teaming up against a horde of Soldier Ants was broken by his father''s voice and unexpected question.


    ''Girlfriend, huh? Do I have the time to look for one now? No, I probably have but... IDLE Database was already taking up most of my day ever since it appeared. Now that I think of it, I mentioned not having any contact with females but in just 2 days, I got plenty of it. There''s Nica, Alisa and lastly Renissa who I will be meeting later.''


    Because of his father''s question, his mind went around in circles again and remembered his interaction with them. It was fairly normal with Nica but with the other two, it was somewhat different.


    Alisa used him as a shield against Oliver and conversed with him throughout the waiting time until Renissa''s arrival. She also expressed her worry over him when he fell unconscious after awakening as an Energy Refiner. The feeling of her soft thighs pressing against the back of his head was something he could still pull from his memory.


    As for Renissa, it could be said that they both owe each other''s lives which in the normal transaction should be considered clear. Nonetheless, as fellow Energy Refiners from the same class and someone who experienced a life-and-death encounter together, it was safe to say that they built some kind of bond. And that''s also probably the reason why Renissa asked to meet him today before she leaves for another city.


    "Girlfriend? Ha! I wish." Aldrin jokingly answered as he stood up and pocketed his phone.


    The Idle Adventure Mode was already in its third run. Although he fell asleep earlier after depleting his refined energy on top of not sleeping for a day, he woke up refreshed two and a half hours later. And by that time, his Dimensional Clones were already down to 1. If he woke up any later, he would''ve experienced the first failure in that mode.


    As to what he did for the earnings from the first two runs... he first put all the Dimensional Clones'' equipment at the same level. All Level 2 except the Back Guard. Level 2 of Back Guard needs 500 Idle Points so that''s something he couldn''t afford to splurge on yet. In his observation, each level, the number of IDLE Points needed was being multiplied by five. For Level 3, he now needed 250 IDLE Points for each of the seven equipment slots. Leveling from 3 to 4 would be 1250 IDLE Points and 4 to 5 to unlock a Skill for one Dimensional Clone would be 6500 IDLE Points.


    8000 IDLE Points in total if he focused his earned points to level up one of the Weapon slots from one of the Dimensional Clones from 2 to 5.


    With the remaining IDLE Points which amounted to more than 2200, he split them in half, converting the first half to Dimensional Energy to bathe himself with. The remaining half was split into his order to complete the full set of Basic Refiner Equipment which amounted to 400 IDLE Points, a Concept Book that cost 500 IDLE Points called Shadow Blade and the rest was converted to cash which he kept in his bank in the meantime.


    Compared to the Dimensional Clones'' equipment, there''s no Back Guard among the armor categories. Moreover, although he was enticed, he refrained from buying a Metadome yet since he still had no idea how to pilot one.


    As for the Shadow Blade Concept, Aldrin found himself stuck in a bottleneck for being enlightened with it. Furthermore, he had no idea what the reason was for failing to fully understand the Concept. In any case, thinking that he would get to mull about it later, he set it aside at the moment.


    "I knew it. With that attitude, it''s hard for you to find a girlfriend." Althea smugly commented as she stared at her brother from head to toe as if she''s scrutinizing the fashion clothes she wanted to buy.


    "You''re at that age already. We will not mind if you do find one but at least, introduce her to us... Also, go back home like you promised."


    "Yes mom, don''t worry. I will be true to my words."


    Aldrin was out of contact with them for a few years. Even though they know he''s alive somewhere in the city, they didn''t know if he ever found a girlfriend to live with or if he had already married someone.


    Because they noticed ever since last night that Aldrin couldn''t let go of his phone, that kind of suspicion naturally came up. And Aldrin couldn''t help but just accept it and answer truthfully.


    There''s truly no explaining the IDLE Database after all. It''s too mysterious to even understand how it works. On top of that, he''s the only one who can see it.


    ''Can anyone transfer Dimensional Energy through a phone or a computer? That''s totally unheard of.'' Aldrin shook his head as he eventually joined them at the table.


    Later before lunch, the transport back to the Southeastern District would begin.


    In a sense, this was the only meal they would share again before another separation. Either way, once he returns to his apartment, he''s already planning to pack his things to move back home.


    He''s going to become an official Energy Refiner and perhaps, like Renissa, he only had a month left to stay here before he was sent to a Refiner''s Academy. He thought of spending it with his family and catching up on the time he wasted for the past few years.


    -


    -


    "And... send!" Aldrin silently exclaimed as he tapped the send button on an anonymous dimail application. Attached to that mail was the audio recording. He put ''URGENT'' as the subject and sent it to the Lonewind City Mayor''s Office.


    Whether they would believe that or not, Aldrin had no idea. The Southern District was still grieving for yesterday''s disaster, if the Mayor''s focus was towards rebuilding it then it would take some time before he noticed that dimail.


    Either way, he already did his part. He made a mental note to always be prepared because, at any moment, the same thing could happen once more. Even if he didn''t have the ability to stop it with his current strength, at the very least, he''s aware that even the safest place could become a dangerous one at any moment.


    After pocketing his phone that returned to the Idle Adventure interface, Aldrin resumed his steps and eventually arrived at a quiet caf¨¦ located in the Central District.


    "Aldrin."


    Along with the chime of the bell attached to the door of the caf¨¦, Renissa''s somewhat excited voice reached his ears as she called out to him from her table.


    For their meeting today, Renissa picked this place and sent him the location.


    "Have you waited?" Aldrin sat on the chair directly in front of her.


    As his eyes scanned the woman whose hair was once more glowing and emitting a cold breeze, he noticed Renissa''s facial expression being close to excitement and nervousness.


    Aldrin guessed that the empty cups of coffee sprawled on the table were the culprit.


    "No. No... I also only arrived just now."


    Despite having the evidence in front of her, Renissa didn''t hesitate to lie for the sake of keeping up appearances.


    "That''s not what the number of cups and opened sugar packs says."


    Upon hearing that, Renissa jolted in surprise before embarrassingly pulling all the cups and picking up the empty packets of sugar to her side.


    Following that, she called for the waiter and asked for another coffee. And since Aldrin had already arrived, Renissa also ordered a meal for two as well as another coffee for Aldrin.


    "Don''t mind the details. The most important thing is... we both arrived on time."


    Renissa then pulled out her phone. "Give me your bank account, Aldrin."


    "Is that necessary? I think I''m already fine with you treating me. Moreover, you''re also going to accompany me to the Refiner''s Association."


    "This and that are different, Aldrin. I can''t just get all the money for something we worked on together."


    "Heh. If you ever get a boyfriend, he''s in luck."


    "You. Don''t talk about that thing! My mind is already occupied with doing better as an Energy Refiner. A boyfriend is still out of the question."


    "I think you misunderstood me. I''m not telling you to get a boyfriend though. Just stating the fact that if you ever got one, he''s lucky to have you."


    "That... Let''s say, you''re right. Thanks for the compliment, then?"


    "Un. You''re most welcome."


    Compared to how they interacted yesterday wherein Aldrin was like an interviewer, this time, they''re like long-time friends going out for a coffee.


    Nonetheless, Aldrin also couldn''t help but think about the topic about him earlier among their family. ''A girlfriend is great. But I guess there''s no need to rush on that. Just like Renissa, I will be occupied not only by being an Energy Refiner but also by the IDLE Database.''


    After giving her his bank account, a message confirming the transfer immediately reached his phone.


    Upon looking at it, Aldrin was somewhat surprised. He received 10,000 Federation Credits. "Are you sure you didn''t add another 0?"


    "I doubled it from my share. You will need that money to kickstart your career. What the Corporation or the City Hall will give will be not enough for your needs. Besides I got more from the Rift Monsters I killed using a Metadome. albeit their price was lesser due to how much damage they received to their bodies." Renissa explained.


    Aldrin thought of rebutting her by returning what she just said about not taking all the money they worked on together but refrained to do so in the end. She generously gave it to him and it would just be awkward. In his mind, he just thought that if there''s a chance to help Renissa in the future, he would do so.


    A while later, the food and coffee they ordered arrived. As they ate their lunch together, Aldrin and Renissa soon got lost in their conversation which revolved around different topics, taking their minds away from the disaster that happened just yesterday.


    Unbeknownst to the two, their relationship gradually eased up from being just former classmates to friends.

 Chapter 32 - Refiners Association

    During the early days in the new era wherein Energy Refiners were still being produced in labs, every colonized and terraformed planet had them close to the government and military.


    They would be given positions as well as benefits that would tie them down into becoming the guardian of the human settlement.


    And that was because of how they''re the only shot at defending against the Dimensional Rift that would devastate the settlement or worse destroy it completely.


    With their ability to harness and refine the Dimensional Energy and their ability to strengthen themselves through that, Energy Refiners became the most sought-after career in every planet and World Zone.


    However, it''s still not always the same flowers and butterflies for them.


    Because of how they seemed to be endlessly growing, leaving behind the realm of humanity, some paranoid government officials or military commanders created a dark history for every Energy Refiner at that time.


    It was called The Refiner''s Purge.


    In every planet that had eventually stabilized the settlements and the technology grew to the extent of even a normal soldier could fight against Rift Monsters with the aid of the improved Metadomes and other weapons that utilized Dimensional Energy, they began hunting the Energy Refiners.


    They were all given a choice, to become thoroughly tied to the government, much like a dog, or to die.


    Because of the small population of Energy Refiners back then, some of them succumbed to the threat and became government lapdogs while most chose to flee or die.


    With that extremely disgusting move from government officials, the world came back in order just like the old times when every human was still on Earth.


    However, that only lasts for less than a decade.


    Years later, the Energy Refiners who fled returned, even stronger than before.


    They dismantled governments, freed the Energy Refiners they could free from government control, took over the laboratories producing new refiners and installed themselves as the new governing bodies in each planet and human settlements.


    And thousands of years later, the Human Civilization gradually became distinctly divided into three gigantic factions where nations or planets rallied under them and made up their territories.


    Each faction was established by Energy Refiners who built them from the ground up.


    The Aldea Federation


    The Stiletto Council


    And the Gambia Republic


    With the joint effort from the three factions, the Refiner''s Association came to be through a tripartite agreement.


    It was established as a universal organization aimed to regulate every Energy Refiner that was either made, born or awakened by themselves.


    Even the ruling and the strongest Energy Refiners from the three factions were registered in it to serve as role models for every Energy Refiner to follow.


    To avoid conflict, the selected Head of the Association wouldn''t be just one. There would be three of them, one from each faction. They would be the main decision-maker in the association and every move or regulation they would propose needed to be voted by the three Heads or Representatives. The decision would only be considered a pass by unanimous vote. If the decision is split then it could be revised and be presented again.


    The main purpose of the association was to make sure that every Energy Refiner is accounted for.


    In truth, they could be said to be the 4th Faction but true to their purpose, they seldom enter a conflict unless it involved the unaccounted Energy Refiners or the balance that was created by the three factions was on the verge of breaking.


    -


    -


    After their lunch, Renissa and Aldrin began their move as the former guided the latter towards the Refiner''s Association located in Lonewind City.


    Compared to the City Hall and City Hall Guards that were located in the middle of Central District in what they called the City Hall Compound, the building of the Refiner''s Association was humbly located next to it.


    From the outside, it was a 10-story building with its exterior designed like an embedded sword on the ground. The logo of the Refiner''s Association that was a crossed Sword and Gun with a planet behind them could be clearly seen at the hilt of the sword-like building.


    When they reached the main entrance of the building which could be instantly noticed as not-that-busy, Renissa lifted her phone which contained her Energy Refiner Identification issued by the association to show it to the man guarding the entrance to the establishment.


    "He''s here to register." Renissa introduced Aldrin who''s currently standing slightly behind her. "He awakened yesterday, amidst the disaster in the Southern District."


    Aldrin, whose eyes wandered around the interior of the building that he probably never dreamed of stepping foot on, straightened his back after Renissa''s introduction.


    The man guarding the entrance wore something like a business suit but parts of his body were adorned with armor. His long sleeves and black pants were covered with silver arm guards and leg guards. Moreover, hung around his hips was a belt where a handgun was holstered as well as a baton one could often see amongst police bodies.


    Judging from the fluctuation of Dimension Energy that Aldrin could faintly detect, he concluded that the man in front of them was stronger than the two of them combined.


    "Follow me." The man ordered after scrutinizing Aldrin''s appearance.


    Given that he didn''t utter any other response, Renissa told him that he was already confirmed to be an Energy Refiner.


    Energy Refiners could identify themselves after all unless one had the ability to conceal the fluctuations of Dimensional Energy that was minutely being absorbed by an Energy Refiner.


    As they followed behind the man, they then arrived at something like a reception desk with a beautiful woman that also exuded a sense of extraordinariness.


    "Renissa, isn''t your departure today? Did you miss something or did you want to personally bid farewell to me?" The woman instantly addressed Renissa with a big smile plastered on her face without even giving a single glance to the two men.


    "Janet. There you go again. Haven''t you seen them?" Renissa almost facepalmed but restrained herself as she pointed to the two.


    And as if she only just noticed that there''s two more people crowding around her, Janet put on a surprised expression.


    "Oh! I apologize, I got taken in by this chick''s icy charisma. What can I help you with?"


    "The usual... How many times will you ask that every time I will bring a new Energy Refiner?"


    "Don''t be so grumpy Gordon, I''m just following protocol. It says here to always ask about the purpose of your visit."


    In response to the somewhat irritated tone of the man called Gordon, Janet pulled out a pile of papers from her side and pointed at the line she mentioned.


    She was extremely prepared for that rebuttal. She even had a satisfied smile on her lips as she watched her colleague''s reaction


    "I''m your colleague, for f*ck''s sake! Anyway, I''ll go back to my post!" Gordon snapped.


    "Take your coffee, Gordon, you need that to calm down!"


    "Shut up, hateful woman!"


    Janet laughed as she watched her colleague''s fuming back.


    "I must say... that''s an eye-opener." Aldrin couldn''t help but mutter.


    Through that, the woman finally cast her gaze on Aldrin. "Is it? By chance, are you... Renissa''s boyfriend?"


    "Janet!" shouted Renissa. If not for restraining herself, she would probably lunge at the woman and cover her mouth.


    "I''m afraid that''s not the case. I''m a former classmate. And like her, I just got lucky to awaken as an Energy Refiner." Aldrin answered calmly while giving Renissa a nod.


    However, that''s not enough to stop the woman.


    "Oh? Don''t you know, that''s how my parents meet. Former classmates. They''re now in their 50th trip across the entire Federation for their honeymoon--"


    She appeared to be prepared to talk about her parents'' life and love story if not for Renissa interrupting her.


    "Janet. Can we get to the official thing?"


    Unfortunately, that was also ineffective.


    "Oh? You wanted to make it official? I had no idea that the shy Renissa when she was first brought here could grow into this... courageous and passionate woman."


    Watching Renissa continued to be embarrassed and their conversation going in circled, Aldrin, who was trying to be patient with this unexpected show that''s happening in front of him, finally decided to stop Janet.


    "Miss Janet. Can you register me? Please."


    "I''m sorry, Aldrin." Renissa apologized, perhaps thinking that she failed to warn Aldrin


    "It''s fine. With just a few minutes of standing here, I get why even that man from earlier looked as if veins would pop in his forehead by interacting with her. That''s a great talent, I must say."


    "Heh. Thanks for the compliment. Alright. Jokes aside... let us first see how your Energy Quintessence turned out during awakening.. Can you please step on this platform?" While flashing a very satisfied smile, Janet stepped out of her desk and pointed to a circular platform next to her.

 Chapter 33 - Assessment

    Although they were both overwhelmed with Janet''s personality, once Aldrin was guided by her to start the assessment for his Energy Quintessence, Renissa gave her approval for him to trust and follow Janet''s instruction.


    As he stepped foot on the circular plate enough to contain only one person, Janet pulled a rectangular device which was a control panel for the circular plate Aldrin stepped on.


    She moved from the reception desk and began circling around him, touching his body as if she''s checking if his muscles were tough before nodding continuously.


    "Uhm... Does that mean something?"


    "That? No... I''m just checking if you''re built enough for Renissa. I guess you passed on that regard."


    ''I thought she already stopped.'' Aldrin inwardly shook his head.


    Aldrin tried profiling her based on what she showed and the conclusion he reached was... Janet appeared to possess an itchy bone to tease someone as if it was the only thing left in her life to stop it from becoming boring.


    "Janet... Until when will you continue teasing me? Can you stop?" plead Renissa.


    However, that only made the woman''s smile grow wider.


    "It''s your last day. Let me have my fun. Besides, it will also be your last day to be with him. Don''t you want to at least let loose before separation?"


    With a not-so-hidden naughty connotation, Janet winked at Renissa which immediately made the icy-cold woman flustered.


    "I told you. We''re not in that kind of relationship. Aldrin is a friend."


    "Mind you, it''s not only those in a relationship who do it. Most of the time, it''s also a way to relieve stress."


    "I''m not stressed. And stop putting ideas in my head. Are you going to make me hate you?"


    "I know you will not hate me. Anyway, too bad for you, huh? Uh, mister?"


    After everything, Janet only remembered to ask for his name just now.


    "Aldrin, Aldrin Fallwater... Also, can we continue, please?" To save Renissa from the trouble of dealing with the woman''s teasing, he''s trying to speed up this process of registration.


    Before coming here, he was already informed by Renissa of the two steps for successful registration at the association.


    The first was this Energy Quintessence Assessment. As it turned out, there were different classifications for Energy Quintessence and a Tester like Janet would grade them based on their shape and purity.


    The circular plate was actually a scanner that could detect not only the Dimensional Energy filling his body but also the Energy Quintessence resting below his navel.


    As for the second step, virtual combat testing to assess in which category he would be put.


    There were three standard categories for every Energy Refiner. One could either be Attack, Defense or Support type. It was made simple for everyone to understand their role in case Energy Refiners would work together.


    Nonetheless, regardless of the type, they''re their own person. Just because one was categorized as Defense-type didn''t mean he or she wouldn''t have the qualification to be in a striker role.


    The combat assessment was just to give the Energy Refiner the idea of which role could he do best.


    And another reminder from Renissa, she told Aldrin to keep his Shadow Clone Concept a secret. According to her, although it wasn''t impossible, it was unusual for a newly awakened Energy Refiner to instantly comprehend and become enlightened with one Concept.


    If he showed it during the assessment, it was a certainty for him to draw attention. Not just from the Refiner''s Association but from all the Corporations and government bodies that would become aware of it.


    If he didn''t mind that kind of attention, Renissa then told him to forget her reminder.


    In the end, Aldrin was made aware that Renissa was thinking about his well-being. She even kept the secret of his Shadow Clone Concept because she knew what it would entail.


    That added another line for him to be grateful towards the icy-cold but warm woman. For Aldrin, she''s a great friend to have.


    "Man, why are you so stiff? Don''t tell me you''re not even attracted to Renissa?" Reacting to Aldrin''s answer to continue with the assessment, Janet frowned and asked him a question that would be hard to answer, initially.


    Looking at Renissa still trying to recover from her previous state of being flustered, Aldrin deliberated whether to tell the truth or lie before their eyes.


    If it''s only being attracted, he would be lying if he said no. Even from just seeing her yesterday when she arrived at the VIP Room, Aldrin was awestruck at her grace and posture.


    Even though he could remember how she was before, the changed Renissa had that kind of appeal that instantly drew his eyes towards her.


    Nonetheless, it was only an attraction, not affection. They had camaraderie as someone who fought together in a life-and-death situation. True. But at the moment, that''s the extent of their relationship. And he was sure that the woman was of the same mind.


    "I am, actually. Who will not be attracted to her? But that''s not the topic here, Miss Janet. You seem to be having fun at the expense of another''s embarrassment. I can''t say I can approve of that."


    Upon hearing his answer Janet smirked and went over to his side again. With her fiery-red hair swaying at each step she made, Janet gracefully returned in front of Aldrin.


    "Oh? You seem to have a backbone. For someone newly awakened. Wish granted! I''ll stop teasing the girl." Janet declared before activating the control panel in her hand which immediately lit up followed by the activation of the circular plate beneath Aldrin.


    "In exchange, you''re going to do something for me." Janet continued before pushing another button at the control panel.


    Before Aldrin''s eyes, light extended from the circular plate, enclosing him inside. However, given that he knew that it was nothing dangerous, he calmly stood there. "I don''t recall owing you something. I only expressed my opinion."


    "Don''t worry. Just pretend that it''s for your friend here. Besides, it will not be hard. I''m a reasonable woman and a woman of my words. I''m teasing Renissa because I like her and her personality. As for you... that''s still up for debate."


    "Aldrin..." Watching that her friend took the burden off her shoulder, Renissa was naturally grateful towards Aldrin. However, in her mind, she''s worried about him.


    Even though she''s working at the association as the Tester, she''s a strong Energy Refiner that even if they dragged Gordon, the three of them wouldn''t be able to beat her. Moreover, Renissa was aware of Janet''s nickname that was infamous among every Energy Refiner of Lonewind City. Even Commander Yun of the City Hall Guards or the four Windblades that were direct subordinates of the mayor was kind of afraid of her.


    The Tyrant Princess.


    Although she''s not as famous as Commander Yun in the Lonewind City, once she made a move, she would accomplish it without backing down.


    "Alright, I''ll do one thing for you. But can we finish this now?"


    "Great! That''s a man! Renissa, you landed a jackpot here. After you leave, don''t lose contact with him, alright?" With a rather unexpected excitement, Janet ran over to Renissa and put her shoulders over her and loudly whispered all that.


    Naturally, Aldrin heard it completely but as if she didn''t say anything, Janet returned and fully activated the circular plate to start his assessment.


    In less than 10 seconds, a holographic image depicting a human body sprang up from the control panel Janet was holding.


    And he didn''t need to be a genius to understand the diagram. It was Aldrin''s body or specifically, his body''s Energy Channels that were like branches of trees or roots underground channeling across his body.


    And each vein of that Energy Channel all passed through the spherical Energy Quintessence.


    "This... A spherical Energy Quintessence?!"


    Contrary to Aldrin''s expression, Janet, as well as Renissa, showed looks of surprise as they both stared at Aldrin''s Energy Quintessence depicted in that holographic image.

 Chapter 34 - Energy Quintessence

    Energy Quintessence was considered to be the first craft of every Energy Refiner. Depending on how polished one''s Energy Quintessence, the Energy Refiner would be benefiting from it in terms of the flow of Dimensional Energy and the speed at which one could refine those energy swimming in his Energy Channels


    Whether it was someone artificially-made through a lab or those that awakened by themselves as well as those born from Energy Refiners themselves, they would all refine and craft their Energy Quintessence as their first step into being truly called as Energy Refiners.


    However, according to the norm, although every Energy Refiner could craft their Energy Quintessence, almost everyone would be filled with imperfections. Imperfections that would slowly be mended as an Energy Refiner progressed at refining Dimensional Energy and using it for oneself.


    That''s why seeing a flawless spherical Energy Quintessence, even the most confident Tyrant Princess was tongue-tied and dumbstruck.


    The two women stared at it for more than five minutes without even uttering any word.


    "Is there something wrong with having a spherical Energy Quintessence?" Aldrin wondered.


    He was but a newcomer in the world of Energy Refiners. All he had was basic knowledge he learned from school that didn''t have detailed information about Energy Refiners.


    "This. How did you awaken? And how did you forge this?" Janet raised her head and stared intently at Aldrin. Her previous playful attitude was gone with the wind.


    While scratching his cheek, Aldrin replied, "How? I have no idea. I only felt a flood of Dimensional Energy filling my body which eventually gathered at that spot. At first, it was soothing enough for anyone to feel too comfortable in it, however, as soon as its shape took form, I was racked with unimaginable pain that I ended up losing consciousness."


    Without mentioning that he was basked by Dimensional Energy through his phone or computer monitor, Aldrin descriptively narrated what he felt yesterday.


    Janet fell in contemplation for a while before switching her gaze to the woman beside her.


    "Show him, Renissa."


    After saying that, Janet asked Aldrin to step down the circular plate and had Renissa take his place.


    Although a bit confused by their reaction, that allowed Aldrin to pick up that his Energy Quintessence was out of the ordinary.


    Curiously, Aldrin watched as Renissa underwent the same process he did.


    A few moments later, the holographic image of her body popped out on the rectangular control panel clutched by Janet.


    And because they''re on the topic of Energy Quintessence, Aldrin''s eyes instantly moved to stare at the obvious suspended object below Renissa''s navel where her Energy Channels were all connected.


    "A prism?"


    He''s not expecting to see a sphere like his but seeing a prism before his eyes made Aldrin pause.


    However, upon his careful observation, Aldrin noticed that the shape of the prism was irregular.


    "Correct. That''s the initial state of most Energy Quintessence. And as you can see, although it looked like a prism, the bases were not actually symmetrical. The shape is too irregular to actually call it a prism. It''s a lot better to classify it as a complicated polyhedron."


    "Now, I don''t know much about geometry but what''s the difference between having an Energy Quintessence shaped like that and my spherical Energy Quintessence?"


    "For one, the flow of Dimensional Energy inside your Energy Quintessence will definitely be smoother than Renissa''s. Furthermore, you will be able to easily regulate the refined energy in your body. Even if you''re a newly awakened Energy Refiner, once you are enlightened in a Concept, you will not experience that." Janet explained and pointed at Renissa''s icy-blue hair that was still emitting a cold breeze.


    Upon hearing that, Aldrin thought about his experience from yesterday. Forget Renissa''s surprise that he had already enlightened himself with a Concept, just the activation of it was too smooth. He could guess that it was probably not that easy for Renissa to actualize her Icy Breeze Concept especially when her refined energy was leaking through her hair.


    ''So, it''s because of my spherical Energy Quintessence?''


    "That''s the reason why it''s surprising to see a spherical Energy Quintessence like yours. In any case, Renissa will gradually morph her Energy Quintessence to accommodate the flow of energy smoothly." Janet continued. "But it''s not unique. This just means that you have the edge during your early days as an Energy Refiner. Somewhere along the lines of being an Energy Refiner, Energy Quintessence will just be one part of a whole mechanism. Now then... you''ve totally invoked my curiosity. Let''s go and test your combat capability."


    Still devoid of her earlier teasing behavior, Janet then turned around and pushed another button from the control panel.


    Psssshh!


    A few steps behind the reception desk where she was stationed and next to a pillar supporting the building, the floor aesthetically opened as stairs leading below could be seen.


    As soon as it opened, Janet walked towards it and gestured for them to follow.


    "Don''t be nervous. It''s just a virtual simulation room. You will still move using your body but everything that you will see isn''t real. However, pain receptors would be attached to you so... be prepared of feeling the pain of getting hit." Renissa, under the impression that he''s fidgety because of what will happen, explained while they followed behind Janet.


    At this point, Aldrin''s view of Renissa had once again gone up another level.


    Not only she saved him or them yesterday, but she also kept a secret of his without even being envious of his feats. She even generously gave him her share of income from the Rift Monster they killed.


    Even though money wasn''t a problem for him now thanks to the IDLE Database, it''s the thought that counts.


    If this was during their high school days, he would most likely think that Renissa likes him. But this time, he could attribute it to their relationship as former classmates or friends. With people like Oliver existing, Renissa''s thoughtfulness over his situation was truly a welcome one.


    In this way, the thought of helping her if ever she needed help in the future was raised in his list of priorities.


    "How was the result of your combat assessment?"


    "Me? The result was Attack-type. That''s why I picked Icy Breeze as my first Concept. I can use it freely like imbuing my katana or creating a breeze cold enough to freeze the surrounding air."


    Now that he thought about it, if her Concept was just the Icy Breeze, its application was seemingly universal compared to his Shadow Clone.


    ''Do I need to deepen my understanding of my Shadow Clone to become aware of its other applications?'' Aldrin thought. However, he instantly dropped the idea. A clone is a clone, there''s nothing hidden beneath it. And Renissa''s breeze was just a breeze that could freeze anything or something. Imbuing it in her katana only gave it that cold property.


    "I see. I wonder what my result will be." He wondered as they reached the bottom of the stairs.


    The first thing he noticed was the computer panels that Janet had already turned on as well as the empty room beyond the glass wall. There''s a door to the side that would lead to that empty room.


    Obviously, that''s the Virtual Simulation Room.


    "Remember, don''t show your Concept. It''s already surprising with your spherical Energy Quintessence, you''ll be in for more than just small attention if they find out about it."


    "I understand, mom."


    With an expression as if she was betrayed by someone she trusted, Renissa muttered, "Aldrin, I thought you''re my friend."


    "Sorry, I can''t help it. But thanks for the reminders. I owe you a lot by now."


    "Don''t mention it. I will be out of this city later. Treat this as my gift to you." Renissa waved her hand in front of him followed by a captivating smile.


    "As I thought. Whoever will be able to capture your heart will be one lucky guy." Aldrin rephrased what he said earlier at the caf¨¦.


    "There you go again. If Janet hears you, she will start teasing us again. Go on and complete your assessment."


    Renissa went behind him and pushed him on the back, successfully hiding her flustered face because of that... compliment.


    A few minutes of explanation from Janet later, with some kind of a device attached to his shoulder as well as sword and gun in both of his hands, Aldrin entered the Virtual Simulation Room.


    "Ready. Start!"


    As soon as he reached the middle of the room, Janet''s firm voice served as the signal to start Aldrin''s Combat Assessment.


    Along with a buzzing sound, the ceiling lit up, illuminating the whole room before lights congregated on one spot as one holographic figure rose from the ground. It''s a faceless man holding onto a sword.


    Without any warning, the man lunged with his sword towards Aldrin!


    Instead of training dummies, he was faced with an actual simulated opponent.

 Chapter 35 - Finished Registration

    Aldrin''s experience of fighting could be summarized in one sentence. He''s an expert at killing ants.


    Having watched his Dimensional Clones day and night killing ants and caterpillars in different ways than he could think of and even doing it by himself one time, if he wasn''t called an expert in it then who would be?


    But no one knew about it except Aldrin himself.


    With the Combat Assessment''s aim to evaluate the type of Energy Refiner he was best suited at, Aldrin also started contemplating about it as soon as his opponents were generated one by one.


    The first one was a lone figure who instantly charged out to lunge at him. It was a truly reckless attempt that someone with little knowledge in combat could topple him down.


    Sidestepping to let the figure pass by him, Aldrin spun once and stabbed the figure in his back.


    There''s no such thing as honor if one''s life was on the line. He''d rather live and bear the shame of it than brag about honor in the afterlife.


    "Come!" Having his gears fueled, Aldrin watched as another lone figure was generated by the simulation.


    However, it was now wielding a gun in each hand.


    Before Aldrin could process it all, the simulated figure fired at him.


    BANG! BANG! BANG!


    No matter how much he improved from becoming an Energy Refiner, it hadn''t amounted to him being able to do those stunts one could often see in movies.


    Like cutting the bullet in half to stop it.


    He had no choice but to roll on the ground and hoped that bullets couldn''t catch up to him.


    ''Renissa mentioned feeling the pain. For sure, this will also emulate the feeling of being shot at, the feeling of bullet lodging between my flesh. The only difference will be... I will not bleed out.'' Aldrin thought as he once again rolled in the opposite direction, dodging bullets.


    When he stood up, he aimed the handgun in his hand in his opponent''s direction but... he''s not a marksman!


    Aiming while also making sure not to be shot at by running away or rolling around was a hard thing to do!


    BANG!


    And there went the bullet flying past his opponent''s head.


    BANG!


    And there went the bullet hitting the ground and stopping.


    BANG!


    And there went the bullet ricocheting back at him.


    After three tries, Aldrin gave up trying to hit his opponent with his handgun.


    His only experience with firing one was yesterday. And that time, he had a clone to block the Rift Monster which allowed him to aim while being stationary.


    "Mister... You''re not in a street fight. Use your refined energy."


    "Aldrin, think about directing your refined energy to your feet, arms and any other parts of your body. We''re Energy Refiner, that''s the basic use of the energy we refined. Think about our fight yesterday."


    The first voice came from Janet and the second one from Renissa.


    And both of them were reminding him to use his refined energy.


    ''Why... Why am I trying to fight it with only my physical prowess? Stop sticking to what normal people will do!'' Aldrin berated himself after being reminded by the two women spectating this assessment.


    As soon as his mind geared towards it, the Energy Quintessence in his body churned and began working at delivering the necessary refined Energy to the part of his body he wanted to focus at.


    Standing up after another roll, Aldrin turned swiftly as he charged forward, his legs glowing faintly.


    BANG!


    The simulated figure fired again but Aldrin stomped his feet and jumped. Jumped high enough to reach a height he would find unimaginable before.


    With the chance opening up to him, Aldrin brandished the sword in his hand, taking down the figure.


    By the time his feet landed back on the ground, the Virtual Simulation continued.


    From one to two to four.


    Aldrin faced simulated humans that had different fighting styles. Each time, he would think of how to defeat them.


    And when he seemingly faced everyone, beasts of various sizes began to emerge.


    Against them, Aldrin became even more nimble with his steps, precise with his strategy and confident with his every strike and shot.


    -


    -


    "Congratulations. Here''s the result of your assessment."


    Again, with a wide smile on her lips, Janet handed him a card.


    Amidst his effort to catch his breath and rest after an intense 30-minutes inside the Virtual Simulation Room, Aldrin fell against a group of beasts that his nimbleness couldn''t outrun.


    After handing that card to him, Janet turned around and began ascending the stairs, leaving Aldrin and Renissa behind.


    "Here." Renissa extended her hand towards the slumped Aldrin.


    Without hesitation, he took it and stood himself up. "Thank you."


    "Look at it and tell me the result."


    With her voice laden with a tinge of excitement, Renissa''s gaze remained on him.


    And being urged by the woman who was seemingly more excited than him, Aldrin raised the small card given by Janet.


    In it, there were only two lines after his name.


    [Aldrin Fallwater


    Elapsed Time: 35 minutes 23 seconds


    Result: Support-type]


    "Support-type," Aldrin murmured.


    Upon hearing that, Renissa''s eyes lit up. "That''s great! A Support-type! Given that you could easily think up a strategy on the spot even when you''re in that kind of predicament, that''s the most suitable for you."


    "Is that the basis of my assessment?"


    "Yes. Do you think you''re going to get Attack-type?"


    "No. I really have no idea. I only followed your advice and moved accordingly. Alas, I didn''t last that long." Aldrin released a sigh.


    SLAP!


    With a crisp sound of her palm hitting his skin, Renissa slapped Aldrin''s exposed arm. "What are you saying? Do you think your result is bad? Look at this."


    Aldrin ignored the slight stinging pain as he watched Renissa produce the same card and handed it to him.


    "See my ''Elapsed Time''." Renissa followed up after noticing Aldrin looking confused.


    And following her words, Aldrin raised the card. As soon as he saw what''s written on it, his eyes slightly widened while focusing his gaze on the woman in front of him.


    [Renissa Evergreen


    Elapsed Time: 8 minutes 34 seconds


    Result: Attack-type]


    "Now do you know why I received that assessment?"


    "... You probably kept on attacking without thinking about the consequences of whether you would be countered or not."


    "Bingo!" Renissa exclaimed. And a few moments later, the woman giggled before continuing, "It''s not about how long you''re there. It''s about how you approached the situation you''re in. You last that long because you always plan your every move. Although there were excessive ones wherein you could finish it easily but you didn''t, that showed that you''re the type that wouldn''t do anything impulsively. Emotion wasn''t included in the assessment though. Whether you would move based on your emotion or not, that could only be checked when you arrived at that point."


    After explaining how the assessment worked, Renissa and Aldrin returned upstairs and met Janet back where she first saw them.


    "Finished with your little heart-to-heart talk, huh?" Janet teased playfully.


    Upon hearing that, the two looked at each other and as if they rehearsed it together, wryly smiled. They''re already tired of responding to her never-ending teasing.


    Besides, Aldrin already agreed to do something for her in exchange.


    However, Janet whistled and clapped her hands. Perhaps not wanting to lose with something she started, her grin grew wider.


    "Mhm... That''s what I like to see. The two of you having a mutual understanding." She then acted as if she was wielding a bow and shot the two of them, acting as their cupid.


    But with the lack of reaction from the two, she eventually gave up.


    "Alright. Stop with the games. I was still inputting your data in our database. But let me congratulate you now." Janet mused. "Welcome to the Refiner''s Association."


    After that brief celebration wherein the two women clapped their hands while commending Aldrin, Janet then asked for his phone.


    She downloaded his Energy Refiner Identification in it along with the manuals about the ''do''s and don''ts'' for the association.


    After reminding him to read it, he was then asked by Janet to return three days later for an official of the Association to welcome him personally.


    According to Renissa, that would be the time where he would be choosing which path to take. To become a City Hall Guard or join other Energy Refiner organizations or corporations.


    On their way out of the Association, Aldrin and Renissa ran into the Frostland Corporation''s Lonewind City Branch Head or also known as Renissa''s boss.


    However, she seemed to be in such a hurry that after greeting and congratulating Aldrin, her steps led her further inside the Association''s building.


    Not giving too much of a thought about the Branch Head''s hurried expression and with his registration done, the two left the building and began walking side by side along the streets of the Central District without any destination in mind.

 Chapter 36 - Boyfriend

    After arriving at a lake park located near the City Hall Compound and Refiner''s Association, they stopped and sat on one of the benches, overlooking the tranquil lake in front of them.


    Minutes of silence passed before one of them chose to break it.


    "Don''t forget to contact me," Aldrin said in a low voice but that was enough for the woman next to him to hear.


    "Shouldn''t I be the one to say that to you? Besides, that line should come from my boyfriend that I will be leaving behind. Fortunately, I don''t have one." Renissa''s lips curved up.


    "Technically, I''m now considered your ''boy''friend," Aldrin said in a straight face which produced stifled laughter from the girl. "But jokes aside, I''m grateful to you, Renissa. I don''t know what life will be like in another city, and a Primary City at that. We both lived and grew up here after all. I''m rooting for you."


    "Mhm... I am also being racked by my nervousness this time. If what happened yesterday didn''t happen, I will probably be in my room today, overthinking things while having little cold feet for my future." Renissa stretched her hand as if she''s trying to scoop the water out of the lake.


    Being next to her, that icy breeze her hair was emitting was chilling enough for Aldrin to forget that the sun was already high up in the sky, scorching the ground below.


    Although it''s already past the expiration time of the 7 Merchants he initially purchased yesterday, Aldrin refrained from taking out his phone to check on his Dimensional Clones and re-purchase the Merchants to retain the bonus for having 25 Merchants.


    He had plenty of time to do that later when he separated from Renissa.


    "Thanks to you, though. Accompanying you today helped build my conviction. We''re both in the world of Energy Refiners now. If I slack off, for sure, you will be able to surpass me in no time." Renissa continued.


    "You''re overestimating me." Aldrin humbly replied.


    But thinking about it, he possessed the IDLE Database, something that allowed a normal guy like him who probably had no chance to awaken to become an Energy Refiner.


    Without it, he wouldn''t be sitting next to Renissa like this. He would be at the same evacuation center with Bert, Alisa and the others.


    "Not really. Being someone who witnessed your rise and your stellar performance, not just yesterday but also today, it is fitting to call you a genius. Your awakening is destined while mine was triggered by chance."


    ''I cheated though.'' Aldrin answered her in his mind. He couldn''t really tell her about it. That everything he achieved today was because of a mysterious program with unknown origins.


    Since it could easily send him money through the Federation Bank, the existence behind it was surely not simple.


    "Destined? Perhaps, the same can be said to you. On another note, I am still mesmerized by what I witnessed from you yesterday. So... we''re both fans of each other."


    "This guy... I guess accepting Bert''s invitation is a great choice for me. I never thought I''d still make a friend before leaving."


    "Me too. I''m not fond of going to the reunion but I got curious about our former classmate who awakened as an Energy Refiner."


    With the two of them agreeing like that, laughter once more sprang between them.


    "Curiosity kills the cat, as they say. Anyway, I have to prepare for my departure, Aldrin. See you when I see you." Although her voice carried a slightly reluctant tone, Renissa stood up confidently and stretched her arms upwards.


    Noticing that, Aldrin also didn''t push further. They had already spent hours together starting from that caf¨¦ where they ate together. And if he was being honest enough to blurt out what he''s thinking, he enjoyed his time with her.


    It was supposed to be just a meeting wherein Renissa would guide him to the Refiner''s Association but as it turned out, the two grew closer as friends.


    "No problem. Take care, Renissa. This ''boy''friend of yours will contact you regularly. Don''t act like you don''t know me, alright?"


    "Noted, boyfriend. I will be at Sunspeak City. Take note of that."


    With that as her last sentence, Renissa smilingly turned around and began walking towards the exit of this lake park.


    Left behind at that bench, Aldrin watched her retreating back, sending her off with his eyes.


    Only when she disappeared from his field of vision did Aldrin relaxedly rest his back on the bench.


    Taking out his phone, he first ensured that Renissa''s contact was still there before checking the upload Identification as a recognized Energy Refiner of the Association.


    When he finished that, Aldrin messaged his family about his successful registration before wishing them to take care on their way back to their home.


    ''Now, time to work again.'' He muttered inwardly as he tapped the mysterious IDLE Database icon.


    As soon as it finished loading, he instantly went to the Idle Shopping interface and re-purchased 7 Small Merchants. Compared to how many credits he used to purchase the 7 Small Merchants yesterday, it''s a bit higher today since there were still 18 existing Small Merchants. With his current bank balance of more than 30,000 Federation Credits when the 10,000 he received from Renissa was added, he had enough credits to buy those and more.


    [You bought 7 Small Merchants for 14,350 Federation Credits]


    [Acquired Bonus: x1.5 Income at 25 Small Merchants]


    Upon seeing the difference in price compared to his first time purchasing them yesterday, Aldrin pondered whether to wait for everything to expire before buying them in one bulk. However, with the hours that would be lost without any income, that''s something he couldn''t afford yet when he''s just starting.


    Moreover, the next tier for the Production was still yet to unlock. If he went by the standards of some idle game he played before, unlocking the next tiers should be faster contrary to what''s happening in IDLE Database.


    However, considering he''s earning IDLE Points that could be converted to cash or Dimensional Energy he could absorb easily, he was convinced that it was balancing his progress.


    Take the upgrades in Idle Adventure Mode as an example. The price scaling for the temporary multiplier, equipment level-ups and skills were sufficiently higher than the one in the Idle Shopping.


    ''With the ants growing stronger and dwindling in numbers, I should also expect a decrease in Idle Adventure income. Furthermore, it''s already at the point that a single run of Idle Adventure isn''t enough to purchase the next level of Multiply. I have to start saving IDLE Points to the storage if I want to continue progressing in it.''


    While he was at that line of thought, his finger already tapped the Idle Adventure interface to check on his three Dimensional Clones and see their current income after hours of not looking at them.


    [IDLE Points: 1486]


    "Great that it''s higher than I anticipated." Aldrin was delighted at seeing that.


    He then observed the current state of the three Dimensional Clones. They''re already in tatters but they''re still moving swiftly, killing those lone insects they would run into and running away to the truly impossible battle.


    As he thought about it, the Attack Setting that he picked couldn''t be properly utilized anymore. Even if they set up an ambush, if that was a battalion of Soldier Ants, they would still end up getting surrounded by them.


    Moreover, even the traps they could create were only enough to impede on or two.


    "... Right. I needed to go back there and manually control a Dimensional Clone to become aware of their real state in that battlefield."


    Having experienced it once, Aldrin was already aware that even though it looked so easy when looking from the screen, it was a struggling battle inside it.


    Think about the exhaustion, the tension and every other factor that he could think of. It''s already a great thing that his Dimensional Clones were somewhat fearless but just that wasn''t enough to dominate that Lower Dimension.


    ''Since this felt like a tutorial map or rather a trial map... I should expect something new when the conquest percentage reaches 100%.''


    After observing his clones for a few minutes, Aldrin tapped his phone and went to the first tab and spent 200 points to double the attack multiplier.


    At his current average income, that''s all he could spare. It only lasts during the current run after all. It''s a lot better to allot it to permanent upgrades.


    Perhaps, when his IDLE Point production reached high enough then that''s the time for him to properly utilize the feature by splurging IDLE Points to multiply his Dimensional Clones'' capabilities.


    Aldrin already guessed that the multipliers weren''t affecting the difficulty level.. If he raised those high enough, the Dimensional Clones could possibly challenge a Totally Impossible difficulty opponent.

 Chapter 37 - Gathering Of The Experts

    When Aldrin and Renissa left the Refiner''s Association, personalities big enough in the scale of the city arrived one by one.


    Apart from the Frostland Corporation''s Lonewind City Branch Head, Evelyn Nightfrost, who they ran into before leaving the building, the Branch Head of two other Energy Refiner corporations or companies arrived.


    Silliard Morrowdawn of the Entraia Group of Companies.


    Agate Basset of the Alpinecloud Industries.


    Furthermore, Commander Yun of the City Hall Guards as well as the four Windblades accompanying the Lonewind City Mayor also arrived a few minutes after them.


    Compared to when Aldrin and Renissa arrived earlier, Gordon didn''t block the way and Janet, who was just playful earlier, accommodated the hurried and important guests of the association. The other Energy Refiners of the Association appeared from the depths of the building to accommodate them and soon, the silent Refiner''s Association became busy.


    With all the newcomers having the same destination, all of them could soon be seen gathering inside a special conference room located on the 9th floor of the Refiner''s Association.


    The three Branch Heads, although they hurriedly arrived, were now calmly waiting to hear the reason for the sudden emergency gathering of the highest-ranking individuals of the whole Lonewind City.


    All of them were quite busy due to the disaster that happened yesterday. Some of them lost Energy Refiners against the Rift Monsters and some were sorting out their personnel and income.


    However, they all dropped whatever they were doing when the call to gather was mentioned as something of the utmost importance.


    The Conference Room located on the 9th floor of the Refiner''s Association was big enough to accommodate 50 individuals. With the logo of the Association plastered at the wall facing the entrance and decorations glorifying the honor of the most important Energy Refiners that made it flourish to this present day, anyone who would enter the place for the first would feel a sense of awe and appreciation.


    But given that they''re all big names and those faces on the wall were something already ingrained in their minds, they picked their seats and sat down as they waited for everyone invited to arrive.


    "Evelyn, I heard one of your new recruits will be departing to Sunspeak."


    Breaking the silence of the room, Silliard from Entraia addressed Evelyn.


    Although they both appeared calm from their seats, most of the individuals in the room were giving off a menacing aura towards each other as if they''re trying not to lose out in that department.


    Around Evelyn, it was like a winter hell while around Silliard, it was like huge pressure would push down anyone who would approach him. About how strong they were compared to Aldrin and Renissa, it''s like comparing an ant to a human.


    "Mhm. It''s not exactly a secret. I trained her myself. Those at Sunspeak will surely be in awe at how great she is. Who knows? In less than a few years, she will be sitting among us in this very room." Evelyn calmly answered while low-key promoting Renissa as an exceptional Energy Refiner.


    That''s what she believed and that''s also what those higher in rank than her upon noticing how quick Renissa''s progress during the month where she was trained by Evelyn.


    Normally, Energy Refiner who awakened by chance would struggle at refining Dimensional Energy even with their Energy Quintessence. In this day and age, they''re mostly considered normal citizens winning a jackpot but the pot prize wasn''t even half the fortune of Energy Refiner lineage or the payment needed to awaken by being injected with Dimensional Energy, unlike the first time they first appeared.


    However, during Evelyn''s training, Renissa showed excellent refining speed that she even got to utilize her chosen Concept quite easily.


    That''s a feat that even Evelyn struggled at when she was starting as an Energy Refiner.


    "Such confidence coming from you, someone who will rather choose to slack off than to do actual work." From the other side of Evelyn, another woman made a snide remark. It was Agate from the Alpinecloud. As if showing contempt, she even opened the paper fan in her hand and covered her hand before laughing.


    Evelyn wasn''t fazed though.


    "Agate, please. Save me from your takedowns. It''s not working... By the way, Commander Yun, how is the Dimension beyond the Rift? Is it worth looking into?" Switching her gaze to the famous Hero of the Lonewind City, Evelyn inquired.


    And with her question, the other two also perked their ears up. Since whatever reason they were called here hadn''t started yet, it was time for them to scoop out information from those always at the frontlines.


    "It''s a dangerous place. The opening of the Rift seemed unorganized and hurried that the strongest Rift Monster from that Dimension only reached the middle-stage of Ordinary Rank. The damage would''ve spread to the neighboring districts if something stronger than that appeared. Had that happened, the three of you would be called out of your cozy offices." Commander Yun cast his gaze over the three Branch Heads as he answered Evelyn''s question.


    Upon hearing that, the three nodded their heads as they thought back towards the disaster that happened. In their knowledge, something didn''t add up.


    "Only middle-stage of Ordinary Rank? No wonder the share was too low. However, how did it result in 60,000 casualties on top of dead Energy Refiners?" Before the two could ask the same question, Silliard beat them to it.


    However, Commander Yun''s answer was short. "You''ll find out about it soon as we will be discussing it here. Is that right, Mr. Mayor?"


    At this point, only now did they notice that the usually loudmouthed mayor was too silent and a grim expression covered his whole face.


    At this same moment, the wide door of the conference room, welcoming the arrival of the last personage they were waiting for. The current Branch Head of Lonewind City''s Refiner''s Association. Matias Borja.


    "For the Honorable Mayor to gather all of us here and not in your favorite office... it must be too important to divulge to your constituents." Matias, whose appearance was that of a white-haired old man wearing a red robe draped over his whole person, opened the conversation even before he sat down at the helm of the conference table.


    And with an eerie sense of urgency, the Lonewind City Mayor presented something, a small device. "Inside here is an audio recording my office received earlier. Please listen to it and tell me what you think."


    After saying that, he pushed a button from the device and slid it towards the middle of the conference table.


    If Aldrin was present at this conference room, he would surely recognize it. It''s the audio clip he sent containing the clear voice of that mysterious man in the southern district.


    As soon as the gathered high-ranking individuals of the city finished listening to it, their expressions turned grave.


    -


    -


    Six hours later, without knowing that the audio recording had already reached the ears of the strongest and most important people of the Lonewind City, Aldrin was back in his apartment.


    After paying his rent that was already overdue to the landlord, he informed him of his intent to move out.


    He then immediately called a moving company for his belongings to be transported back to their home tomorrow.


    Once he''s done, he did a set of exercises before sitting down in front of his computer and turning it on.


    As soon as it finished booting up, he opened the IDLE Database and went straight to Idle Adventure.


    "They''re wounded again, huh? It''s not even 20 minutes and they ran into another detached force of a Commander Ant''s battalion..." Aldrin muttered after he finished backreading the status log at the lower left of the interface.


    With more and more Soldier Ants and Elite Soldier Ants corpses piling up around the Ant Colony, their alert level had already gone up to the point that even the other insects such as caterpillars, spiders and beetles were being attacked by them.


    Moreover, Aldrin''s clone couldn''t do the approach of creating a perfect ambush anymore. Although ambushing was still their main strategy, it was now a bit dangerous.


    To earn more IDLE Points, Striker, being someone with the highest speed among the three Dimensional Clones would position itself near an approaching battalion or squadron of Soldier Ants, luring them towards an obscure area where Tank would be standing and Hitter hiding nearby.


    Using that kind of strategy, the third run earlier racked him an additional 300 points before the inevitable ejection. His total takeaway became a record-high of 1800 points due to how he only spent Points on the multiplier and a couple of healing times.


    In contrast to that, this fourth run had only earned him less than half of that even after purchasing the second attack multiplier.


    With his Dimensional Clones exhausted, Aldrin ultimately decided not to risk it anymore and chose to end it there.


    [Total IDLE Points Stored: 2563/10000]


    "2500 points... Although this looked great in the eyes, it''s only possible because I refrained from converting or buying anything earlier..." Aldrin shook his head as he heaved a short sigh. "Storing these wouldn''t benefit me for now. Well then, let me spend these before starting the fifth run."


    As soon as he made that decision, Aldrin converted half of the IDLE Points and prepared himself to receive another flood of Dimensional Energy.


    With more than 1250 IDLE Points about to be converted to Dimensional Energy, the total converted points would be more than triple the threshold to awaken.


    If he would use that 1000 converted Dimensional Energy as a benchmark for his evergrowing strength and progress as an Energy Refiner, it''s safe to say that he''s now more than three times stronger than yesterday!


    Is that a good thing? Hell yeah!

 Chapter 38 - Plans Going Forward

    At every drop of Dimensional Energy being refined in Aldrin''s Energy Quintessence, the familiar soothing sensation gradually filled his body.


    And consequently, the small sphere of Energy Quintessence that was continuously being battered by the flood of Dimensional Energy grew ever so slightly, creating more space to accommodate his refined Energy.


    Just like the previous times, his body reeked of sweat and a pungent smell as soon as the flood of Dimensional Energy ended.


    "It finally showed some difference," Aldrin muttered as he stared at his body that was being reflected by the mirror inside his bathroom. His somewhat haggard face due to his accumulated eyebags and somewhat poor personal hygiene experienced a change. His sharp features that were covered by those were now more prominent.


    Although he couldn''t be called a handsome guy, he''s way above the average man. Moreover, his droopy and lazy eyes due to years of slacking had returned to their previous state, bearing a brighter and more confident outlook.


    Apart from his face, Aldrin also found his body or rather his muscles that were too soft before were now defining his physical capabilities. Gone were the fats he accumulated from eating unhealthy food. Gone were the body pains he would often feel because of his irregular sitting positions and habits.


    Because his family last saw him close to his current state, they never found it weird after seeing him last night. If he appeared with his previous state before encountering IDLE Database, he''s certain that it would become one of the key points of their sermon.


    "Girlfriend..." As he muttered this word, he remembered his family''s comment about it. He''s already at the right age to even make his own family but as things stand, he would now lack the time to focus on that part.


    Moreover... a certain woman''s face flashed in his mind. "That''s right. It''s about time for her departure."


    As he returned to his room, Aldrin dialed Renissa''s number, part-nervous and part-excited.


    "Is my ''boy''friend missing me already?" Emphasizing the ''boy'' part, Renissa''s playful voice reached Aldrin''s ears as soon as she picked up the call.


    Ignoring the slightly noisy background of people walking around and the announcements being uttered at the platform, Aldrin''s sense of hearing focused on listening to Renissa''s sweet voice.


    Unaware that a smile crept upon his lips, Aldrin replied, "Mhm. I remembered that it''s about the time of your departure. I can''t see you off personally but... I can at least bid you take care here... ''girl''friend''." Copying Renissa, he emphasized the ''girl'' part.


    Soon afterward, he heard the woman on the other end laughing heartily. "Thank you, Aldrin. I''m still having cold feet about all this but hearing your voice this time calmed my nerves down."


    As the volume of her laughs and giggles went down, Renissa''s sigh of relief as if a heavy burden was lifted off her chest reached Aldrin''s ears. Following that, Aldrin faintly heard the announcement about the arriving High-speed Plasma Train.


    A Secondary City like Lonewind City didn''t have its own airport for public travel. The small airport and hangar were only for the Metadomes owned by the City Hall, the three Energy Refiner corporations and the Refiner''s Association. There''s also a small strip of land for private aircraft or spacecraft.


    The only way to move from this city to another was by taking that underground railway transit located at the Central District. Compared to the Plasma Train that was used to travel from district to district, the High-speed Plasma Train only had one destination, another Secondary City linked to Lonewind City via that railway.


    It''s possible to travel from aboveground but given there''s no public transport from it, it''s not advisable. Moreover, more often than not, Rift Monsters that escaped or separated from their pack would start settling in the empty lands. Those traveling aboveground would need to be wary of running into them. If they''re normal civilians without any Energy Refiner or even weapons to protect themselves, it was a sure death path.


    "My train is here, Aldrin. If you ever do well here and hopefully get sent here to attend the same Academy... Let''s hang out again."


    "Sure. If that really happened, you''ll be the only person I know there. I''ll have my ''girl''friend to be my guide."


    "You''re getting the hang of saying that, huh? Anyway, See you, ''boy''friend."


    "Take care. It''s not like we''ll lose contact, right? I''ll call you regularly."


    "Mhm... Remind me that."


    With that, their conversation ended as Renissa began to board the train.


    By tomorrow, she would be in a faraway Primary City and would be facing a new chapter in her life away from the place she grew up with. Being an Energy Refiner opened up a new world for her, for them.


    Renissa is a friend Aldrin didn''t expect he will have.


    Just the other day, Bert informed him of their former classmate becoming an Energy Refiner.


    Yesterday, disaster struck and they saved each other''s lives and worked together to survive.


    Today, they got to talk normally and ended up becoming genuine friends with each other.


    Through Renissa, he learned things and was reminded of what he needed to do. Without her guidance, perhaps he would make the mistake of using his Concept during the Combat Assessment and gather unnecessary eyes over him.


    His method to grow stronger could be said as one-of-a-kind if he''s the only one possessing the IDLE Database in the wide universe. He must not draw too much attention to him or they would notice the irregularity in his person.


    Without sufficient strength to protect those he wanted to protect, he decided to silently climb his way up with the help of the IDLE Database.


    After a while, Aldrin put down his phone and put his focus back on his PC or rather on the mysterious software.


    ''Should I invest the remaining points in Small Merchants? Considering the change in scaling price that was multiplied by five, similar to the equipment level-ups in Idle Adventure, it will now cost me quite a sum to reach the next bonus threshold. Moreover, even if I convert my current IDLE Points to Federation Credits, it won''t be enough,'' Aldrin contemplated after calculating the cost to buy 25 additional Small Merchants.


    [Hire Small Merchants to buy extraordinary stones


    Current Number of Small Merchants: 25


    Cost: 2450 Federation Credits


    Production: 3 IDLE Points/hour


    Failure Chance: 10%


    Duration: 24 hours


    Price scale: Additional 250 credits/purchase


    Current Bonus: x3 Income


    [Next Bonus: x2 Income at 50 Small Merchants]


    Apart from the price scale, the Failure Chance also doubled. At the current rate, he could earn 75 IDLE Points per hour or 1800 IDLE Points per day. 1620 if he factored that failure chance¡­


    Although it still appeared smaller than his income through Idle Adventure, that''s still pure profit even if he didn''t realign their expiration times.


    Originally, it should only cost him 40000 Federation Credits to buy 25 Small Merchants if he started from 0. But he already spent more than that today by buying 7 Small Merchants twice for the total costs of 42,900 just to return to 25.


    And with that data, that''s still more than 1200 IDLE Points in pure profit by the end of the day.


    Spending a few minutes in contemplation, Aldrin suddenly straightened his back as he reached a decision. "I better realign their expiration dates. Starting tomorrow or the next day¡­ I will only purchase from the Production Tab right after midnight. The loss is still negligible for now but it will be visible soon because of that price scaling. I better hold onto my points in the meantime as well. For now, let''s start this fifth run¡­"


    Slapping his cheeks to calm his mind, Aldrin prepared himself to dive into the Lower Dimension by manually controlling his Dimensional Clone for the 2nd time.


    "I''ll use this as another training ground. I suck at combat. I only survived that long during the assessment because of how I kept on rolling around and keeping my distance. They misunderstood it as just me strategizing my moves. In truth, I was just helplessly dodging and waiting for my chance." Aldrin wryly smiled as he remembered his combat assessment at the Refiner''s Association.


    Following that, he decisively clicked yes on the Manual prompt and closed his eyes.


    He knew that it would be different than his first time controlling his Dimensional Clone. Back then, there were only the helpless Worker Ants as prey. This time, his opponent would be the weapon-wielding Soldier Ants and more.


    However, compared to the first time where he was scared of what could possibly happen, Aldrin was feeling some kind of excitement racing through his chest at the prospect of seeing the Lower Dimension once more.


    "Fight!" He screamed to himself right before his consciousness dimmed.

 Chapter 39 - Turning Gears

    [Choose which Dimensional Clone will you control]


    [Switching is impossible once chosen]


    Compared to what he experienced the first time he chose to manually control the Dimensional Clone, Aldrin''s darkened consciousness awakened with the two system messages floating in front of him along with the three choices namely; Striker, Tank and Hitter.


    His previous theory of controlling all three at the same time was debunked. No matter how mysterious, the IDLE Database still had its limits.


    As soon as he picked ''Striker'', the same feeling of getting pulled down by the whirlpool returned and followed by the return of all of his five senses before finding himself descending towards the ground.


    He had expected for it to happen so instead of panicking, he used his eyes to not waste the chance of getting an eagle''s eye view.


    It was still the same area with tall grasses around. But what ended up becoming eye-catching was the hill in the middle of the tall grasses.


    At first, he thought it was a volcano given that there was a hole at its peak.


    But something with a huge head appeared from it. A Giant-headed Ant.


    It was unlike any of the ants he encountered or his Dimensional Clones encountered before.


    Even from afar, he could see its sharp pincers that could definitely cut him in half once he got caught by it.


    The hill wasn''t a volcano or something, it was an Anthill and just the main entrance for their colony.


    Moreover, within the short time that he was in the air, he noticed a procession of Worker Ants carrying insect corpses. Spiders, Bugs, Caterpillars, Butterflies and any other insects that could be found here.


    The Ant Colony was already stirred too much that they began looking for food outside their territory.


    And the prime culprit for that was none other than Aldrin and his Dimensional Clones.


    "This Lower Dimension Conquest progress is at 15%. Even with that low percentage, the difficulty of hunting for IDLE Points had gone up a few notches in difficulty." Aldrin analyzed the information he had at hand. "There''s still the Normal Difficulty Soldier Ants. However, they''re always accompanied by one or more Elite Soldier Ants."


    Aldrin looked behind him and eyed Tank and Hitter seemingly waiting for his order.


    Compared to before where they''re just naked dark figures, the pieces of equipment he was leveling up through that tab could properly be seen on their body.


    They''re now covered in leather armors and their weapons, although sharp, appear too poor.


    The dual sabers he picked for striker were made of stone. Sharpened stone. Nonetheless, even if it was stone, it''s still better than the sharpened wooden sticks he was using before.


    Tank''s hammer was also made from a chunk of stone tied by leather with its handle. Its shield was made from a dry-looking wooden plank. Although it''s sturdy enough to block most of the ant''s weapons, Aldrin was worried that it would be cracked during an important moment.


    However, given that he could only upgrade it through the Equipment and Skills Tab, there''s no other solution for that worry except upgrading its level.


    Hitter''s bow and dagger were also of poor quality. Or at least, in the modern world''s standard. A stone dagger and a short bow that also felt like it would snap easily if the Dimensional Clone pulled at it forcefully.


    "There''s no use thinking about our equipment. They''re proven strong enough to kill these ants anyway."


    Before moving out to hunt, Aldrin accessed the 1st tab and used the stored IDLE Points to buy the multipliers. This time he didn''t hold back by buying the 2nd multiplier upgrade for armor and defense, costing him 660 in total.


    And that''s not the end, using 750 points, he leveled up one of Striker''s sabers, Hitter''s bow and Tank''s shield to 3.


    Even though the saber, bow and shield''s visual appearance only showed minute changes, Aldrin could feel how different it was from before.


    "I splurged on my stored IDLE Points this time... There''s still more than 4 hours before midnight so... I have to make sure to make sure that what I just spent will return... or I will really cry for this decision."


    After making sure that everything''s in order, Aldrin and his two Dimensional Clones moved out and began their hunt.


    A minute later, Aldrin instantly spotted a squad of Soldier Ants led by one Elite Soldier Ant.


    Compared to when he was only watching them through the screen of his phone or his PC, his Dimensional Clones this time could be commanded by him mentally.


    After telling the two to hold their position and hide to lay an ambush, Aldrin copied the strategy he watched before.


    With his speed multiplier purchased twice, Aldrin felt like he''s walking on air as he instantly dashed from his position into the middle of the squad''s formation, surprising the ants.


    "If only I could move like this yesterday, that Rift Monster wouldn''t pose us any threat," Aldrin commented as he spun while his arms were outstretched, slashing his saber in a circle.


    Along with the screeches of those hit by him, their insect juices splattered over his person.


    However, having achieved his goal of getting their attention, Aldrin moved out of the circle and began running towards his previous position.


    The Elite Soldier Ant that managed to dodge his saber was the first one who took off after him, its spear aimed at his back.


    Fwooosh!


    Before the Elite Soldier Ant could throw it like a javelin, an arrow whistled as it accurately hit its arm, resulting in its weapon being dropped.


    And before it could make sense of what hit him, Aldrin who was just running away earlier turned around and jumped up high and above the Elite Soldier Ant''s head.


    With Striker''s two sabers at his hands, Aldrin slashed down, cleanly cutting the Elite Soldier Ant into three pieces.


    [You killed Elite Soldier Ant]


    {You gained 10 IDLE Points]


    Ignoring that status log, Aldrin took a step back and from behind him, Tank came charging in towards the 8 Soldier Ants that were trying to swarm him in different directions.


    Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Fwoosh!


    Thud!! Thud! Thud!


    Along with the three arrows hitting those behind the formation, Tank slugged it out with its hammer and shield, stunning three spear-wielding Soldier Ants at the front.


    And like earlier, Aldrin suddenly jumped overhead instantly decapitating the two Soldier Ants that still had their wits in them.


    Following that, Aldrin danced around with his sabers, ending this first encounter in less than a minute.


    "Like this, huh? As long as they come in these numbers... it won''t be long before I recover what I spent."


    Eyeing his acquired IDLE Points that went up from 0 to 50, Aldrin nodded before moving out to look for another squad.


    At the moment, he''s only moving along the periphery of the Ant Colony. Even if he easily dispatched a squad of them, Aldrin wouldn''t recklessly enter their territory wherein they could be surrounded on all sides.


    Compared to the first time where he''s alone, Aldrin was thoroughly pleased with the timely assistance of Tank and Hitter. Without them, he was positive that he might do the same thing he did in the Combat Assessment.


    Janet told him to go back in 3 days. Most likely that would be the time wherein he would be recruited or sent to training by any of the Energy Refiner organizations in this City.


    That''s why before that... Aldrin would make use of these three days to train himself by manually controlling his Dimensional Clone once a day.


    -


    -


    "Mr. Mayor, the Overseer of Planet Dualmoon has replied to your inquiry. Should I send it over?"


    "You don''t need to ask. Hurry!" In a hurried tone, the Mayor of Lonewind City stood up from his seat to hear from the Federation''s Overseer.


    After letting the four strongest organizations in the city listen to the audio file earlier, although some of them cast doubts about its origin and authenticity, they all expressed their intention to also report the incident to their higher-ups.


    Bypassing the Dimensional Disruptor to open a Dimensional Rift inside the heart of a city is a large enough issue for them to move and investigate it.


    At the moment, Lonewind City became a trial ground. But what if they opened it in Primary and Core cities where populations were tens and hundreds of times larger than a Secondary City?


    That would be absolute chaos. Even if the number of Energy Refiners and Soldiers there was higher than what a Secondary City possessed, it would still be a disaster.


    After a while, a holographic screen appeared in front of the Mayor and the video message of the Overseer of Planet Dualmoon played.


    "I received similar reports of the unusual opening of the Rifts inside the cities. What you sent couldn''t be verified as authentic yet. However, that was the best intel we received regarding these incidents. Locate the individual who sent that audio file and interrogate him, it''s possible that he possessed more information about it. For example... the identity of the voice''s owner. Moreover, if this was proven to be true... We''re in for a dark time."


    By the end of that message, the Overseer of the Planet Dualmoon under the Aldea Federation took on a grim tone in her voice.


    And upon hearing that, the Lonewind City Mayor gulped down his saliva. "... If proven to be true. My clean record will not be tarnished, right?"


    In the end, that''s still the most important thing for him, his reputation. He did what he could as the Mayor anyway.. As someone in the political career in the Federation, clean records were always the easiest way to get higher positions.

 Chapter 40 - Insects War

    After one hour of roaming around what he deemed as the border and periphery of the Ant Colony, Aldrin was already close to earning back what he initially spent before starting his hunt.


    Without going inside their territory, he focused on targeting the patrol squads like the first one they encountered to effectively hunt them.


    With each encounter earning him 50 to 60 IDLE Points, it only took around 15 squadrons of ants to gather 900 points, 200 points short of what he initially spent.


    Moreover, at every battle they faced, Aldrin was gradually getting the hang of it, his combat experience rising steadily. Tank and Hitter were also evolving alongside him.


    With Aldrin acting as the bait to round up their prey, Hitter was preventing the others from approaching him all at once and lastly, Tank was literally becoming a wall that the enemies would be colliding with.


    Based on just that, his hunting efficiency during this fifth run was outstanding, to say the least.


    It''s a lot better when idling using the Dimensional Clones.


    Even after an hour, the injuries they accumulated were only a few scratches or little chunks of wood from Tank''s shield.


    ''In a sense, this is still in line with the Idle Games I encountered before. Actively playing the game is more rewarding than waiting for the idle mechanics to do the work for you. The difference here is that... the ''Active'' gameplay leaned towards sending me to this place and experiencing it myself.'' Aldrin mulled over as he stealthily climbed a large boulder atop a tiny hill that was dotted with crawling vines.


    He''s currently alone, right inside the territory of the Ant Colony.


    He did get an easy harvest of points in an hour. However, a problem immediately surfaced right after reaching the 900 IDLE Points.


    In around fifteen minutes after his last encounter with an ant squadron, apart from occasional Worker Ant and Caterpillars, no new ant squadron appeared before him again.


    He first thought of plunging inside the territory of the ants but being too cautious, Aldrin thought of scouting ahead first. He left behind Hitter and Tank ordering them to kill every Worker Ants and Caterpillar they would encounter.


    Unlike when he''s not manually controlling one Dimensional Clone, Aldrin found out that he could command the clones mentally rather than following the Attack and Target Settings.


    He switched Hitter''s Weapon(L) to a sword to become his substitute Striker when it was proven that using a Bow against a Caterpillar was ineffective. Its skin would just bounce the arrow back even if it was already a Level 2 Bow.


    Around 5 minutes later, Aldrin finally reached the top of the rock by hanging tightly to the arm-thick vines that were covering it.


    And as soon as he used that height to get a better view of his surroundings, Aldrin instantly lowered his body and lay in a prone position, covering himself with the vines while furtively looking ahead.


    "So this is why there are no more squads leaving their territory. Most, if not all, ants are gathered here. Not only are there Commander Ants but there are also Winged Ants patrolling the sky. On top of that... that one particular ant is... terrifying." Although he whispered that almost devoid of emotion, Aldrin was actually feeling a bone-chilling sensation. Even if he''s a distance away from it, he was being terrorized by its undeniable power.


    In his quick estimation, apart from that terrifying ant and the Winged Ants, there are more than 1000 ants composing of Soldier Ants, Elite Soldier Ants and Commander Ants, filling that open space next to a gaping hole on the ground that was probably an alternate entrance for the Ant Colony.


    They were all uniformly standing in attention and the military discipline that was somewhat non-existent when he was fighting them outside the colony could be observed.


    After calming himself down, Aldrin tried to peek again to firmly identify that one particular ant. "That''s not a Commander Ant, is it? It''s standing upright like a human. Moreover, its main feature, even though it still looked like an ant from head to toe, it was kind of unique. Totally different from the worker ants that all looked the same. The same goes for Soldier and Elite Soldier Ants."


    He squinted his eyes to focus it on that unique ant, hoping that the system running the Idle Adventure mode would show him its information.


    And fortunately, it worked!


    However, it showed him another terrific surprise.


    [Level ??: Ant Champion Sira (Difficulty: Beyond Impossible)]


    "Very Easy, Easy, Normal, Hard, Very Hard, Impossible, Totally Impossible and now... Beyond Impossible... This kind of difficulty, can I overcome this? Moreover, its current level is a question mark... No wonder it instantly sent me shivering in fear." Aldrin couldn''t help but lament his upcoming challenge.


    The ant even possessed a unique name.


    Thinking back to the Giant Head Ant he saw earlier and considering those were all identical as well, Aldrin believed that this unique Ant Champion was even stronger than those big heads.


    "If I want to complete the conquest of this Lower Dimension... Sooner or later, I still have to face that one with a question mark as its level. And worse, there''s more than one of them. I don''t know what the reward will be for that but one thing''s for sure... This place also exists somewhere. Just like what''s beyond the Rift yesterday..."


    After watching for a while, Aldrin carefully retreated to go back to the same direction he came from.


    Even if the two Dimensional Clones were with him, it''s nothing short of suicide if he tried to dive in there.


    Even if he didn''t include that Ant Champion, just the number of Winged Ants and Commander Ants would be enough to overwhelm them.


    Better find another spot away from that gathering of ants who looked like they were going to war.


    ''Wait... a war?'' Aldrin suddenly halted in his steps when he thought of that possibility.


    ''That''s right. For them to gather like that, there''s most likely a bigger purpose. Besides, there are no other notices from the IDLE Database about the changes in the Ant Colony''s behavior...''


    He was thinking deeply about it but then... a realization struck upon him.


    ''Even if they''re going to war against another insect colony, I won''t benefit from it... It''s not like I can barge in there and steal kills from them... Or I possibly can...''


    After reaching this point in his thoughts, Aldrin hurriedly returned and reunited with his two clones. And while letting them stick close to him, Aldrin changed all of their right-hand weapons into a bow.


    As for arrows... It was automatically being regenerated on the quiver hanging behind their backs.


    After lying in wait for around 10 minutes, Aldrin finally saw the army of ants going out of their Colony''s territory.


    With the leadership of that unique Ant Champion, they began marching towards the east.


    Aldrin followed them from a distance, making sure that they wouldn''t be detected.


    And around 10 minutes more... Aldrin rejoiced that his guess was correct.


    In an open area devoid of the usual tall grasses, the Ant Army led by the Ant Champion Sira met another army of insects.


    [Level ?? Black Spider Champion Wenka (Difficulty: Beyond Impossible)]


    For the first time, ever since getting the IDLE Database and running the Idle Adventure mode, only now did Aldrin find out that... in this Lower Dimension, the Ant Colony wasn''t the only dominant force.


    East of where his clones were always dropped lies another Colony. A colony of Gigantic Social Spiders. And they''re different from those spiders he would occasionally encounter near the Ant Colony. With black bodies and red eyes, they looked like a patch of darkness in this green world.


    "This is a chance to... gather points..." After gulping down his imaginary saliva and slapping his cheeks, Aldrin ordered his two Dimensional Clones to get in position with him.


    With the army of ants and spiders about to fight against each other, they would be fishing in troubled waters using their arrows.


    "By the way, I haven''t tried it yet but... I can still feel my Energy Quintessence... Is it possible to use my Concept here?"


    While in the midst of thinking of that possibility, the screeching of insects began to drown the field.


    And with the lead of their own champions, the two forces collided!

 Chapter 41 - Fishing From Troubled Waters

    [You killed Elite Black Weaver Spider]


    [You gained 20 IDLE Points]


    ''Great!'' Aldrin exclaimed upon seeing how his arrows accurately hit the spider in one of its many eyes.


    Truthfully, he only stole a kill from a group of ants that knocked it down, placing down that shot just before they deliver a killing strike.


    Luckily for him, it succeeded!


    It succeeded, however... He was spotted by the Elite Soldier Ants that followed the arrow''s trajectory.


    "Screech!" they screamed and without delay, they angrily crawled towards Aldrin''s direction.


    Upon seeing that, Aldrin smirked as he met the Elite Soldier Ants'' gaze. While putting on a mocking expression, he disappeared behind an area with tall grasses and other plants that were simply gigantic.


    "Oh? Come here then and get your meal..."


    This was his strategy for the past 30 minutes. In that short time, he had already earned 600 points. Or 400 in profits for this run. And he''s not stopping anytime soon.


    Fishing in troubled waters and baiting the confused fishes by acting as if he''s scared, slowly but surely bulked up Aldrin''s gathered IDLE Points.


    No matter how chaotic this battlefield became. The focus was between the champions of the two camps slugging it out against each other with a totally incredible show of power.


    That''s why even though it was inevitable to be noticed when he''s stealing the kills from either the ants or the spiders, those nearby were the only ones who could notice him, giving him ample chance to use the situation in his favor.


    "Stop screeching and just hurry up. I prepared something for you." Aldrin once more provoked the Elite Soldier Ants to approach him. At the same time as that, he kept on retreating behind the tall grasses as he hurriedly switched out his and his clones'' weapons.


    And while doing so, Aldrin started lamenting about having a preset feature. That way, he wouldn''t need to spend a few seconds switching it.


    "There''s still a lot to be unlocked so it''s probably in here somewhere. I just need to find a way to unlock it."


    As soon as the baited Elite Soldier Ants entered his designated ambush point, Tank dropped from above, smashing its wooden shield on the ground, creating a small-scale earthquake only enough to make the 6 Elite Soldier Ants wobble in their legs.


    And while they''re trying to correct their balance, Tank smashed its stone hammer to the two Elite Soldier Ants'' heads.


    Because these ants were different from just ordinary Soldier Ants, one managed to block and thrust its glistening spear forward, piercing through Tank''s wooden shield.


    Upon seeing that, Aldrin who already accounted for that possible occurrence immediately sent a mental order to Hitter that was hidden behind Tank while he hid in a position where he could jump out at any moment.


    As soon as his order was sent, Hitter immediately jumped out of its hiding place and swiftly pulled the strings of its bow thrice, all aimed at the Elite Soldier Ant trying to stab through Tank''s shield.


    Fwoooosh!


    As its arrows whistled through the air, homing straight towards that one particular Elite Soldier Ant, Hitter pulled out its sword and charged forward.


    A split second after its arrows forced the Elite Soldier Ant to retreat, Hitter''s sword mercilessly stabbed the ant, insect juices spilling out of its body.


    Following that, Aldrin also jumped out from where he hid, homing in towards the other four confused Elite Soldier Ants.


    From his shadow, a clone rose, wielding the sword he bought through Idle Shopping.


    Like him, it zoomed in and brandished the sword against the Elite Soldier Ants.


    One. Two. Three.


    One sword, two sabers instantly brought down the number of ants from six to three.


    Moreover, two were incapacitated and the last one standing couldn''t do anything but screech angrily.


    Unfortunately, that''s all it could do. Not wasting any time at all, Hitter continuously stabbed the Elite Soldier Ant with its sword while Tank was deflecting its desperate attacks. The Shadow Clone then went to the stunned Ant in front of the two and diced it before it could recover. And lastly, Aldrin played against the screeching Elite Soldier Ant, hacking away its limbs one by one before using its own spear to impale it from the ground.


    As those six status logs concerning his IDLE Points gain, Aldrin smilingly watched as 60 points were added to his total.


    "That''s 80 points in less than 3 minutes. It''s a great thing that I chose to manually control this time."


    Finding out that it might be possible to use his Concept in this Lower Dimension, Aldrin tried it earlier and was met with success.


    Due to that, he began using it as additional manpower during these ambushes.


    What he''s unclear about was if the Energy Quintessence and refined energy he could feel and use was from his real body that was unconscious in front of his PC.


    -


    -


    As time passed, Aldrin continued with his strategy. Before he knew it, the Ants and Spiders at that side of the battlefield began to dwindle.


    Due to that, he circled to the other side and resumed his antics all the while making sure not to be noticed by the ant and spider champions.


    Nonetheless, it wasn''t that easy for him whenever a Commander Ant or the equivalent of it from the spider''s side would notice him.


    Those two would be sending more ants and spiders than he could handle.


    And at one point, Aldrin had to use the complete Basic Refiner Battlesuit to escape from an encirclement when he was grabbed by a winged ant and dropped right in the middle of an encirclement.


    The Battlesuit in his opinion was truly an equipment befitting of an Energy Refiner. It steeply raised not only his strength and defense but also his mobility at the expense of refined Energy. Moreover, it was stacked with the Dimensional Clone''s permanent equips, making him appear like a super-soldier in the long-lost movies of the ancient era.


    Thanks to that, Elite Soldier Ants that managed to use that opportunity to stab him found their attacks impeded by the suit, giving him the chance to get out of their encirclement and assassinate the Commander Ant directing them before going back to where he came from.


    That occurrence actually raised his notoriety among the Ants that the champions of both sides sent a detached force chase after him and away from the free and easy kills he was having before.


    Nonetheless, he also made use of that opportunity to earn more by picking those chasing spiders and ants one by one.


    By the time he finished off the last Commander Ant using the gun he only pulled at the last minute, he found himself alone and missing two limbs. One arm and one leg.


    "Even if I heal myself, I don''t think I can go on anymore... This feeling of losing limbs is..." Aldrin''s weakened voice trailed as he observed himself, lying down with the bright sky filling his vision. "... terrifying."


    Before he completely lost his consciousness, Aldrin opened his Spatial Pocket and returned his sword, gun and the set of Basic Refiner Battlesuit inside.


    And while staring at his earned IDLE Points during this run, a wide smile replaced his pained expression before prompting the ''Leave the Dimension'' option.


    [Idle Adventure Mode Run Time: 4 hours, 18 minutes, 23 seconds


    [Creatures killed: 679 (8 Impossible, 128 Very Hard, 357 Hard, 128 Normal, 58 Easy)]


    [Total IDLE Points gained: 7344(1160 returned to IDLE Point Storage)]


    [Total IDLE Points used: 0(1160 used from IDLE Point Storage]


    [Total IDLE Points to be stored: 6084]


    [Lower Dimension Conquest progress: 21%]


    [Remaining Chances: 0 (will reset at 0:00 local time)]


    [Evaluation: A+ Rating]

 Chapter 42 - A Good Seed

    [Total IDLE Points Stored: 7340/10000]


    For more than 10 minutes after ending his fifth run, Aldrin was left stuck staring at that particular line.


    More than 7000 IDLE Points... It''s already a fortune for his family if he converted all of it to Federation Credits. Moreover, he could still expect more than 1600 IDLE Points harvest from his generator.


    As he relished on staring at that abundant IDLE Points, he began budgeting it or rather, allocating it to what he needed.


    First on his list, Aldrin set aside 2000 Points for the Federation Credits that he would present for his family three days later. Although he''s aware that he could probably earn that amount again by the third day, he wanted to make sure. The possibility of IDLE Database being taken from him at any moment was still there.


    Although he would devote himself to utilizing it, he was already thinking of ways to not fully rely on it.


    It''s also one of the reasons why he wanted to be adept at combat despite having the ability to conjure a Shadow Clone or summon Dimensional Clones that could fight for him at the expense of few IDLE Points and refined energy.


    If the IDLE Database disappeared one day, he wanted to be someone who could stand on his own foot.


    For Aldrin, he was treating the mysterious program as an Experience Booster that would eventually expire.


    With 2000 set aside, he still had more or less 7000 depending on how much he will be able to harvest when midnight arrives.


    "First... I needed to upgrade the storage. It will eventually be filled after all. Also... the points needed to reach 50 Small Merchants."


    Aldrin then calculated it in his mind setting aside another 1000 and 1600 IDLE Points. 11 Small Merchants would expire right after midnight so he needed 159,350 Federation Credits in total to buy 36 Small Merchants.


    Because of the new bonus at 50 Small Merchants, Idle Shopping would begin earning him more than 5000 IDLE Points per day. 6120 if Failure Chance was raised once more and was accounted for. But until he finished realigning their expiration time, Aldrin would be expecting less income.


    It''s fine for him since he only needed another day to fix it.


    After deducting those he listed, that still left him more or less 4300. Still a huge amount.


    His outlook truly changed in just a few days. If he was frugal with spending money before because of his dwindling savings, this time, setting aside what would be equivalent to more than double of his parents'' annual income was decided in less than five minutes.


    "Since I could use my Concept inside the Idle Adventure mode, should I buy a new set of Battlesuit? No... My spherical Energy Quintessence already surprised Janet. If I showed that I already possessed two Concepts and another one that I was close to being enlightened to as well as a complete Basic Refiner Battlesuit, they would begin to suspect that there''s something wrong with me..."


    If his story was like one of those novels in the ancient era, he could bluff by talking about a hidden master or an inheritance he chanced upon.


    Alas, that''s something that wouldn''t fly when it was easy to access anyone''s information in today''s era.


    In his mind, now that he registered as an Energy Refiner, he was expecting that the association had already done background checks about him. Furthermore, Janet is not Renissa. The fact that he possessed a spherical Energy Quintessence was most likely already reported.


    -


    -


    "Enter."


    On the 10th floor of the Refiner''s Association, inside the sole room located on it which overlooked the view of the whole Central District, the authoritative voice of the Branch Head rang out.


    Soon afterward, the wide door was silently pushed open from the outside, revealing Janet''s figure, walking elegantly and stopping a few steps before his table.


    "Here is the report about the new registered Energy Refiners in this city for the past week. I implore Branch Head to check the topmost one." Janet placed a tablet device containing the information about the newly registered Energy Refiners from Lonewind City.


    Among the more than 20 Energy Refiners that awakened within the week and registered, all of them came from Energy Refiner lineages except one, Aldrin.


    "Alright, you can leave now..." With his mind occupied from the shocking audio recording he heard earlier, Matias didn''t pay too much attention to the report and thought of skimming through later once he cleared his mind despite Janet''s recommendation.


    It''s normal.


    The matter about the Dimensional Rifts opening inside a city protected by Dimensional Disruptor was a heavier subject than the new recruits who would, more often than not, become stagnant after a few months of their awakening.


    However, before Janet could even turn around, Matias seemingly remembered something and threw the woman a question.


    "By the way, until when will you stay as a receptionist, Janet? Are you still waiting for him to return? I gave that position to you as per your request but things had just gotten a bit complicated. The Association needed someone like you in the forefront."


    "... Branch Head. It''s not that I''m slacking off, I told you the reason why and you allowed me to... Once a Rift towards that Dimension opens again, you can expect me to be the first one in line to dive in it." Janet answered. "Anyway, whatever complications arose, I believe the famous Bloodied Drake of days past can spread his wings again."


    By the tone of her voice, it was easy to see that she''s restraining an emotion. In the end, she deflected what Matias said and forced a smile by mentioning the title Matias was better known for.


    For her, there''s nothing more important than that. Manning the reception desk of the Refiner''s Association and teasing those newbies and her colleagues was one way for her to control herself from going berserk from the helplessness she was feeling.


    Her brother, someone who was with her ever since they both awakened at the same time became trapped inside a Dimension when his unit entered the Rift to investigate.


    It wasn''t supposed to happen given the knowledge they had but for whatever reason, the Rift closed while her brother and the members of his unit were still inside.


    The last thing she heard from him through the Communicator was that they were surrounded by the enemies and were requesting extraction.


    However, with the Rift closed, rescuing them from that place became impossible.


    The only hope for them was for a Rift from the same Dimension to open again.


    But the trickiest part was... Rifts are most of the time... random. A Rift might open in the planet they are in and the next Rift from the same Dimension might appear on another planet or World Zone.


    Nonetheless, Janet was still hoping for a miracle. The Communicator that was directly connected to her brother''s Communicator was always at her side, waiting quietly until it rang once more.


    "It has been five years, Janet..." Matias sighed and stopped whatever he wanted to say next.


    He lowered his head on the table and picked up the tablet device that the woman placed on his table.


    "I know and I''m still hoping. Thank you for understanding... uncle." After saying that, Janet turned around and left the room.


    Matias watched the forlorn back of his niece before sighing once more. "It''s high time for that girl to move on. Even I am not confident to live for five years in the Dimension beyond the Rifts once it closed..."


    He shook his head and since he''s already holding the tablet device, Matias picked it up and opened the files about the new Energy Refiners.


    "Aldrin Fallwater... flawless spherical Energy Quintessence. This... is a good seed to cultivate. It also reminds me of that boy..."


    Remembering what Janet said after presenting the report to him, Matias widened his eyes as he immediately pressed a button from his table.


    A few seconds later, a holographic screen rose and the face of his assistant appeared on it.


    "Draft a luxurious contract that will outclass what the City Hall and the three corporations can draw. We have to get this new Energy Refiner." He tapped something on the tablet device and Aldrin''s information flashed on the screen. "Also... Reassign Janet. Put her as one of the instructors for the upcoming Joint Refiner Training Camp."


    "I understand. But Branch Head, will Janet comply?"


    "Don''t worry about it. She needs to go out of her comfort zone or... she will remain stagnant. Training that one might change her mind."


    Like Janet told Aldrin, his spherical Energy Quintessence only gave a small surprise to Matias. The reason why he arranged that is because.... Janet''s brother possessed a similar Energy Quintessence.

 Chapter 43 - Two Days

    Two days soon passed in the Lonewind City and traces of the disaster had begun to be mended; rebuilding the damaged and destroyed structures, opening the economy for the evacuees that returned.


    Lives were lost, families were compensated and that''s the end of it. The city couldn''t afford to remain stagnant. This was how the world worked in this era. Dwelling on a disaster that could happen anytime would just slow down the gears of society.


    Even Bert, Aldrin''s friend, returned to assess the damage to his restaurant and plan for its renovation.


    Naturally, most of the affected residents were compensated by the government, even the residents they evacuated from the neighboring districts. It was to keep the economy running; all from the Mayor''s deep pockets to regain his approval ratings.


    And during these two days, Aldrin was unaware of the undercurrents that were happening in the city.


    He was unaware that the Lonewind City Mayor began to trace the source of the audio file and even sent someone to return to the Southern District to investigate the area. Ordered to find even a minute clue as to who recorded the file as well as the identity of the man talking in it.


    He was also unaware that every major player in the Lonewind City had already caught wind about his spherical Energy Quintessence. Despite not being a rare occurrence, a good seed is still a good seed. Moreover, his background as someone not from an Energy Refiner lineage also sparked curiosity as to how he managed to craft a spherical Energy Quintessence. All of them have begun drafting contracts to entice him into signing.


    While being unaware of those undercurrents, his whole attention for the past 2 days was poured into IDLE Database and his progress as an Energy Refiner. He couldn''t afford to slack off when he was aware that a Dimensional Rift could be opened anytime by the organization that man belonged to.


    "Oii... Idiot brother, you''re on your PC again. Get your ass up. It''s dinner time."


    As the door to his room opened, Althea, while grumbling that, went behind him to pinch his head with her knuckles.


    Although it''s not hurting him, Aldrin, who was disturbed in his concentration, reflexively grabbed her sister''s arms as he raised his head to meet her gaze. "Alright. Alright. But when will you learn to knock?"


    "Are you deaf? I''ve knocked multiple times. You''re too focused on your monitor." Althea frowned as she tried twisting her arm to get out of his grip but it was futile.


    Nonetheless, upon hearing her words, Aldrin embarrassedly released her before following her out to the dining room where their parents were waiting.


    When he returned to their house in the Southeastern District the other day, Aldrin already noticed that despite having this attitude, the girl was elated and excited to have him back.


    Whenever she would find a chance, Althea would sit next to him, asking him about the things that happened to him during the past years that he''s away from them.


    And ultimately, she would end up asking him how it was like to be an Energy Refiner.


    For the past two days, Althea observed him and found out that Aldrin was mostly lazing around their house. If not catching him in front of his PC, she would see him in the living room, fiddling or just straight up staring at his phone.


    Due to that, her curiosity ballooned and she couldn''t help but want to solve that mystery.


    The mystery of why is her brother too different from most Energy Refiners she can see through different forms of media and in the dimnet.


    He''s a complete slacker!


    But in Aldrin''s defense, she just hadn''t seen the instances when he would exercise to keep the cells inside his body awake and refine Dimensional Energy both from the converted IDLE Points and the everpresent Dimensional Energy in the surrounding.


    "By the way, Althea, have you chosen which college you''ll attend?"


    After finishing their dinner, Aldrin opened a conversation for the sake of also updating himself at what''s happening in his family.


    He returned after years of hiding from them, it''s natural that there''s now some sense of detachment and he wanted to somehow mend that.


    At the moment, they''re all gathered in the living room, making that question also be heard by their parents.


    "... Not yet. Is it bad that I also want to be an Energy Refiner like you?" Althea answered with a bitter smile. "I know it''s impossible given that it''s up to chance to awaken like you. That''s why... I will settle to be a soldier instead. I think I will attend a military academy."


    "Are you sure about that?" Their father asked and, on his side, their mother also had inquiring eyes.


    "Yes... I have thought about this¡ª"


    "Don''t. Althea. At least not now." Aldrin cut her off.


    Not that he wanted to change her decision, he just thought about the future. Soldiers, even if they could operate a Metadome, would only become a cannon-fodder whenever a Rift would appear. If she really wanted to become an Energy Refiner... Aldrin believed that he could help her in the future.


    If it''s impossible through the IDLE Database, he could... get the money needed for that other option to awaken. Injecting her with Dimensional Energy.


    "Why not? It''s what I decided, idiot brother!"


    "No. If you really want to go to a military academy then go. Take their training. But don''t be a soldier... If I earned enough as an Energy Refiner... I will pay for that method for your awakening."


    "Heh. You must be joking, idiot brother. That''s millions of credits!" Althea almost shouted, disbelief apparent in her voice.


    Even if she wanted to believe, having her brother go to such length for her was making her feel guilty.


    However, Aldrin just stood up and began patting his sister''s head.


    "And I assure you, I can earn that." Aldrin confidently declared.


    He decided to take care of them after all. And if his sister decided to become someone who could also fight for the safety of everyone, then making her an Energy Refiner would be the best choice instead of letting her become a soldier and lose her life on her first deployment.


    "Aldrin... Don''t say that. Even if being an Energy Refiner is profitable, you also have to think of yourself. And... isn''t it too dangerous?" Their mother worriedly said.


    "Don''t worry, mom. I will plan for it." Still filled with confidence, Aldrin reassured his mother. "That''s why Althea, train yourself and wait for me to get that money. Being a soldier is akin to becoming a human shield. I don''t want you to become like that. Take this as my selfishness as your brother. I will only ask you to wait, can you do that for me?"


    Although still baffled by her confident brother, Althea found herself nodding to his question.


    After seeing that, Aldrin smiled and excused himself to return to his room.


    He could be mistaken as a boaster but as long as the IDLE Database was with him then it might not need years to earn that much.


    Tomorrow would be his return to the Refiner''s Association and he''s finished with his preparation.


    His preparation to appear like a complete newbie in the Energy Refiner world.


    That''s a fa?ade he had to make for himself. Otherwise, he wouldn''t know how to explain being enlightened in three Concepts and having a complete Dark Warrior Battlesuit stored in his Spatial Pocket.


    There are also unexplained transactions in his bank account.


    Aldrin was aware that the IDLE Database was actually masking his bank account or better yet, the true owner of the mysterious system had some connection to it. Considering Federation Credits kept on being filled and consumed by him on a regular basis, he wasn''t being notified by that kind of irregularity.


    The only problem now was how to explain if someone noticed the sudden swelling of his pockets when he''s just a new Energy Refiner.


    That''s why for the next few months or years if that''s not enough, he would keep a low profile until he gained some foothold that would back his wealth.


    Or perhaps, IDLE Database had a yet-to-unlock feature that would solve that problem for him.


    Either way, he had to focus on two things at the moment, his new identity as an Energy Refiner registered to the association and the continued progress using IDLE Database.


    -


    -


    "I should refrain from getting a new concept for now..." Aldrin muttered after contemplating in front of his PC. He had just finished the fifth run of the day wherein he manually controlled his Dimensional Clone again.


    His progress these past two days was quite significant.


    He successfully enlightened himself with the Shadow Blade Concept yesterday. And in his observation... The reason why he failed to enlighten himself with it back then was because of his progress as an Energy Refiner.


    Although there''s probably no upper limit on the number of Concepts he could be enlightened with as he grew as an Energy Refiner, he couldn''t just pick every Concept and be enlightened with them.


    His head would be in a serious mess whenever he would use one Concept because of how convoluted his mind became.


    As for the IDLE Points he gained and consumed. Deducting the IDLE Points he used for converting to Dimensional Energy, renewing the Small Merchants, purchases and upgrades, he still had quite a sum for today; 2791 IDLE Points. Moreover, he''s still expecting more than 6000 when the clock ticks past midnight.


    He converted a lot of Dimensional Energy by now due to his high income. However, the progress it made was just the continued expansion of his Energy Quintessence.


    During these two days, he hadn''t encountered another large-scale battle between the insects where he could fish on. Due to that, his earnings for Idle Adventure''s five runs per day earned him 8529 yesterday and around 7971 today.


    And it only reached that much because his earning when he''s manually controlling the Dimensional Clones was more than triple compared to when he''s letting them move by themselves.


    On average, the Dimensional Clone could now earn him 1000+ IDLE Points per run.


    Well, that would probably rise again because he spent 7500 on one of Striker''s sabers, unlocking a Skill that costs another 5000 Points to level up to 1. He had yet to buy that though. His IDLE Points were still insufficient so he had to wait for midnight.


    "I''m already prepared but... I still feel like I''m missing something..." Aldrin wandered his eyes to the Idle Shopping interface. Staring intently at the list of what he could buy. "That''s right. Even if I will not use it yet like the Dark Warrior Battlesuit that cost me 3000 points, I should also buy the next tier of my weapons. It''s for Idle Adventure and... just in case I might need it."


    After spending another 1000 to buy a higher-tiered sword and handgun, Aldrin comfortably rested his back on his chair.


    The only thing left for him to do tonight was to wait for midnight. But given that he had this free time for himself, he sent a message to check on Renissa who had already arrived at Sunspeak City.


    He promised to regularly check on her.. And that''s what he''s doing.

 Chapter 44 - Unlocked By Being Lazy

    [Small Merchants'' Turnover: 6212 IDLE Points]


    [Total IDLE Points Stored: 8003/15000]


    As the clock ticked past midnight, the sixth day of his possession of IDLE Database started.


    Accurately speaking, there are still two more hours before completing the fifth cycle of the day. But that''s irrelevant now.


    That night was still vivid for Aldrin. Clicking on an ad and receiving the IDLE Database ''accidentally'' when his saliva showered his monitor. And then his life began to roll anew.


    However, as the number of IDLE Points that he needed to manage continued growing bigger, Aldrin couldn''t help but raise a question to himself. "Aren''t I the same as before? I mean... I''m still in front of my PC for almost 24 hours. Moreover, my sleep time has become erratic."


    Aldrin shook his head as he began fiddling around the mysterious program''s interface. After converting 1800 Points to 180000 Federation Credits, he then used 176250 credits to buy the 50 Small Merchants.


    "True it did change my life, turning me from a useless and worthless guy to an Energy Refiner that could now earn a million credits in one day if I stop spending IDLE Points. It helped save myself and Renissa during that disaster. It also helped me reunite with my family that I was too ashamed to meet. But in the end, I still have the same routine. Spending my day in front of my PC, playing." Aldrin continued his monologue as his cursor moved to the glowing spiral, starting the 1st Idle Adventure run for the day.


    As soon as his Dimensional Clones reappeared at the same Lower Dimension, he found out that their dropping point was right in the middle of an Ant Squadron consisting of Elite and Soldier Ants.


    To prevent his clones to be overwhelmed by them, Aldrin heartbreakingly used 5660 IDLE Points to level up the new unlocked Skill from having a Level 5 Weapon to Level 1 and upgrade the three multipliers twice.


    Although there wasn''t any special effect from doing it, seeing the two new system notifications lightened Aldrin''s heart slightly.


    [You leveled up Ripple...]


    [Striker can now use Level 1 Ripple]


    Dropping right in the middle of the enemies, a fight instantly broke out.


    The current Target setting that Aldrin set was Normal to as high as Impossible difficulty. Elite Soldiers and Soldier Ants were inside that range.


    While still silently lamenting about the 5660 IDLE Points he spent, Aldrin intently watched as Striker''s Level 5 Iron Saber glowed with a wavy brilliant light.


    As the Dimensional Clone swung the saber down, ripples of sharp energy burst out from its point of impact, killing all the Soldier Ants that were in its way.


    He had just used the 5000 points to level it up and Striker, as if it''s a Skill it was familiar with, immediately used it, unleashing an unexpected devastating attack, reducing the surrounding ants from more than 20 to 5.


    And with the shocked ants paralyzed from what they witnessed, the initial battle ended in less than 10 seconds when Tank and Hitter also reached the ground and instantly moved according to their role.


    "There goes my hard-earned IDLE Points. From 8000 to 500 real quick. But hey, that Ripple... I''m going to try that later." Aldrin rubbed his chin, forcefully dropped the lamentations he''s having and eagerly watched his Dimensional Clones do their jobs.


    And in this way, Aldrin welcomed another sleepless night.


    -


    -


    "What is this?! Uncle?"


    Janet hysterically shouted as she strode inside Matias'' office first thing in the morning.


    The order for the change of her post came right after waking up, ruining her entire day. She had expressed her intention to remain as the reception girl of the Association but all of a sudden, she was being assigned to become an instructor.


    "It is as the order says. One instructor slot for the Joint Rookie Training Camp tomorrow needs to be filled. Our Lonewind City branch has no available late Stage 2 Energy Refiner at the moment because of the disaster four days ago. I have them investigate in and out of the city for traces of anomalies." Matias calmly explained. He was expecting her to react like this so he already had an explanation ready for when she would storm his office.


    "And why does it have to be me? There''s Gordon!"


    "Gordon is a musclehead. He''s not fit to be an instructor." Matias simply brushed her suggestion away. Naturally, it''s another excuse. Musclehead or not, Gordon could become an instructor. It''s just guiding a new Energy Refiner after all.


    Upon hearing that, Janet''s head moved about along with her eyes, probably thinking of another reason she could use to rescind her post transfer order.


    However, no matter where she looked, nothing came to her mind. After a bit of a fit by ruffling her own luscious hair, she crossed her arms as she thought of negotiating the terms with her uncle.


    "... Will you give me back my post if I do this?"


    "Let''s see. It depends on the performance of the rookies that you have to guide. Some of them will surely sign to us rather than the other organizations." Matias slightly smiled. He then pretended to be busy with something to further irk the woman to accept it.


    Upon seeing that, Janet clicked her tongue. "Shitty old man! Alright, I''ll do it! But this is the last... last time you will be meddling... Uncle. Furthermore, I will leave my post regardless of anything if his call arrives in the middle of the Training Camp."


    "No problem. And I promise... this is the last time I will meddle in your affairs. You should know that I''m doing this for you."


    "I don''t recall ever asking you to do this."


    "And I don''t recall having the need to ask permission from a subordinate. Much less my own niece. Your parents are on their happy trip across the entire Federation, shall I ask for their consent?"


    "No need! Cheapskate."


    Having no other rebuttal left, Janet could only click her tongue again and stomp her feet on her way out of the Branch Head''s office, leaving behind her uncle who she couldn''t reason with.


    She''s aware that he was looking out for her. She just couldn''t find the motivation to go out again even after five years had already passed since that incident. She''s still hoping that somewhere out there, her brother is still alive, struggling and waiting for a Rift to open as a way to go home.


    Contrary to what she told Renissa and Aldrin, her parents were truly touring the Federation but it''s not their honeymoon trip, it''s to find clues about the same instance that happened to the Rift where their son was trapped.


    -


    -


    "... Surprisingly, I unlocked a hidden feature. And I achieved it by being lazy for once ever since getting this mysterious program," Aldrin muttered while reading the result of the second run as well as the new lines informing him of a new unlocked feature of the IDLE Database.


    Contrary to what Aldrin expected to happen, he got too bored watching his Dimensional Clones scour the surrounding area and diving into the Ant Colony''s territory to earn him IDLE Points.


    And that was because of the constant changes in the Lower Dimension''s environment brought about by his existence.


    Even if his clones grew strong enough to easily wrap up a fight against a squad of strong elite ants, the Attack Settings of the Idle Adventure mode had begun to limit their hunting efficiency. His clones wouldn''t engage in an impossible fight and more often than not, spend most of their time just stalking their prey. A lot of time was being wasted preparing for an ambush than the actual battles themselves, leading to the eventual slow accumulation of IDLE Points.


    Because of that Attack Settings, even if there''s a group of enemies that was well within the Target Settings, the mechanics of the latter were always opting for a totally careful approach that mishaps would only happen when the ants would provide a harder resistance or a reinforcement would arrive quickly.


    And after meticulous observation, during the start of the second run, for the first time ever since switching it to a more careful approach, Aldrin switched it back to ''Attack on sight'' without changing the Target Settings. He then spent another five minutes observing the changes before ultimately deciding to sleep on it, letting his clones do their thing without any other input from him after spending 660 Points for the multipliers.


    Back to the present, Aldrin was still trying to wrap his head around why he even tried to be too careful before, if not for that, he had long unlocked a very useful feature...


    [Your Dimensional Clones died...]


    [Idle Adventure Mode Run Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes, 12 seconds


    [Creatures killed: 268(3 Impossible,78 Very Hard, 128 Hard, 59 Normal]


    [Total IDLE Points gained: 3285(660 returned to IDLE Point Storage)]


    [Total IDLE Points used: 0(660 used from IDLE Point Storage]


    [Total IDLE Points to be stored: 1313(originally 2625, 50% Death Penalty)]


    [Lower Dimension Conquest progress: 26%]


    [Remaining Chances: 3 (will reset at 0:00 local time)]


    [Evaluation: C Rating]


    [Your clones died fighting!]


    [Feature requirement met!]


    [Host has unlocked the Automatic Renewal feature in the 1st tab of the Idle Adventure gameplay]

 Chapter 45 - Newly Awakened Energy Refiners

    When the fixed star in which the Planet Dualmoon was orbiting reached the center of the sky above everyone''s head, the Refiner''s Association that was seen as not-so-busy three days ago was currently bustling with activity.


    Cars of different varieties lined up in the parking space in front of it. And inside the previously empty hallways and reception area, youths and young adults lined up as they were led to a rather spacious hall to wait and socialize with each other.


    Most of them were wearing elegant attires and dresses while bearing proud looks on their faces.


    It wasn''t hard to guess that they''re the newly awakened Energy Refiners of the Lonewind City, gathered today by the Refiner''s Association for their contract signing to different organizations in the city.


    Among them, Aldrin who had just arrived found himself a corner to settle at. Given that he didn''t know anyone, he didn''t go out of his way to introduce himself when it wasn''t even a requirement.


    One look and he already recognized that the people around him were the same as him; Energy Refiners. They all had the faint fluctuation of Dimensional Energy being absorbed and refined inside their bodies.


    And in his guess considering those fluctuations were as weak as his, they''re Energy Refiners who had just awakened recently.


    One more point that piqued his slight interest was the number of Energy Refiners gathered here. In his estimate, there are at least 50 or 60 of them.


    Without becoming an Energy Refiner himself, Aldrin would probably remain ignorant that there''s not just a handful of Energy Refiners existing in Lonewind City.


    Unlike when he was standing in front of Gordon, Janet or that man who seemed to be the culprit over the disaster at the Southern District, even though these youths and young adults all appeared proud of themselves, with their back straightened and chins held high, Aldrin wasn''t feeling any pressure from them.


    In fact, he felt that if a fight ever broke out against any of them, he could stand his ground and leave unscathed.


    Aldrin arrived at the Refiner''s Association with the reminder of Janet and Renissa in his mind. He was only supposed to be officially welcomed to the Association and be given a chance to sign a contract with any of the factions that would try to recruit him.


    However, when he arrived, he found out that Janet wasn''t at the reception desk anymore. The new Association''s staff manning it pointed him to this hall and was told to wait, joining the group of Energy Refiners that just by looking at their attires, revealed their lineages.


    Nonetheless, even though it''s not his intention, his arrival, his silence and perhaps, his appearance caught the attention of some of them.


    Amidst the whispers wherein he was clearly their topic, two individuals, one man and one woman stepped forward and approached him, a kind and welcoming smile on their lips. Totally different from those whispering around.


    "Hello, nice to meet you. I''m Irina Heinen."


    "Same. I''m Frederic Colard. It''s great to see more Energy Refiner''s appearing in our city.


    They both stretched their hands towards him for a handshake.


    Since they were kind enough to approach him, Aldrin didn''t reject the gesture. "Nice meeting you too... I''m Aldrin Fallwater."


    "Fallwater, huh? From which district are you?" Frederic asked.


    "Southeastern."


    "Mhm... No wonder you''re unfami--"


    The woman hadn''t finished her sentence yet but she was cut off by a loud voice behind them.


    "Irina, stop it with being kind. You''re always like that. He''s someone lucky enough to awaken, not worth mentioning. Come back here to us."


    Following the source of the voice, Aldrin saw a young man that in his estimation, was the same age as Irina and Frederic. He''s sporting a scowl on his face as if he''s dreading that the two were talking to Aldrin.


    "That condescending idiot is at it again." Frederic pinched between his brows, frustrated at how the young man was acting.


    And likewise, Irina showed an apologetic expression. "I''m sorry Aldrin. Don''t take offense. He''s just like that. He''s taking pride that he''s from a lineage when everyone can become a great Energy Refiner regardless of origin."


    Among all the lineages or just families that had an Energy Refiner as their direct ancestor, every offspring that would be born from the Energy Refiner''s line of descendants has a high chance to awaken. However, it won''t happen early on.


    The youngest Energy Refiner recorded, according to what Aldrin read from the dimnet, awakened at the age of 15.


    And upon observing them, most if not all of the Energy Refiners gathered in the same room as him, including Frederic and Irina, are around 17 to 18 years old. At least five or six years younger than Aldrin.


    That''s the average age a descendant of an Energy Refiner to have the highest chance to awaken. Once a descendant went past that point, like Bert or Oliver, the chances would be infinitely small to none at all.


    In a way, those descendants who went pass that ideal age would drop down to being a normal civilian. Their chances would be the same as the accidental or for kinder terms ''natural'' Energy Refiner like Renissa or Aldrin.


    That''s why the pride of those who came from lineages was almost nonexistent except for some. Like that guy who shouted at the two in front of Aldrin.


    As for those who were paying to be injected with Dimensional Energy, the optimal age to undergo that procedure is 15 to 20 years old.


    Aldrin''s sister is inside that criterion. Althea is only 18 years old. She still has two more years for a chance to become an Energy Refiner if she will pay for the procedure rather than rely on her luck.


    "I see. It''s fine. I thank you two for approaching me. I will remember this."


    "Don''t be. In the end, when a new Dimensional Rift appears, we will all be comrade-in-arms." Frederic waved his hand but in Aldrin''s eyes, he noticed that the guy clearly appreciated his humility.


    "That''s right. We''ll be having the Joint Training soon. If we ever get teamed up, I will be relying on you two." Irina innocently and cheerfully smiled.


    "Joint Training?" Aldrin wondered. He hadn''t been informed about it. All he knew was that he would surely be trained by whichever faction contracted him. Just like what happened to Renissa.


    That''s why hearing those words from them raised a giant question mark in his mind.


    "You haven''t been informed?" Frederic asked, his brows furrowed once more.


    It''s not the disappointed kind of frown. More like, he''s about to raise a complaint for him.


    "No. Truthfully, I only awakened four days ago."


    Aldrin decided to tell them the truth. Although he had a good impression of the two, he still wanted to see if they would change the way they treat him if he''s just recently awakened. In his estimate, these children of Energy Refiner lineages had awakened nearly a month before. Moreover, just from how well-built Frederic is compared to him, or how confident Irina carried herself, they both trained themselves and prepared for awakening not just recently.


    "Four days ago... During that disaster?"


    As if hearing a magic keyword, Irina''s eyes shone brilliantly as she focused on ''four days ago''. And with that kind of reaction, Aldrin gave her a pass. There''s no prejudice in the girl''s mind nor in Frederic''s since he also showed an interest.


    "Mhm. I was there."


    "My gosh! Tell me about it." Irina covered her mouth with her hands as excitement filled her body. Her curiosity over that disaster was slightly over the top.


    Forget about the damage it caused, just the number of casualties could easily put a normal civilian in a depressed state. But for this girl... she''s more focused on the Rift rather than the result of its manifestation.


    "Gladly, but can you tell me about the Joint Training first?"


    Upon hearing his question, Irina was embarrassed that she somehow appeared like a fanatic. She apologized and then together with Frederic informed him of the upcoming Joint Training.. A Joint Training that would involve them diving into a maintained Dimensional Rift.

 Chapter 46 - Three Types Of Dimensional Rift

    Maintained Dimensional Rift.


    That''s something Aldrin heard for the first time. And for sure, information that a normal civilian wouldn''t have any access to.


    The Idle Shopping was selling books about Rift Knowledge and Energy Refiner Knowledge but the ones he bought only contained a little additional information. And like everything in it, the more valuable the information, the higher the price. After the most basic book that cost him only 50 IDLE IDLE Points, the next ones costs a thousand IDLE Points so he never really picked one up again.


    Although it might be seen by them that he''s quite ignorant, Aldrin ignored that and unhesitatingly asked the two about it.


    Frederic and Irina first stared at him for a long while, before the latter clapped her hand as if she remembered something.


    "Oh! That''s right. The information about most Dimensional Rifts is not accessible to normal civilians. But Aldrin, don''t tell me you forgot to read the manual given to you when you registered? This kind of information is written there." Irina teased. She even slightly bent her upper body forward just to smear it in his face.


    And admittedly, Aldrin remembered that he hadn''t visited that manual after skimming through it once. While scratching his cheek, he whistled. "... I will read it now."


    He was too busy or rather, he was focusing solely on IDLE Database that he even forgot the reminder Janet told him about reading it.


    Aldrin pulled out his phone and began reading it.


    Finding it funny that a stoic guy like Aldrin could be this clumsy, Irina heartily giggled as she watched him fumbled with his phone.


    Seeing how much focus he put onto that, Irina then pulled Frederic with her back to where they were standing earlier after excusing themselves to Aldrin.


    Leaving him to educate himself was one of the two reasons and the other was because that egoistic guy continued leering in their direction, totally annoyed that they''re associating themselves with Aldrin.


    They might have been unbiased but not everyone had the same view as them. And considering they''re friends with that egoistic guy, they wouldn''t just abandon him for Aldrin.


    Aldrin didn''t think anything about that. It''s already a good thing for him that none pointed and mocked him.


    No matter how understanding he was in the situation, there''s always a limit to one''s patience.


    As Aldrin continued reading the manual, he finally reached the part about the classifications of Dimensional Rifts.


    There are three classifications for them.


    First is the Instance-type Dimensional Rift. This kind of Rift was the most common. What the public knows about the Dimensional Rifts all pertained to the Instance-type. It would randomly show up and spit out Rift Monsters that were waiting on the other side of the Rift. Energy Refiners could hasten their closure but given time, the Rift would mend by itself leaving the Rift Monsters that escaped and failed to return into the wilds.


    Second is the Maintained-type Dimensional Rift. This kind of Rift was fairly close to the Instance-type, except... There was a mechanism inside the Rift that was keeping it open for longer period of time. The fastest is a month while the longest can reach years. To close it, Energy Refiners or Soldiers operating Metadomes have to dive inside the Rift and destroy that mechanism.


    However, there''s a secret that the government, corporations and Energy Refiners do to most Maintained-type Dimensional Rifts.


    Not only will they not destroy the mechanism inside, but they will also build a military base or fortress surrounding it. Using the Rift for harvesting resources by diving and exploring the Dimension beyond the Rift.


    Moreover, if cities have the Dimensional Disruptor to prevent Rifts to open inside them, the military bases have what they called the Dimensional Stabilizer. It was a piece of technology that will ultimately slow down the mending of the Rift even if the mechanism inside is destroyed, giving them enough time to repair it or evacuate the personnel inside.


    Third and last is the Realm-type Dimensional Rift. The type of Rift that was the rarest of them all. Inside the Rift, humanity could encounter another intelligent race and a whole new world to explore. Moreover, the worlds beyond this type of Rift exist in another plane, that according to what those experts theorized, existing parallel to the universe humanity lived in.


    "I feel like the third type lacks a lot of information..." Aldrin concluded after reading through it. It was supposed to be the most important but nothing was said about whether humanity had already made contact with them, waged war or befriended them.


    In his wild guess, only those in the upper echelons of the three ruling human factions would be aware of that kind of information, or someone high up in the Refiner''s Association.


    A few minutes later, the officials of the Refiner''s Association, the three prominent corporations and the City Hall arrived, gathering every new Energy Refiner''s attention.


    Aldrin pocketed back his phone and also put his focus on the newcomers.


    As soon as they stopped in front of them, the previous buzz that was filling the hall was instantly silenced.


    In place of that, a rumbling pressure suddenly pushed down in every new Energy Refiner''s shoulders. Like a tidal wave engulfing fishing boats.


    If they failed to brace themselves, there''s no doubt that they would capsize and sink under it.


    "Ugh!"


    "Wha--!"


    "Everyone is..."


    And as the officials had expected, various reactions instantly rang out, some could still be clearly heard while some were just fragments of what they wanted to say.


    Among the more than 50 Energy Refiners, more than half of them could easily be seen kneeling on the floor, regardless of how elegant and luxurious their attires were.


    As to the source of that pressure... It''s a joint effort of the officials to test the raw talent of the young recruits.


    "One... Two... Three... Hmm... Another poor result. Only less than a handful have a promising future. Another batch of cannon fodders..." One of the officials wearing a green suit said while shaking his head. It was Silliard, the Branch Head of Entraia.


    He then stepped backward, seemingly losing interest to check the new Energy Refiners.


    "Nowadays, even if the number of awakened is increasing, their quality is on the dive." Another one wearing a cherry-red robe where her slick white legs were peeking followed after. She then waved the paper fan in her hand before covering her mouth with it. "Another wasted trip."


    It was Agate, the Branch Head of Alpinecloud.


    "You two always say that but you''ll still pick among them." Evelyn, the Branch Head of Frostland shook her head as she remained standing, her eyes scanning those who weren''t brought down by the pressure they put the hall under.


    Apart from the three Branch Heads, the officials of the City Hall who''s wearing a navy blue military uniform and the Association official who''s wearing the same formal suit as Janet and Gordon also silently looked around, scanning the rookie Energy Refiners and trying to pick who among them would be the best to recruit.


    At this point, Aldrin was shaking on his knees. But that''s all the pressure was bringing him. He remained standing with a frown on his face. His fists were clasped tightly as if he was ready to charge forwards and his Energy Quintessence was furiously working to deliver his refined Energy to his legs. Moreover, he was about to open his Spatial Pocket to call for his Battlesuit to protect himself.


    Fortunately, he stopped that thought when he recognized that it was all a test.


    Looking around, apart from him, Irina, Frederic and that egoistic guy were still standing albeit shaking on their knees. There were also around three others that were scattered around the hall.


    ''Looks like my training and continuous conversion of Dimensional Energy paid off... But still, how strong are they?''


    Aldrin wondered as his eyes rested on those five officials evaluating them. A casual invocation of their pressure and not even a Concept was enough to put all of them to their knees.


    To think that there''s that much of a gap between Energy Refiners, Aldrin''s eyes were pried open.


    Looking back to his experience, the pressure might be on par or even stronger than those Champion Insects he encountered. However, in the Lower Dimension, he was supported by the multipliers and the equipment worn by the Dimensional Clone. Here, he''s using his bare body.


    The possibility of these officials being stronger than those Champions was somehow disproven.


    A minute later, the pressure was lifted and every Energy Refiner heaved a sigh of relief. They all stood up and straightened their backs, embarrassment filling their faces.


    However, some were stubborn enough to raise a complaint that they were taken by surprise and demanded another try.


    Right there and then, pressure specifically dropped on those few idiotic young men. Perhaps earning the irk of the officials, they weren''t the same pressure earlier but a notch higher. Instead of just kneeling on the ground, they ended up kissing it instead.


    Following that little commotion, the official from the Refiner''s Association clapped his hand and began with his speech. He''s the facilitator of this gathering and in this place, they were about to distribute the new Refiners to different organizations.


    As always, new bloods would always bolster their organization so this was a monthly occurrence.


    The new Energy Refiners were like new products on the market that they could pick on.


    "Once again, we welcome you to the World of Energy Refiners. Past this point, you''re all no longer civilians that need to be protected. Instead, when disaster strikes, you will be the shield to protect them."


    After his lengthy speech, he then scanned his gaze and his eyes eventually rested on Aldrin.


    "Can you step forward, Aldrin Fallwater?"


    Hearing his name being called, Aldrin waded through from the back and arrived in front of him.


    At this distance from the official, Aldrin felt the unconscious pressure being emitted by all of them. It''s unlike the intentional pressure earlier, what he was feeling was just the manifestation of their natural disposition.


    "You have been recommended to enter the Association, do check the contents of this contract. If it''s favorable to you, you can sign it right here."


    There''s the saying that the early bird gets the worm. With the emphasis given by the Branch Head on recruiting Aldrin, the official had no choice but to make the first step to entice him rather than wait for the other birds to try and snatch him with their beaks.

 Chapter 47 - Difficult Choice

    Aldrin read through the contract that the Association Official was offering to him and upon reading the terms and conditions as well as the benefit he would initially receive, he couldn''t help but gulp down at how generous they were.


    Contract Benefits:


    -500,000 Federation Credits upon signing


    -a House Unit located at the Refiner''s subdivision in the Central District for the Refiner''s immediate family


    -free public transportation (Plasma Train and Intercity Railway)


    -a monthly supply of RH-01, RP-01, RM-01 elixirs (can be upgraded depending on monthly performance)


    -a complete Basic Refiner Battlesuit


    -a specific choice of Refiner''s weapon(s)


    -a specific choice among the Federation''s Basic Metadome models and at least two modifications


    ''Huh?! Do I deserve this much?'' Aldrin was baffled. ''Is this the result of my spherical Energy Quintessence? No, right?''


    "You can hold onto that contract for now. Before the end of the day, I am expecting you to make a decision. Tomorrow is a big day for all of you so if you fail to join an organization, you will be missing a great opportunity to grow."


    Using an amiable tone, the Association''s official reminded Aldrin. Following that, he began calling for other names, giving them a contract.


    As for whether the clauses were the same as his, Aldrin had no idea.


    After the Association''s official, the officials of the other factions soon followed, doing the same thing.


    In time, every newly awakened Energy Refiner received at least one contract, with the exception of Aldrin who received five different contracts in his hand, causing envious looks from his peers.


    Furthermore, the Branch Head of the Frostland Corporation, Renissa''s boss, even showed him a more favorable treatment. She was smiling throughout their conversation, causing the young men who found the woman as a subject of their fantasy to grit their teeth in extreme envy.


    By the time Evelyn released him, Aldrin instantly felt the cold glares from those men as if they found their mortal enemies in his form.


    Noticing that, Aldrin could only shake his head and made a mental note to be wary of those guys in the future.


    There''s nothing he could do to change their minds after all. That''s something he was completely aware of.


    -


    -


    "Congratulations Aldrin, every faction offered you a contract. Really, you can''t judge the book by its cover. You seem to be the most sought-after Energy Refiner among us."


    Irina and Frederic returned to his side when the officials left the hall to give them the time to decide.


    Behind the two, the egoistic guy followed them. He had the same frown on his face and there''s even a fit of slight jealousy when Aldrin noticed how the guy alternately looked at him and Irina.


    ''So, that''s it. This guy has the hots for Irina and is now considering me as his rival. More than his ego as someone from a lineage, his jealousy towards Irina''s attention might be the biggest reason why he''s like this.'' Aldrin thought and smiled inwardly.


    Irina is a beauty, there''s no doubt. But for Aldrin who only met her for the first time today, he only has a good impression of her. He''s not a youth anymore who will chase after every girl''s skirt. He appreciated her going out of her way to converse with him but that''s not enough for him to be head-over-heels for her. Perhaps if he spent more time with her, there''s a possibility for an attraction to bloom like what happened with Renissa.


    Let''s forget that he was enticed with the clickbaity ad depicting a heaven-toppling beauty leading to his possession of IDLE Database, shall we?


    "You praise me too much. I also have no idea that I will receive an offer from everyone." Aldrin humbly answered.


    The three in front of him were also exceptional, to say the least. All of them received three contract offers.


    "What are you? It will not hurt you to be proud once in a while. It''s like an honor." Frederic argued. "By the way, you have five choices, which one will you pick?"


    With that question, Aldrin recalled the benefits that he would be getting from every contract. Among those five, only two out of the five truly enticed him.


    One is from the Refiner''s Association and the other is from the Frostland Corporation.


    Comparing their benefits, the Association was offering more but the prospect of being in the same corporation as Renissa somehow tempted him.


    ''Wait... I am leaning more and more towards being with her. I admit. Now that she has left for Sunspeak City, I can honestly say that I am attracted to her. But will I let it influence my decision?''


    He thought for a while and came up with an answer to his own question.


    ''... Unfortunately, I find myself comfortable in being influenced by it.'' Aldrin slapped his cheeks in his mind and shook his head in reality, vowing to think about it carefully.


    "Why are you shaking your head? Is none of the offers enticing for you?" Irina curiously asked. She already picked a choice and even someone from a rich Energy Refiner lineage, she''s truly enticed with the benefit they offered. For someone like Aldrin, she thought that he would be thrilled by the offers.


    "Ah... No. It''s not that. They''re all enticing so I decided to pick carefully rather than regret it later. What about you two-- three?"


    Even though the guy behind them remained silent, he still included him with his question. In his mind, there''s nothing wrong with trying to be on good terms with someone else. Unless they have a deep grudge against each other, he will carefully build an image of him to be the friendly and easy-to-talk-to older guy.


    He hadn''t forgotten his goal to remain lowkey.


    The current situation prevented that but it''s not too late to change it. He just had to show it in his actions.


    "Alpinecloud." Irina cheerfully answered.


    "For me, I''ll take Entraia." Frederic thought for a while before deciding.


    "... Alpinecloud." And although the guy''s voice was low and he answered while scowling, his choice was as Aldrin expected.


    He''s following Irina.


    "Wait Frederic, why did you change your choice? I thought we''ll all be in the same organization?"


    "I found their offer more generous for me. Entraia is known for its physique-centered Concepts and training. Alpinecloud and Frostland were either psyche-centered or element-centered Concepts. City Hall and the Association are all-around but both have their own restrictions. You all know me... I like Concepts that could make me stronger than I am now."


    Frederic explained and after his words ended, his body emitted refined Energy, covering his arms and bulking up his already muscular body.


    What he showed was just the utilization of his refined Energy. Something Aldrin learned during the Combat Assessment. However, Frederic controlled it to concentrate his refined Energy in his arm muscles.


    Like Frederic mentioned, most Concepts were categorized into three but that''s just the Refiner''s way to sort the seemingly infinite Concepts every Energy Refiner could be enlightened with.


    In retrospect, his Shadow Clone could be categorized as elemental-centered or psyche-centered.


    Truthfully, Aldrin had tried browsing the Concept Bookstore in Idle Shopping. In one of his random searches, he chanced upon a physique-centered Concept Book, Enhanced Muscles.


    Although what Frederic did was close to the definition of the Concept, the effect would surely be more specialized through manifesting it.


    "Leave him be, Irina. Unlike him. I will always stick with you." The unnamed guy declared.


    However, Irina only showed a lukewarm reaction to it as if... she''s already tired of hearing it over and over again. "You''re not being obvious, Clark... Anyway, that''s our choice. You better pick yours wisely, Aldrin."


    "Sure, I will."


    -


    -


    Excusing himself to them, Aldrin decided to walk around the accessible area of the Association to help himself think properly and choose better.


    For him, each organization''s specialty isn''t that important. He has the IDLE Database to provide him with any concept and perhaps in the future, he will also receive some kind of guidance in it. That''s why his choices are still between the two; Frostland or the Association.


    "Oh? Renissa''s boyfriend, it''s been a while. Why are you wandering around here?"


    When Aldrin reached another hall, he ran into someone familiar. Or rather, the only Association member that he''s familiar with after Gordon the Gatekeeper.


    "Miss Janet... I have a name." Aldrin awkwardly answered.


    Janet laughed at his reaction and waved her hand. "Don''t mind it. Anyway, good thing I ran into you. I still haven''t forgotten that promise of yours to do something for me."


    "Ah. Yes. I remembered that... Will you tell me about it now?"


    "Hmm... I was kicked out of my post. Telling you to substitute for me so I can slack off is now out of the question."


    Upon hearing that, Aldrin was dumbfounded. ''She just wanted to slack off.''


    "Kicked out?"


    "That''s right. I''m leaving tomorrow to become an instructor for the Joint Training Camp. You''ll also be there. Oh! Now that you mentioned it, aren''t you about to sign a contract? Have you chosen yet?"


    "That''s actually the reason why I am wandering around. I can''t concentrate there."


    Putting on a playful smile again, Janet leaned forward and whispered. "Heh... Great timing. You can now fulfill your promise to me."


    "Huh?"


    "I bet one of your choices is Frostland. Your girlfriend''s there after all. But if there''s an offer from the Association, take it and become my underling."


    Janet was actually unaware that his uncle had already moved to recruit him specifically for her. If she knew about that, she would probably not use the one favor Aldrin owed to her.


    "That... can I still take my time to think about it?"


    "Nope. That''s my only request. If you''re worried about not meeting Renissa again, I promise I''ll send you to Sunspeak to reunite with her. What do you think?" Janet confidently smirked, thinking the mention of Sunspeak was enough to entice Aldrin.


    She''s fully sold on the idea that the two had something going on. Despite being a great teaser, she also had a keen eye on people.. It''s not apparent when they showed up four days ago but watching their reactions to her teasing convinced her of the possibility.

 Chapter 48 - Special Treatment

    "Welcome to the Association." The official of the Refiner''s Association smilingly welcomed Aldrin after turning in the contract which he signed.


    In the end, he got roped in by Janet. It''s a promise he made and... what she said last about sending him to Sunspeak successfully bought him. Not only will his debt of favor be cleared, but he can also now look forward to reuniting with Renissa in that city.


    Before turning in the signed contract, he first apologized to the other four officials who offered him a contract, especially to the Branch Head of the Frostland.


    However, much to his surprise, they didn''t think too much of him returning the contracts unsigned.


    It''s a competition among them and... they all have access to the information of the new Energy Refiners beforehand.


    Like what the Branch Head of the Association did, if they saw someone promising or just someone they like for their organization, they would draft an enticing contract offer for that one.


    And this time, although Aldrin''s spherical Energy Quintessence was truly an eyebrow-raiser, that''s not enough for them to scramble to get him by offering higher benefits.


    At best they highlighted what they could give him but all of those were overshadowed by the generous offer of the Refiner''s Association.


    Frostland also gave some favorable conditions but it didn''t reach the level of the Association.


    Perhaps if he showed that he was already enlightened to a Concept then that''s a game-changer. Someone who could easily achieve enlightenment was a huge asset and a trove of great potential. They could carefully nurture the Energy Refiner, giving him the more advanced Concepts to comprehend.


    -


    -


    After sorting out the new Energy Refiners, the officials then brought away those who signed with them. And being contracted to the Association, Aldrin and a few others remained in that hall where they would be briefed for what they have to do as not just a registered Energy Refiner but also an employee of the Association as well as be awarded of their signing bonuses.


    Before leaving, Irina and Frederic exchanged contacts with him as well as others who wanted to build a connection with other Energy Refiners.


    Aldrin accepted all those and exchanged contacts with them. It''s a lot better to be prepared at all times. Building a network with other Energy Refiners would be beneficial to him in the long run.


    Besides, mingling with them was one of his plans to keep being under the radar.


    It''s not that he didn''t want to show his progress, he just had to make sure that nothing would go awry once he was found out to be progressing at an insane rate than any other Energy Refiner he encountered. This was real life and not just the MMOs he was playing before. There, he could brag about his fast progress and all he would get was some envious look but here, he had to be cautious. Inherent human nature could be scarier than Dimensional Rifts and Rift Monsters.


    As rookie employees of the Association, the official told them that they wouldn''t be sent to an actual battlefield without an ounce of experience.


    First, they would be sent to train at the Joint Training Camp tomorrow that was expected to last for a month.


    There, they would be taught about what it means to be a full-fledged Energy Refiner. The basic duty of one and the common etiquette among them.


    Moreover, they would also be taught how to operate a Metadome.


    Just like what he heard from Frederic and Irina, they would also dive inside and explore a Maintained Dimensional Rift. And to do that, they would need to learn how to operate a Metadome.


    The Metadome served as a mode of transportation as well as their own fortress. Because what''s inside the Dimensional Rift would be unpredictable at most, it''s a lot better to have that kind of protection rather than go on foot or only rely on their Battlesuits.


    As for the specifics, the official only told them that it would be elaborated tomorrow at the start of the Joint Training Camp.


    "Hmm? You seem to have gotten a haul, Renissa''s boyfriend. Follow me."


    On his way out of the Association to go home and prepare for tomorrow, Aldrin was ambushed by Janet who was waiting by the reception desk.


    Still unaware that he was deliberately given a more favorable offer, the woman, who already found herself as Aldrin''s boss, thought of taking care of his underling.


    Seeing that Janet already moved without waiting whether he agreed to follow her or not, Aldrin had no choice but to chase behind her while still holding the suitcase filled with the things he received as the signing bonus.


    He got the money that he planned to give to his parents and his sister on top of what he set aside for them. There''s also the title for the house granted to him, the Basic Refiner Battlesuit as well as two different Basic Refiner Firearms that he chose. He already had the sword and handgun so those guns would be used by his Shadow or Dimensional Clones.


    As for the Metadome, it was put on hold for now. He needed to pass some kind of assessment first after the lesson that would be held about operating a Metadome during the Joint Training Camp.


    That was for him to be aware of what''s suitable for him as well as to calibrate it based on his capabilities.


    A few minutes later, Janet led Aldrin to a spacious room on the fourth floor of the building.


    Upon looking around the interior, Aldrin deemed that it was more of a personal room than an office. There was a lot of furniture inside, including a bed.


    But what caught his attention was what was placed on top of a table. It was a piece of equipment that was carefully placed upright.


    Looking at its intricate metallic design, Aldrin began to guess what kind of equipment it was.


    "Oi. Stop drooling. Starting today, you''re now my underling. So... I have to make sure that you''ll excel, right?" Janet flicked her fingers in front of him as she proudly moved towards the table, presenting the piece of equipment.


    "But I''m not the only new recruit of the Association. Is it fine to give me a special treatment?"


    No matter how he spun his head around this situation, the woman in front of him was about to give him special treatment.


    "There you go minding small details again. I''m fond of you and think of this as something of a repayment for how I always tease Renissa."


    "Then shouldn''t she receive this instead of me?"


    "I sent her one earlier, happy?"


    "If that''s the case then, alright." Aldrin nodded.


    He would feel guilty to accept it if Janet called it as repayment for Renissa.


    In the first place, they''re not in a relationship and she deserved it better. Even though Janet told him that it cannot be bought easily, with his increasing wealth, it''s just a matter of time for him to get it himself.


    "Heh. You really like that girl. Why did you not say anything before?"


    "Is realizing it too late an acceptable excuse?"


    "Tsk tsk... That''s acceptable. Either way, even if you realized it earlier, I doubt you will stop her from leaving."


    ''That''s true. I will not hinder her path even if I realize this sooner. Besides, my feelings only developed when she''s already at Sunspeak.'' Aldrin thought to himself, not denying his attraction to his former classmate anymore.


    Even if their experiences together could be said as brief, what they went through was worth more than the years they spent in high school where they barely talked to each other.


    "That''s just being selfish even if I want to. She has her own path and I have mine. I''ll hold onto the possibility for our paths to cross again."


    Slightly cringing from Aldrin''s words, Janet then brushed away that topic by picking up the equipment she''s granting to him, "Ugh. I can''t believe you''re a romantic. Anyway, here, try it on."


    "What''s this?"


    "You received your Battlesuit, right? Although this isn''t included in the set, you can think of it as the sixth piece. It cannot be bought easily, mind you. See how generous I am?"


    Upon hearing that, he thought back to the eighth piece of Dimensional Clone equipment. The back guard. The shape of the equipment on top of the table fitted the Back Guard attached at the back of his Dimensional Clones.


    "This... Since it cannot be bought easily, this is an expensive equipment, right?"


    "What did I tell you? Don''t mind the little details. Go on. Put on the whole Battlesuit along with this."


    Since she won''t take no for an answer as well as stop his attempt to talk his way out, Aldrin succumbed to it and followed her instruction.


    Upon opening the suitcase, he used his refined energy to influence the six pieces of equipment to fly and equip themselves in his body like magnets being attracted to a metal.


    Compared to when there''s only five pieces of it, Aldrin felt a swift increase in the circulation of his refined energy as soon as the sixth piece attached itself to his back.


    Following that, a clear glass extended from the helm of the Battlesuit, covering his eyes. The clear glass then glowed and opened an interface in the corner of his eyes without blocking his view, indicating how it came online and that a new module was attached to his back. [Hover Module]


    Reading the details of the sixth piece of equipment, Aldrin found out that... not only it enhanced the efficiency of his refined Energy, but also it has its own functionality like a jetpack booster.


    He could use it to hover longer in the air after jumping as well as enhance his maneuverability while mid-air.


    "How is it? You can praise me now." With a proud smile on her lips, Janet urged Aldrin.


    Before answering her, Aldrin analyzed his somewhat ''upgraded'' Battlesuit thanks to the addition of the sixth piece. Within the spacious room, he began moving like a speedster as he tried circling around to check how fast he could go if he fully utilized the integration of refined energy to the Battlesuit.


    Naturally, he refrained from trying out the [Hover Module]. He''s at a roofed place.


    "Thank you, Miss Janet." Aldrin sincerely expressed his gratitude in a sincere voice after removing the Battlesuit. Along with that sixth piece of equipment, they all returned to the suitcase.


    "Stop! Instead of using Miss, call me elder sister." WIth her hands on her hips, Janet still had her proud smile on her lips, eagerly waiting for Aldrin to follow her words.


    "Eh?"


    "What, you don''t want to?"


    "No... It''s just weird to think that I will be calling someone my elder sister at this age."


    He knew that the woman in front of him was older than him for a few years, but he never had the instance of calling someone his elder sister. Moreover, he''s more comfortable being called a brother due to his sister.


    However, like always, Janet remained silent while casting her gaze on him, waiting for him to give in.


    "... Then elder sister Janet.." Aldrin forced himself to say just to finally get out of the situation.

 Chapter 49 - Automatic Renewal

    After spending more than 20 minutes with Janet who somehow filled him in with more miscellaneous information about tomorrow''s Joint Rookie Training Camp, Aldrin hurriedly left the Refiner''s Association just in case Janet stopped him again.


    On his ride back to the Southeastern District, Aldrin first summarized the events in his head before analyzing what exactly happened.


    He was sure that... not only the Association gave him a very generous contract offer, but Janet also gave him something that couldn''t be easily bought by a new Energy Refiner like him.


    Naturally, he''s thankful for what he received but that begged him the question of what he did to deserve such treatment. It was like the Association was too set on recruiting him.


    ''Did they find out something about me?''


    That''s the first thought that first flashed in Aldrin''s mind which he eventually dropped.


    Apart from his spherical Energy Quintessence, there should be nothing else notable about him... Except for his connection to Janet.


    ''Is she the reason why I got that kind of offer? But if that''s the case, she seemed oblivious about the contract itself. Moreover, there''s no reason to be that good to me. Being a subject for her teasing shouldn''t be enough to warrant that. In fact, if not for the bait she dangled and the Association offering me the best benefit, I would probably reject to fulfill the favor that I owed.''


    After contemplating the matter for more than five minutes, Aldrin eventually shook his head and put it at the back of his mind.


    Pulling out his phone, he first checked his messages, faintly hoping Renissa replied to him last night.


    Unfortunately, there''s no reply from her yet. She already began her studies in that Academy.


    According to her most recent reply, the Academy was more like entering a next-level training than what she received from the Branch Head of Frostland.


    Furthermore, instead of teamwork, she mentioned how the competition among Energy Refiners there was fierce. On her first day, she was thrust into a one versus one duel against Energy Refiner of a higher level.


    Winning that duel placed her into some kind of Special Class that seemed to be consisting of talented or genius Energy Refiners. And that kind of designation for her made Aldrin confirmed that she''s also one of those talented geniuses she spoke of.


    Compared to him who was still fully reliant on IDLE Database, Renissa''s talent was the real deal.


    Since there''s no message from her, Aldrin scrolled down to check on his other messages and found two. Bert and Alisa''s message.


    The two had already been released from the evacuation center, the same day his parents returned to the Southeastern District. Aldrin was just too busy with IDLE Database so the best he could do was check on their status. Not just them but also those former classmates that were with them when the disaster struck.


    Bert''s message was simple or rather, just the same old regular update of his friend about his life. His restaurant that was damaged was in the process of being rebuilt already. He even showed a selfie of him along with those beauty guards of him. He still had two other branches so he wasn''t that affected by the disaster. In fact, he was more curious about Aldrin''s path now that he became an official Energy Refiner.


    After replying to him with his current status and how he would be leaving for the Joint Training outside the city tomorrow, he moved on to the next message.


    Like with Renissa, Alisa was someone he got rather close with after the disaster. During the past few days, the two of them already exchanged mails, checking on each other. He was aware that the woman was slowly gaining interest in him and it''s not in a bad way. She''s curious about his new life as an Energy Refiner. Instead of thinking that she was charmed by him, Aldrin attributed it to how she witnessed his whole awakening process.


    When he asked her, Alisa admitted how she''s also hoping to become an Energy Refiner. But being someone who could only rely on luck or a large amount of money to become one, she somehow accepted her fate. So instead of that, she settled herself to hearing stories from Aldrin.


    This time, her message was just an update on her current state. The college she was attending was temporarily closed due to the disaster so she had no choice but to stay at home for a week. Moreover, she asked if he had time to go out with her for a cup of coffee while not masking her intention to listen to new stories from him.


    Since they''re both from the Southeastern District and he would be leaving the city tomorrow, Aldrin accepted her invitation.


    After sending his reply, Aldrin then returned his focus back on IDLE Database, opening its application installed on his phone to check on the result of Idle Adventure with the new Automatic Renewal Feature.


    The feature allowed him to configure Idle Adventure mode in autorun without needing to input it every time.


    There are four important configurations in it;


    Automatic Assistant, to set how many multipliers will be bought and when to purchase the healing option for the injured Dimensional Clones.


    Re-run Timer, to set when the Idle Adventure would start the next run after finishing.


    Exit Configuration, to set when it will initiate the ''Leaving the Dimension'' sequence to prevent the 50% loss of IDLE Point income if all of his Dimensional Clones died.


    And lastly, Run Limit, to set how many runs the Automatic Renewal would be activated, preventing the usage of all his available runs if ever he forgot or he was too busy to check it.


    Among the three, ''Exit Configuration'' was the only one with a fee and a warning.


    The fee was 10% of Total IDLE Points earned during a run and the warning was about the possibility of failure to happen, specifically if the Dimensional Clones were cornered without any path to escape.


    Just like what he observed before, leaving the dimension wasn''t allowed if they were being chased or targeted. His clones had to lose their pursuers and go to a safe place before initiating it.


    ''Here''s to hoping! Otherwise, I might not use it again.'' He inwardly thought as he waited for his phone to load the application.


    [Two runs completed!]


    [Total IDLE Points earned: 3845]


    [Automatic Exit fee: 384]


    [IDLE Points to be stored: 3461]


    [Evaluations: C+ and B]


    [Conquest Progress: +2%]


    The result page experienced a change. Although not as detailed as before, it still contained enough information to tell him that... even if 10% would be cut off... it''s well worth it considering he''s about to be busy in the upcoming Training Camp.


    The feature being unlocked was timed perfectly. He could now just set the first four runs in auto and manually control the fifth one.


    There''s just one drawback for that though... He had to read through status logs to be updated with what''s happening in that Lower Dimension. He knew that at the current rate, it wouldn''t be long until he started clashing against those Champions or armies commanded by them whenever he would show up.


    He had already disrupted the ecology of the Dimension by hunting those ants, resulting in their territory halting its expansion because of how cautious they became.


    In any case, Aldrin was looking forward to conquering it completely and seeing what would change or what would be unlocked in the IDLE Database.


    ''I made a small blunder when I used almost all of my IDLE Points without converting half earlier because of the Ripple Skill.'' Aldrin thought back about breaking his rule of halving his income for use and Dimensional Energy conversion.


    [IDLE Points storage: 6517/15000]


    ''I have a lot of choices. Since I still have the fifth run and the income that will be credited later at midnight... I can pass up on converting Dimensional Energy today to save up for another Dimensional Clone that costs 10000 points or upgrade Tank or Hitter''s main weapon to Level 5 for 7500. There''s also the option of increasing the number of Small Merchants, once they expire, to 75 for close to 8000 points.''


    However, Aldrin instantly shook his head at the third option he thought of.


    Although the next bonus for Small Merchants is another x1.5 multiplier, his profit, if the cost was deducted, is close to what he''s getting from 50 Small Merchants.


    The harsh price scaling was a total bane for him. A time would come where he had to save up points just to reach the next threshold.


    For a clearer view, if the trend of multiplying the price scale by five every 25 increments continued... that''s a whopping 38200 IDLE Points or exactly 3,817,500 Federation Credits to buy 100 Small Merchants!


    ''But buying more Small Merchants was possibly the only way to unlock the next tier... And if I predict it from normal idle games I encountered, it''s not wrong to assume that 100 Small Merchants will be the unlocking requirement for it...''


    At this point in his thoughts, Aldrin spent the last few minutes on the train deliberating which path he was going to take.. Dimensional Clone, Equipment, Merchants, or Dimensional Energy.

 Chapter 50 - Close Friend

    "Arriving at Lonewind City. Arriving at Lonewind City. Please check your baggage and prepare to disembark."


    Upon hearing that speaker announcement, most of the passengers of the High-Speed Plasma Train coming from the neighboring Secondary City readied themselves to disembark.


    In one private room though, a man flashed a sinister smile upon hearing the mention of Lonewind City. He flicked his fingers and his channeled refined energy transformed into a tiny green swirl of wind whistled for a brief moment before disappearing like a spark of a flame.


    "It''s just a few days and I am back in this city. That''s too much for asking me to lay low before punishing me because of a blunder I hadn''t anticipated." The man clicked his tongue and flicked his fingers once more.


    The man was the same man Aldrin saw and recorded the voice from in the Southern District. In one way or another, the matter about the audio file leak reached the ears of his employer.


    Putting all the blame to it for his half-assed cleaning of the scene, he was ordered to return to the city, contact their planted spy and track down that whistleblower before the City Hall, the Federation''s agents, the Refiner''s Association or any other organizations found him.


    Although he arbitrarily left at that time because of the City Mayor, he was aware that there''s someone behind the ruined wall.


    To think that someone weak managed to sneak behind him and record his conversation, he was extremely angered why he didn''t risk it to kill that witness before escaping.


    "That one''s an Energy Refiner and a weak one at that. Most likely a newly awakened one. That conveniently narrowed down my own list of suspects. He or she is one of the newly registered Energy Refiners in this city during the past one or two weeks."


    After sorting out the clues he managed to gather from his memory, the man''s sinister smile widened as he began to think of a way to torment that Energy Refiner to vent his accumulated frustration.


    -


    -


    Still unaware of the undercurrents happening in the background that was slowly but surely about to encroach on him, Aldrin successfully returned home.


    As soon as he entered their front door and caught sight of his parents as well as his sister who were anxiously waiting for his return, Aldrin proudly grinned as he presented the suitcase filled with Federation Credits as well as the House Title to them.


    "Huh? We can''t accept this! This is for you. For your career!" His father vehemently refused and pushed the suitcase back to him.


    "Dad, I told you. I have no need for the money. I already got myself covered... If you don''t want to move to the Central District, think of that as retirement funds. It''s time for you two to rest and enjoy life. Also..."


    Aldrin pulled out his phone and transferred the 200,000 Federation Credits to his sister''s bank account.


    A few seconds after that, his sister jolted from her seat because of the sudden vibration of her phone.


    "This... Idiot brother. What in cosmic hell is this?!"


    Althea exclaimed as she began counting the number of zeroes from the amount she received from her brother.


    "Use that money to enroll in various dojos or training centers anywhere in the city to train yourself. Also buy supplements that can make your body stronger. I told you, I will make you an Energy Refiner. Believe in your brother."


    Taking the chance that his parents and his sister were still flabbergasted that he just gave away 700,000 Federation Credits as if it was only chump change, Aldrin excused himself, avoiding further questions.


    -


    -


    Alisa''s invitation was a great excuse for Aldrin to escape his parents'' upcoming sermon about treasuring what he earned for himself.


    Besides, it''s still early, giving enough time for the fifth run later.


    A few minutes later, he arrived in a somewhat unpopular nature park in the Southeastern District.


    Aldrin still remembered that this very same park was their class'' cheaply arranged field trip during grade school. And thinking about it, Alisa was already his classmate back then.


    Even if it was only during their high school that they got on speaking terms, they already knew each other long before.


    "Aldrin!" Wearing a red parka, jogging pants and a cap, Alisa who appeared as if she was just taking a stroll outside waved her hand as soon as she eyed him from afar while sporting her destructive smile.


    Destructive because that smile could make any boy back in high school be sent into their colorful fantasy world.


    Aldrin also had an experience of that when they''re not in their speaking terms yet. Nonetheless, becoming an adult evolved that smile of hers. Aldrin was beginning to wonder how many were trying to get her attention in college that had become a victim of that smile.


    "Did you wait?" He asked, somewhat guiltily. He''s late for around ten minutes of their appointed time after all.


    "If I tell you I am waiting for the last three hours, will you feel guilty?"


    "Tell me where to grovel."


    Amused by his answer, Alisa laughed. "That''s too much. Anyway, thank you for meeting me today. You''re a busy man now, being an official Energy Refiner and all."


    "Don''t mention it. I will be out of the city tomorrow. There will be no one to feed your curiosity about Energy Refiner for at least a month."


    "A month, hmm? I''ll be waiting for more stories on your return then."


    "Mhm. Shall we go and take that coffee?"


    Noticing the slight gloom in her voice, Aldrin changed the topic.


    Alisa put a finger crossed her arms and put a finger on her cheek, seemingly contemplating for her answer.


    "Rather than a caf¨¦... Why don''t I brew you one? Our house is nearby."


    "Alright. Lead the way, my lady." Aldrin did a gentleman bow of days old.


    "Stop that. Do I still look like a lady in this attire?"


    Alisa stretched her arm and spun once, showing off her wooly parka that was truly unlady-like if worn by others.


    "Mhm... You still do. It''s probably your Concept, you can always look great in anything you wear. Stunning Appearance."


    "Isn''t that a useless Concept?" Alisa laughed.


    "Who says it''s useless? You can stun your enemies with just your smile"


    "But, it won''t work on Rift Monsters! By the way, your tongue is becoming dangerous, Aldrin. Beware of someone falling for you because of your compliments."


    "Dangerous? How so?"


    With their topic revolving to that, Aldrin walked beside Alisa as the girl guided him to their house that was a walking distance from the park.


    Spending at least three hours with her as they talked about any topic they would bring up, Aldrin could admit that he had a great time being with her.


    From Energy Refiner topics to personal ones, the two somehow didn''t hold back. Aldrin treated her as a friend, a close friend he could freely talk with. And likewise, the girl was the same.


    Treating him to a coffee she personally brewed and bragging about it being her best craft from her Barista Class in college. An extracurricular class she only chose for additional credits. Contrary to her expectation, she took a liking to it, making her serious at studying how to make coffee better.


    With their topics switching towards personal ones, they couldn''t avoid the topic of their current personal life. Whether they were interested in someone was unavoidably brought up after even skirting away from it for a few minutes.


    And with Aldrin fully accepting his attraction to Renissa, he answered positively whereas Alisa also did the same.


    Perhaps, finding the topic awkward, the two of them didn''t elaborate further and hurriedly moved on from it.


    Although Aldrin wasn''t dense, he also didn''t want to assume that he''s the guy Alisa is interested in unless she stated that herself. Moreover, he also wasn''t sure yet whether he''s also attracted to the girl. She''s a close friend, no doubt. As for the possibility of that evolving to something else, Aldrin left it to time to tell.


    Little did he know, the girl also thought the same upon hearing his answer. She didn''t want to assume that she''s the one he''s pertaining at. However, Aldrin being the only man she was close to, Alisa could admit to herself that her answer pertains to the guy she''s with.


    It''s just an interest and... since Aldrin will be leaving for that Joint Training Camp tomorrow, she decided not to burden his mind to it. Furthermore, with their worlds about to split because of his new identity, she''s not that keen if she would even have a chance if it evolved from just an interest.


    Nonetheless, she''s still hoping to become an Energy Refiner, hoping for that lucky chance that her two former classmates experienced. That way she''ll not just hear stories from Aldrin, she can go with him and experience the World of Energy Refiner together. Hopefully.


    "Aldrin, take care and good luck. Let''s have a coffee again once you returned."


    "Mhm. I will surely miss that exquisite taste of your brew. Take care, Alisa."


    -


    -


    By the time Aldrin left Alisa''s house, the sky was already illuminated by the two moons.


    In the end, to satisfy the woman''s curiosity about Energy Refiners, he showed her his Concept and other things he could do by being one. And that brought stars in her eyes.


    He would be leaving tomorrow so that''s the best he could do for the curious woman.


    When he returned home, he found his parents and sister still in the living room but now with a strange smile on their lips.


    "Aldrin, you didn''t tell us you already had a girlfriend."


    "That''s right, son. Why didn''t you bring her home to introduce her to us?"


    "Idiot brother, I followed you and saw you meeting the blonde beauty. You look good together." While giggling, Althea revealed the reason for their strange smiles that even made them forget about the money he left for them.


    "I see. So that''s why, huh? Alisa is not my girlfriend. She''s a close friend and a former classmate. Besides, as things stand, I don''t think I will have time for a relationship." Aldrin wryly smiled and explained before moving towards his room.


    However, as if remembering something, he stopped. "By the way, Dad, consider moving to the Central District. I will be outside the city for two weeks. In case a disaster in the form of an unannounced Rift strikes again, you''ll be at the safest district."


    Although late, he finally realized that he would be away from them during the Joint Training. As he was worried that the same thing could happen, he urged his parents to take that house granted to him by the Association.


    In that same line of thought, Aldrin thought of reminding Bert and Alisa to take care before leaving tomorrow.


    When he sat down in his room and before starting the fifth run, Aldrin also left a message to Renissa. Just in case something similar also happened in that Primary City.


    A while later, he''s back in the Lower Dimension, adorning his Dark Warrior Battlesuit along with the sixth piece of equipment Janet gave him on top of Striker''s equipment. Moreover, Hitter and Tank were wearing his two sets of Basic Refiner Battlesuits.


    With that kind of setup... he''s aiming to earn more than his highest record to upgrade Multiply as an added manpower for him tomorrow.


    In his current progress, quantity is still superior to quality.. Having the fourth clone will increase his income and survivability.

 Chapter 51 - Fourth Dimensional Clone

    [You leveled up Multiply...]


    [Generating another Dimensional Clone...]


    Watching his stored IDLE Points and his current run''s income burned close to nothingness, Aldrin felt a little heartache.


    Nonetheless, it was instantly replaced with a wide smile when the fourth Dimensional Clone split from Tank''s body.


    "I shall name you... Uh... Poker!" Aldrin declared as he renamed the fourth Dimensional Clone before upgrading all the pieces of its equipment to Level 1, including the Back Guard, for 170 IDLE Points.


    Following that, Aldrin switched its weapon to a spear, thinking that the Dimensional Clone could position itself behind Tank, poking their enemies from there. It would timely use its spear after Tank stopped an enemy from its charge.


    Aldrin was trying to make a team of Dimensional Clones that would be without glaring weaknesses that their enemies could exploit.


    "Great. Now follow my instruction." Aldrin sent a mental order to the stone spear-wielding Dimensional Clone which it immediately obeyed. It''s the weakest among his Dimensional Clones at the moment so he placed it in the middle.


    Compared to one-handed weapons and unlike a bow, the spear took up both Weapon(R) and Weapon(L). And that meant Aldrin had to keep the level of the two in sync.


    Looking at the list of locked Skills at the right side of the Equipment and Skills tab, Aldrin eyed one that had a prerequisite of both weapon slots to be level 5 before unlocking.


    Just like with Ripple, apart from IDLE Points required to unlock it, leveling it up also required IDLE Points.


    Moreover, Aldrin guessed that it would also have a restriction on which kind of weapon it could use.


    For Ripple, it would only work on one-handed and two-handed weapons. Shields, bows and guns wouldn''t be able to use it.


    "It''s probably a two-handed weapon Skill... I should at least give each of my Dimensional Clones exclusive Skills befitting of their names."


    Although Tank could also use Ripple using its Hammer once he leveled up that weapon slot to 5, Aldrin was eyeing a locked Skill with a specific requirement of Level 5 Shield. Consequently, there''s also one that requires a Level 5 long-range weapon that''s great for Hitter.


    After sorting out his priority for his Dimensional Clones, Aldrin resumed his hunt, now with an additional member to his party.


    -


    -


    [IDLE Points: 1266]


    "The addition of the fourth clone is truly terrific! A thousand points, thirty minutes after its appearance. But that''s still far from the 10,000 IDLE Points I used!"


    His storage went down to 0 due to using it alongside his earned income earlier for the fourth Dimensional Clone. If he deducted its original amount... his current run''s total income was already close to 6000 IDLE Points! A little more before surpassing his highest record when he fished during the war between ants and spiders.


    "... However, I''m already feeling the fatigue. Even my refined Energy was already depleted. Summoning a Shadow Clone isn''t possible now or even using a Shadow Blade. If not for the Battlesuits, I probably already died twice." Aldrin muttered as he fully utilized the sixth piece of equipment that Janet gave him, staying mid-air for a prolonged time and expertly maneuvering his body to dodge the homing Winged Ants trying to catch him.


    At this point, the three Dimensional Clones below were having their last stand while being surrounded by Soldier and Elite Soldier Ants under the command of the Commander Ant not far away from the encirclement.


    Moreover, there''s also a Giant Head Ant approaching them from a distance. Behind it, there were more reinforcement ants.


    [Level 15 Giant Head Ant (Difficulty: Totally Impossible)]


    With his continued growth, the difficulty of the ants dropped one rank. The previous Totally Impossible difficulty Commander Ant dropped to Impossible which could still give him 50 IDLE Points if he killed one.


    However, the Winged Ants trying to catch him and the incoming Giant Head Ant were still both Totally Impossible.


    If they''re alone, Aldrin was confident to tackle them, even killing both as long as he was given a chance to face them one by one along with his Dimensional Clones.


    However, the current situation wouldn''t allow it. Just like his own strategy of quantity over quality, he and his Dimensional Clones were being overwhelmed with the sheer quantity of surrounding ants.


    Whoosh!


    Another twist of his body and the Winged Ant flew past him. And at this point, he already felt that his time to hover in the air had reached its end.


    Readjusting his body to diving position, he aimed the Black Iron Sword as well as the Iron Saber to the Commander Ant at the ground as he began plummeting from above.


    At the same time as that, he sent a mental order to the three to clear a path of escape.


    As long as one of them was still standing, they could leave the dimension without any penalty.


    "Ripple!"


    Shouting the Striker''s Skill, the Iron Sword in his right glowed with the same vibrant wavy light as he slashed down to his target. Compared to using a Concept, the Dimensional Clone''s Skill wasn''t costing him his own refined energy. As for where it came from, Aldrin only attributed it to the IDLE Database.


    With the Iron Sword taking the front, the Black Iron Sword on his left hand that he brought from the real world swiftly followed. It was also faintly glowing via refined energy being utilized on it.


    Thud!


    Along with the sound of wind being sliced open, the Commander Ant that was busy directing his subordinates had its head flew off its body, loudly thumping the ground where it landed.


    And as the Ripple reached the ground, it expanded in a cone shape from its point of impact, injuring and killing some of the ants that were supposed to protect the Commander Ant.


    At the same time as that, from inside the encirclement, Poker brandished its stone spear clearing a circular area for them to breathe. Hitter then pulled out its sword and together with Tank, they charged through the direction where Aldrin in Striker''s body landed.


    With the Commander Ant dead, the chain of command among the ants was swiftly cut, resulting in some of them that were only relying upon it to forget their role.


    Using that chance, Aldrin moved over to help his Dimensional Clones leave the encirclement.


    Working from inside and the outside, it didn''t take long for Aldrin to reunite with his Dimensional Clones. However, Poker, who took care of their rear, had already died inside, reducing their number to three.


    "Scatter!"


    Pulling the two out of it, Aldrin then sent that order to the surviving Dimensional Clones.


    The two were both wearing Basic Refiner Battlesuits making their speed faster than normal.


    By going in a separate direction, it managed to divide the ants'' attention.


    Before the Giant Head Ant arrived, they had already disappeared to the tall grasses, aiding in their escape.


    -


    -


    [IDLE Point storage: 1585]


    [Conquest progress: +1%]


    By the time Aldrin''s consciousness returned to his real body after successfully escaping his pursuers, the clock was already close to midnight.


    Because of his nearly depleted refined Energy, Aldrin''s exhaustion was starting to pull him into unconsciousness.


    To prevent that, Aldrin pulled an RM-1 elixir from his Spatial Pocket and popped one in his mouth, providing him with Dimensional Energy to refine without the need to harness it from his surroundings as well as a soothing sensation in his mind.


    The elixirs he received along with the benefits from his contract to the Association were like potions in a game. It was produced by the Pharmaceutical Labs that made use of Dimensional Energy for their products.


    A few moments later, Aldrin''s eyes that were about to close regained their brilliance. The elixir worked and his Energy Quintessence successfully refined the minuscule Dimensional Energy contained in it.


    "... To think that I will be using one this early. But it''s fine, I cannot fall asleep yet or I will miss a few hours of income from the merchants."


    After sorting out his mind, Aldrin then waited for the arrival of midnight, ready to renew them and convert the rest for his Energy Refiner progress.

 Chapter 52 - To The Training Camp

    "You''re late, Aldrin! Come and hop on, those idiots from the other organizations are already being impatient at the northern gate. What do they think they are? We''re from the Refiner''s Association!"


    Janet''s loud and annoyed voice welcomed Aldrin as soon as he arrived at the back of the Refiner''s Association building.


    It was the designated gathering spot for the new Energy Refiners of the Association who would attend the Joint Rookie Training Camp.


    Behind Aldrin, a wheeled suitcase containing his clothes as well as the metallic suitcase containing the Basic Refiner Battlesuit, weapons and elixirs.


    None of the new Energy Refiners had been enlightened with a Concept yet. If he showed up without bringing anything, even if they didn''t suspect that he had already enlightened himself to Spatial Pocket Concept, they would think that he''s crazy enough to come empty-handed for a month-long Training Camp.


    "I''m sorry, elder sister, I overslept." Using a guilt-ridden tone, Aldrin apologized.


    Last night, after using the elixir to wake himself up, Aldrin eventually decided to do the manual control on Idle Adventure for the 1st run of the day rather than wait for the 5th.


    And the reason for that was this Training Camp. Apart from thinking that he might not be able to do it during the fifth run, he treated that as his combat training for the day.


    However, contrary to what he planned of leaving the dimension after two hours, that run lasted for more than three hours. Furthermore, he left himself more exhausted than the previous run where he had to take that elixir to stay awake.


    If not for his sister waking him up, it''s more than possible for him to still be sleeping at this moment.


    That''s how heavy his body felt after depleting his refined energy in two consecutive runs.


    To bring himself back to his optimal condition, he took three elixirs, one of each kind as well as converted some of the IDLE Points he earned from the first run.


    Unbeknownst to him, what he experienced was actually a common mistake of a rookie Energy Refiner. Exhausting oneself of refined energy would always result in a state of weakness.


    Although his body as an Energy Refiner could now passively absorb and refine Dimensional Energy, the amount was like a drop in the ocean. It would take hours for him to recover naturally.


    That''s why those elixirs were a precious commodity for every Energy Refiner. And luckily for him, he also possessed another source of Dimensional Energy.


    The IDLE Database.


    As long as he had IDLE Points to spare, he could use that to get the same effect as an elixir. But still, his Energy Quintessence would take its time to refine it. He still needed to concentrate on it to quicken the refinement process.


    In a way, the nature of refined energy was almost the same as how a human needed sustenance to have the energy to move. If one''s energy was depleted, one would naturally feel the exhaustion. Eating was one way to replenish it but just like with Dimensional Energy, the human body still needed to refine or rather squeeze out the nutrients from it.


    In any case, that''s a lesson for him to remember.


    ''Never deplete your refined energy! Rest if you''re exhausted!''


    Upon hearing his apology, Janet could only click her tongue, there''s no point reprimanding him anymore when they''re already pressed with time.


    "If not for me slightly favoring you, you''ve already been left behind. Go and apologize to them."


    After saying that, Janet pointed him to the other new signee like him that was already sitting inside an armored transport vehicle. Some of them had a frown while some blatantly said something to spite him.


    He knew that it was his fault so he gulped it down and quietly took his place inside after bowing his head in apology.


    Counting the heads, there''s eight of them that signed for the Association, including Aldrin himself. Five men and three women.


    And being the only one who didn''t come from an Energy Refiner lineage, he''s the oldest among them.


    That''s why being late on this important day disappointed most of them.


    Yesterday, they had already introduced themselves to each other so they could all be said as his acquaintance. However, with him arriving late, Aldrin could only wryly smile as he noticed how they didn''t want to associate with him anymore.


    A few minutes later, Janet and one other Instructor of the Association entered the transport vehicle with them before it started moving.


    Their first destination was to rendezvous with the other organization waiting at the northern gate of the city.


    "Alright. Let me brief you all about the venue for this Training Camp. I assume you all read the manual given to you, am I right?"


    The other Instructor started. He''s a middle-aged man with a well-built physique. However, compared to Janet, his presence wasn''t that overwhelming.


    Upon hearing his question, everyone nodded, including Aldrin.


    Given that Aldrin was reminded to read it by Irina yesterday, he took the time to absorb the knowledge written on it. That way he wouldn''t embarrass himself anymore.


    According to the Instructor, the venue of the Training Camp will be held at a nearby military fortress created to guard and manage a maintained Dimensional Rift more than one hundred kilometers north of the city.


    The military fortress was owned by the Federation with Lonewind City and two other nearby cities to it as overseer. The Refiner''s Association and other organizations sending Energy Refiners were only partners for it.


    Because of the resources that they could harvest inside the maintained Dimensional Rift, most of the Energy Refiners of the three cities were stationed there. No not stationed, they chose to be posted there.


    Those who remained in the Lonewind City were just assigned to that duty except Commander Yun who was known as its Guardian as well as the Windblades who were personal guards of the Lonewind City mayor.


    In a way, military fortresses encircling a maintained Dimensional Rifts could be considered to be a haven for most Energy Refiners.


    That''s where they could progress, earn Federation Credits and grow stronger. Their future advancement was being made there. It''s a lot than waiting for Instance-type Dimensional Rifts to show up.


    Among Energy Refiner''s circle, they treated maintained Dimensional Rifts as a Land of Opportunities.


    If they weren''t posted to any duty, even without orders from their organization, going to military fortresses with maintained Dimensional Rift was the first destination of every Energy Refiner.


    "Apart from training you to operate a Metadome during the first two weeks, we''ll have you pick a Concept to enlighten with since you will be needing that apart from your refined energy. Accordingly, the Concept Book choices will depend on your Combat Assessment result. But if you feel like none of the Concept Books on the list suits you, feel free to talk to us and we''ll hear you out."


    "Remember, in the joint training camp, each one of you will be rivals of each other even if you were put in the same group. And given that it''s a joint training camp, don''t expect us to favor you if you end up being put under my or Janet''s guidance. Everything will be fair game. All you need to do is show that you''re more excellent than the other rookie Energy Refiners."


    "For now, that''s all you need to know. Metadome and Concept. Once you pass the former''s assessment and get enlightened with the latter, you''ll be cleared to continue in the training and be exposed to more opportunities. Otherwise, you''ll be sent back and... lose the chance for another training camp like this. You''ll be lucky if your superiors, which means ''us'', will look favorably at you and train you in our own capacity."


    After the Instructor finished his speech, Janet provided supplementary information, clearing up Aldrin and the other Refiners'' minds.


    Following that, until they reached the northern gate, they entertained the questions from everyone.

 Chapter 53 - Privileged Market

    By the time their transport vehicle reached the northern gate, Aldrin already eyed four more transport vehicles carrying the Energy Refiners from the four other organizations.


    From the clear windows on the side, he saw Frederic, Irina as well as the other guy on their respective organization''s transport vehicles.


    Most, if not all, had a serious expression as if they were going to war. Totally different from their proud expressions yesterday.


    They were aware. Leaving the confines of the city would mean they would be exposed to real threats that the walls and the veteran Energy Refiners were protecting them. Although they might not be there when the disaster struck, they were surely educated by their families that even a simple Rift Monster could beat them one on one with their current strength.


    ''Given that she was trained by the Branch Head of Frostland, Renissa probably experienced leaving the city as well.'' Aldrin thought.


    Renissa had already replied to his previous mail and according to her, she''s finding it tough being in that Special Class. Even if she only started for a few days, they were being taught a lot of things as if they''re all going to advance faster than anyone else. Renissa even attached a photo of herself wherein her icy-blue hair looked calmer than before.


    That meant in just a few days, her Energy Quintessence had become more stable than before. Her Concept would probably be stronger and more efficient than what she showed back then.


    ''If I don''t have the IDLE Database, she will most likely leave me in the dust. Perhaps if I slack off and I see her again in the future, my progress will still pale with hers.''


    While their transport vehicle lined behind along the four others, mechanical sounds of gears turning, ejecting steam and gales of wind filled their ears as a battalion of Metadomes flew down from above and landed in front of them, opening the towering North Gate of the city.


    Judging from the emblems carved or painted on the chest of their varying models of Metadomes, there were at least two Metadomes for each organization while City Hall Guards had the highest number among them and they''re taking the front.


    "They will be traveling alongside us. Guards that will protect the transport vehicles from Rift Monsters roaming around the vast uninhabited lands between each city." Janet explained.


    Even though the whole Planet Dualmoon could be said to be already terraformed for human settlers thousands of years ago, it was impossible or rather, the resources as well as the manpower were lacking to occupy every space of land on the planet.


    Moreover, with the Dimensional Rifts appearing randomly, being concentrated inside walled cities and protected by Dimensional Disruptors was the best choice for the masses.


    A while later, the battalion of Metadomes with the transport vehicles surrounded by them could be seen leaving the confines of the Lonewind City.


    Aldrin looked through the windows of the vehicle and took in the scenery past the tall Metadomes that he was seeing for the first time outside his computer screen or television.


    All his life was spent inside the confines of the city. Although he could see what''s beyond the city through books, videos and the dimnet, most of the residents of any city lived and died inside it. They could take a trip to another city but most of them would never experience going outside the protected walls.


    And that''s the same even for these young adults from Energy Refiner lineage.


    It was just truly dangerous. One stray Rift Monster was enough to massacre a town if it was unprotected.


    "So this is how it looks outside..." One of the three women muttered. Like Aldrin, she''s staring outside the windows of the transport vehicle.


    "First time? Wait until we cannot see the city from behind. You''ll be amazed." One of the other four men replied with a somewhat bragging tone.


    And upon hearing those, every new Refiner of the Association had their interest piqued, even Aldrin.


    "What do you mean?"


    "Let''s see. Once, my father brought me with him outside, letting me ride inside his Metadome. Do you see that hill over there? There''s a nest of winged Rift Monsters there." He pointed to the east wherein a green hill could be seen.


    On the peak of the hill, they could only make out the silhouette of a nest.


    Since the transport vehicles'' direction wasn''t to the east, everyone inside could only see it from afar, not knowing if what he just told them was true.


    "It''s true. That place is the Terrorhawk''s Nest. Don''t dare to venture in that direction if you''re alone. Even if you''re operating a Metadome. You''ll be nothing more than food for their young ones. Before someone asks why we''re not clearing their nest, think about the luxury eggs you can buy in the city''s Privileged Market. Some of you probably tasted one of those. It''s the cheapest and easiest to procure among products that can raise your chances to awaken." Janet followed up, confirming the man''s story.


    Privileged Market.


    Except for Aldrin, everyone had an expression of understanding. He''s a normal citizen just a week ago after all. Just by its name, it''s a market that''s not accessible to them.


    "Check your phone, you can now access it now that you''re an Energy Refiner."


    Noticing his somewhat confused look, Janet nudged him on his shoulder before he could even raise a question.


    And upon hearing that, the others with him once again nodded, remembering that unlike them, Aldrin only awakened through luck.


    "That egg is too expensive. I only ate ten of those all my life."


    "Ten? I only ate five!"


    "That''s the normal price, you privileged brats. In fact, it was even a little bit underpriced. Do you know how hard it is to procure those eggs when scores of Terrorhawks circled above your head? Moreover, they only hatch eggs twice a year. The supply is not enough for everyone." The other instructor silenced them from bragging about how many Terrorhawk Eggs they managed to eat.


    And at this point, Aldrin followed Janet''s word.


    He pulled out his phone and went to the application containing his Energy Refiner''s ID. Below it, there''s the Market Menu.


    After tapping it, it showed a screen that says it''s scanning for nearby markets. A few seconds later, Lonewind City and Plainsteed Fortress Privileged Market showed up in the list.


    However, among the two, only Lonewind City could be tapped and the other one was greyed out.


    "Plainsteed Fortress is our destination and the place where your training camp will be held. You can only access its market within ten kilometers of it. Likewise, Lonewind City''s market is only available within ten kilometers. If you''re thinking of buying something, buy it now before you lose the chance." Janet answered him again as if she had read his mind even before it appeared on his face. She then peeked at his phone to check if he''s doing it right.


    "... Thank you, elder sister."


    "Don''t mention it, you''re my underling." Janet grinned and hooked her arms over his shoulder and pulled his head to the side, ruffling his hair.


    Upon seeing that unnatural spectacle of two adults acting like kids, the seven other new Energy Refiners were left speechless.


    On the other hand, Aldrin let it go. Rather than irking the unreasonable woman, he better act like a good underling for a while.


    "Uh. Janet, you''re choosing him as your appointed trainee?"


    "Yes, I am. You better pick yours too Kenan. We''re only allowed one after all. And the rest will be shuffled."


    After dropping that kind of information, the seven other Energy Refiners began staring intensely at the other instructor, each one hoping to be picked.


    Perhaps in their mind, they''d rather be put under an instructor from the same organization. At least they knew that they would take care of them.


    And on the side, Aldrin was also somewhat relieved that the woman took a liking to him because of his connection to Renissa.


    Although it will not be detrimental for him to be instructed by other instructors, it''s still better to be with the one he''s acquainted with.


    The only question for him now... what kind of things will he learn from Janet, the Tyrant Princess?


    While shaking his head to clear his mind, Aldrin opened the Lonewind City Privileged Market.


    He heard about those eggs. If it can truly raise the chance to awaken, he''ll buy some for his sister, Bert or even for Alisa. But that''s as long as he can afford it. If it''s too expensive then he''ll buy them after he returned.. By then his income from the IDLE Database would be higher than it was at the moment.

 Chapter 54 - A Horde

    Upon opening the Privileged Market, Aldrin was faced with a prompt whether his delivery address was the same as what was recorded in his Energy Refiner''s Identification.


    Since the reason for opening it was to buy Terrorhawk eggs for his sister, he unhesitatingly tapped yes. It''s not like he had another address to input.


    Moreover, that address was still valid. Although his family accepted his suggestion about moving to the Central District, they still wanted to stay for a week there. Just to tie up some loose ends for their smooth transition.


    After Aldrin confirmed the delivery address was correct, his phone screen switched to the product listing.


    The list was first split into categories. There were Energy Refiner Weapons, Battlesuit, Rift Monster products, Elixirs, Concept Books and Metadomes as well as various Modules for it.


    Aldrin instantly noticed that apart from elixirs and Rift Monster products, the Idle Shopping could provide the other categories by spending IDLE Points.


    After asking Janet whether the Terrorhawk Eggs were the best for those who hoped to awaken and got a positive answer, he didn''t hesitate to look for them instead of wasting his time browsing every item.


    In less than a few seconds, by using the search function of the Privileged Market, the item he was looking for was instantly showed up on his screen.


    Terrorhawk eggs ¨C 100,000 Federation Credits/dozen


    ''Ugh... That''s 1000 IDLE Points just for a dozen eggs... It''s truly a Privileged Market. There''s no way a normal citizen can afford to buy them. I bet even Bert will have to think twice about spending that much. Or he already tried it but failed to get the intended effect. He''s from a lineage after all.''


    With his thoughts lingering on that, he read the description of the item or rather, the source of the item he was trying to buy.


    According to it, the Terrorhawk''s strength is at least late-stage Ordinary Rank up to middle-stage Extraordinary Rank among the recorded Rift Monsters.


    From what Aldrin read from the book he bought from Idle Shopping concerning Rift Monsters, there are five known categories among them. Those categories not only accounted for the Rift Monster''s strength but also how hard it is to kill.


    They go by Ordinary, Extraordinary, Rare, Elite, and King ranks.


    They were simply categorized like that for the ease of remembering them. However, it was also common knowledge that each Rank corresponded to the five known stages that Energy Refiners could achieve. Just that, it was believed that Rift Monsters were slightly stronger than their counterparts. Perhaps one small stage apart.


    That''s why both Rift Monsters and Energy Refiners were using notations that went by early, middle, late and peak to differentiate those small stages.


    Going by that reference, an early Stage 1 Energy Refiner was normally weaker than an early Ordinary Rank Rift Monster.


    At the moment, Aldrin was still considered an early Stage 1 Energy Refiner. Not just him, every new Energy Refiner yesterday was all sitting at early Stage 1 even if they managed to withstand the pressure of those officials.


    Jumping to the next small stage to be considered middle Stage 1 was only achievable after their Energy Quintessence got expanded to its limit. Although there''s no indication, every Energy Refiner would feel it as soon as they achieved that feat.


    ''Now that I think about it, the price is understandable. The procurement process of these eggs is too tedious.'' Aldrin muttered after reading it.


    According to what was written on it, a group of Metadomes that specialized in speed would lure those Terrorhawks away from their nests while another group of Energy Refiners would risk their necks by sneaking in those huge nests, bagging the eggs.


    Although that sounded easy because it would not always lead to a fight against the birds, accidents wherein part of the team could possibly die from the Terrorhawks were accounted for the price.


    -


    -


    "Huh? Did you really buy those eggs? This guy. Don''t be a spendthrift. You should save up your money for Elixirs or Concepts that will be beneficial for you to learn." While clicking her tongue, Janet threw a piece of advice to him.


    That''s great advice but if Janet knew that Aldrin had already given out the money he received to his family, she would surely flip out and nag at him for the rest of this trip.


    "It''s for my sister. Even if the success rate is still considered low, I want to give her a higher chance than normal."


    "It''s not that effective to those not from Energy Refiner lineages, you know? I thought you''re just curious about those eggs. What the hell are you thinking? Save that money to have your sister undergo that expensive awakening procedure instead. It has a100% certainty. How old is she by the way?"


    "18. Even so... what I said was correct, right? The eggs can still raise the chance for someone to awaken."


    "That''s true but you''re basically throwing your money away for that small chance. Your sister still has two years, just earn that amount."


    ''Elder sister, I can buy you ten dozen eggs by midnight. Do you dare? ¨C As if I could say that just to brag with this teaser. Better to stop talking instead.'' Aldrin inwardly thought as he put away his phone.


    He already placed the order after converting some of his stored IDLE Points so there''s no point arguing with it anymore.


    ''I will still use that option if the eggs doesn''t work anyway.''


    -


    -


    Hours soon passed in their journey towards the Plainsteed Fortress.


    During those few hours just safely riding inside the transport vehicle, the new Energy Refiners finally relaxed in their seats and that included Aldrin.


    Just by this trip alone, his worldview had already expanded to the point that he began wondering if letting those Rift Monsters thrive to become Rift Monster product sources was the right move.


    Being just a normal civilian a week ago, he was truly apprehensive about the existence of the Rift Monsters. For him, it''s like a looming threat that could cover the city at any time. A threat that could endanger his family and friends.


    Although he was aware that the government and other organizations were trimming their numbers periodically, Aldrin still thinks that they''re better off gone.


    Who could blame him? He''s been taught and even experienced the terrifying might of the Rift Monsters.


    In any case, his strength was still meager compared to those running the city and responsible for its safety. He was still level-headed enough to not babble his mouth irresponsibly.


    He''s still a newbie to the World of Energy Refiners. Perhaps, somewhere along the lines, his mindset would also experience a change. What he ought to do at the moment was to continue progressing and gain a foothold that could allow him to stop worrying about others finding out his secret.


    "Huh? We''re speeding up. What happened?"


    Suddenly, one of the new Energy Refiners commented after noticing that the scenery outside the windows was slowly becoming blurry.


    "There!"


    A woman then pointed to the east along with a surprised shout.


    Aldrin as well as the other passengers of the transport vehicle all looked in the direction she pointed.


    "That''s..."


    "A horde?"


    "A pack!"


    "Wait, are we going to be fine? They''re closing in!"


    Panic instantly rose among the Energy Refiners inside the transport vehicle as they saw a patch of darkness growing over the horizon, closing in towards them by the second while creating a storm of dust from behind.


    Furthermore, even though the transport vehicles had already sped up, it didn''t appear like they''re outrunning the patch of darkness


    And a few moments later, the silhouette of their pursuers finally registered in their eyes.


    "Calm down, that''s just a herd of Iron Bulls that probably ran out of their enclosement. You can find their meats on the market. If that can make you panic, you''ll find yourself beneath a Rift Monster soon enough, with half of your body torn or eaten by them."


    "Don''t scare them like that, Janet."


    "They needed a reality-check. This is our world and this is their world now. Why are they even panicking when there are those Metadomes protecting us? Just watch, sit back and relax."


    Janet crossed her arms and rested her back comfortably while exuding extreme calmness on her face.


    Seeing her like that, those who were just shouting in a panic earlier gulped down as they sat back in their seats. However, their eyes remained looking towards that direction.


    The same as everyone, Aldrin kept his eyes peeled. He''d seen the little skirmish between the ants and the spiders at the Lower Dimension. And truthfully, he found that battle more terrifying than the prospect of these bulls stampeding towards them.


    Why can''t he? They''re protected by a battalion of Metadomes that, at the moment, was already gearing up to engage the incoming Rift Monster horde.

 Chapter 55 - Iron Bulls

    As the rumbling sounds of hooves stomping the ground reached Aldrin''s ears, he saw how five Metadomes bearing the emblem of the City Hall Guards swiftly broke off from the formation to deal with the incoming horde. The rest of the Metadomes from the other organizations spread out, filling the space left behind by the five.


    In less than the time the Iron Bulls needed to traverse 50 meters of distance, they had already erected a wall blocking their charge using the Metadomes'' tall black metallic frames.


    Recalling some of what he read about these mechanical constructs, Metadomes were unlike Battlesuits that directly amplify an Energy Refiner''s overall ability. They were considered armored fighting vehicles like tanks that could be compromised if they received sufficient damage no matter how tough the metal alloy used to manufacture it.


    Because Rifts always spewed out numerous Rift Monsters, using something that could dish out heavy firepower was the most efficient.


    Most soldiers used basic Metadome model frames and more often than not, offensive and defensive modules were pre-installed to them. If the operator, be it a soldier or an Energy Refiner, wanted an upgrade, they would either have to earn it with accomplishments, getting into the good graces of their superior or spending their own money.


    Although the Battalion of Metadomes protecting them was mostly operated by Energy Refiners, they''re all basic models. The same as the cheapest kind in the Metadome Section in Idle Shopping as well as what''s included in Aldrin''s contract signing benefits from the Association.


    Nonetheless, he wouldn''t dare underestimate their prowess. His eyes remained open as he prepared to carefully watch what''s about to happen.


    "That coordination¡­ They''re veterans." Aldrin sighed in amazement.


    This should be the second time he''s watching Metadomes in close proximity. However, back then, his view was blocked by the ruined structures of the Southern District.


    As the five Metadomes domineeringly stood before the incoming Rift Monsters, the transport vehicles, as well as the rest of Metadome escorts, continued rolling in the same direction, creating some distance away from the expected battlefield.


    A few seconds later, the battle began.


    Using the attached shoulder-mounted rocket launcher modules as well as the big barreled guns, charged by Dimensional Energy, befitting of the Metadomes'' size, the five City Hall Guards-affiliated Metadomes open-fired towards the stampeding and rampaging Rift Monsters as soon as they reached their firing range.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    Deafening explosions instantly thundered in Aldrin''s ears followed by the bright flashes of light as the leading Iron Bulls'' horrified screams echoed in the surroundings.


    When the smoke and dust from the Metadomes'' attacks cleared up, most of the Iron Bulls directly hit by their attacks died while those in the vicinity tumbled over, injured.


    However, with the momentum of the Iron Bulls'' charging still existing from those behind the forerunners, the next rows of Iron Bulls continued charging forward, stomping down the injured and dead Iron Bulls before them.


    The five Metadomes finished reloading and both the rocket launchers and their guns and sent another barrage of attacks against them.


    While that was happening, on the young Energy Refiner''s side inside the transport vehicles, upon witnessing that initial contact, the ones beside Aldrin, who were just shouting in a panic earlier, exhaled sighs of admiration.


    And the same thing was happening at the other transport vehicles.


    They''re all young Energy Refiners who didn''t have any shred of experience. The kind of reaction was expected from them.


    Most, if not all, were leaving the city for the first time so showing them how harsh it would be was a given. And then there would be Janet who would offer harsh words to draw out the courage inside them.


    By the time they reached the Fortress, their minds were expected to be geared toward bettering themselves. At least, that was the aim for traveling by land instead of using an aircraft to send them to the Fortress without any mishaps.


    "Did they get them?"


    "How will it be that easy? There''s a lot of them!"


    "But at least they should''ve slowed them down, right?"


    After the smoke and dust settled once more, although the rockets didn''t do much damage as it was only meant to block the Rift Monsters'' sight, stall them and perhaps injure them a bit, the Dimensional Energy-powered big barreled guns punched a hole through most of the bulls hit by it. The same as the first volley.


    Because there were Energy Refiners operating those five Metadomes, their refined energy further enhanced the metal constructs. Some of them even channeled their Concepts to strengthen their attacks.


    After another sigh of admiration from the young Energy Refiners, their hearts clenched once more as they witnessed how more Iron Bulls continued charging.


    It''s a stampede. Even if some of those bulls finally noticed that they''re charging to their deaths, they would just get pushed from behind if they stopped.


    In any case, disorder had started to disrupt the rampaging Rift Monsters.


    Some of those bulls tried halting in their steps or switched directions, scared for their fates because at any moment the five Metadomes could fire again.


    Unfortunately, those further at the back prevented them from easily breaking off their line. They continued and eventually pushed those at the front, resulting in some of them stumbling forward.


    And with disorder, comes great chances.


    Following that line, the five City Hall-affiliated Metadomes launched another barrage of the same attacks, further causing chaos among the Iron Bulls.


    After that third barrage of attacks, the bulls began to scatter from different directions while some continued charging towards the wall made by the five Metadomes. There were even some who charged towards the transport vehicles'' direction.


    However, with the Metadomes also capable of close combat, they were hardly a threat.


    Although some of the Iron Bulls hit the legs of the Metadomes, most of them could only make a dent and the momentum they created for that charge dispersed into nothingness.


    By then, they only had two choices left, be killed or run away.


    ''That''s the power of a Metadome, huh? I only saw it briefly during the disaster. But it''s definitely amazing. With just the five of them, they managed to settle a stampede of Rift Monsters in just three barrages of attacks.." Aldrin praised as he alternated his gaze towards the five towering Metadomes and the remaining Iron Bulls that were beginning to turn around, going back to where they came from.

 Chapter 56 - Arriving At The Fortress

    Although there''s still more than half of the Iron Bulls that could possibly devastate a city if they''re allowed to charge in, chaos and disorder had started reigning in their heads as they began retreating.


    They''re unlike the Rift Monsters who had just emerged from Rifts after all.


    Those Iron Bulls were only early-stage Ordinary Rank Rift Monsters. In fact, they''re the source of premium meats that even normal citizens like Aldrin''s family could buy if they wanted to splurge a bit with their salaries.


    According to Janet when Aldrin and the amazed Energy Refiners wondered about the bulls'' somewhat cowardly behavior despite clearly maintaining their numerical advantage, those Iron Bulls were actually being herded at the plains located at the direction they appeared from.


    It was being managed by Entraia that had its branch at the Lonewind City and the other neighboring Secondary City.


    Because they''re not real livestock like cows, more often than not, they would be fed up and rampaged away to look for greener pastures.


    Greener pastures might be an understatement, they just wanted to stomp on people and ruin structures like how they were meant to be as if it was ingrained in their unintellectual minds.


    Unfortunately, even if they didn''t encounter this line of convoy bringing the new Energy Refiners to the training camp, the bulls were still bound to be herded back by the employees of Entraia sooner or later.


    "What do you think? If you''re in their shoes, will you be able to calmly face those Iron Bulls?"


    Once they left that area while still being escorted by the remaining Metadomes of the four other organizations, the same questions were being asked at the five transport vehicles carrying Aldrin and the other Energy Refiners.


    And all of them answered as expected, they''re not confident to do the same. One needed the experience or perhaps nerves of steel to not panic against it.


    However, a few seconds later, determination shined in their eyes as most of them became pumped up for the Training Camp where they''re supposed to learn how to be a proper Energy Refiner.


    A few minutes later, the five Metadomes of the City Hall Guards also returned after wrapping up that place.


    Just like that, hours continued to pass on their journey. Although they encountered attacks from various Rift Monsters running around the uninhabited surface of the planet, the battalion of Metadomes would always solve that problem for them while the Energy Refiners would receive small lessons from the Instructors inside the transport vehicles.


    Eventually, the tall overbearing walls of the Plainsteed Fortress appeared before their eyes.


    Like everyone, Aldrin was somewhat amazed at the structure before them.


    The tall walls had an imposing look because of their metallic black color. From afar, it would appear as if it was an impregnable fortress of days old. Impeccable and impossible to topple.


    Mounted on top of the wall were numerous defensive installments that could decimate those who would try to siege it.


    From the sky above, transport aircrafts escorted by winged-model Metadomes of different corporations come and go as they rush towards different directions, sending goods produced or gathered from the fortress.


    Furthermore, Metadome patrols also littered the place, picking off any stray Rift Monsters that would appear.


    In Aldrin''s guess, if an Instance-type Dimensional Rift suddenly appeared nearby or even inside the fortress, dealing with it would be easier than how it was in the city.


    "Whoa. This is on a bigger scale than our Lonewind City."


    "Isn''t that obvious? It''s a military fortress. Even if the surface area was smaller, the strength of this fortress is several times higher than the Energy Refiners and soldiers of the city."


    "Really? Haven''t you seen Commander Yun and the Windblades? There are also those officials from every organization yesterday."


    "I know. But compared to the number of Energy Refiners here, don''t you think they''ll be outnumbered?"


    "Heh. Do you really think quantity is better than quality? In this fortress, the Fort Commander is only a middle Stage 3 Energy Refiner. The Refiner''s Association had the Branch Head who could stand toe-to-toe against those at a Core City. You''re all still frogs at the bottom of the well. If this is enough to amaze you, broaden your horizons and aim to get out of a Secondary City''s circle of influence." Janet, like always, shut down the noisy Energy Refiners.


    Although the way she''s doing that could be said as annoying, Aldrin was accumulating more information from her words.


    ''How strong is a Stage 3 Energy Refiner? Can they kill the Ant or Spider Champion?'' He wondered.


    A few minutes later, after a few checks from the soldiers and Energy Refiners guarding the walls of the fortress, the transport vehicles entered through a small entrance from the thick walls that were seemingly non-existent unless someone opened it from inside.


    As they passed through the dark corridor that was only illuminated by flashes of light, the atmosphere inside the transport vehicle had once again turned serious. However, it was a different kind of seriousness as excitement also proliferated among them.


    Their journey from the Lonewind City to the Plainsteed Fortress took them almost six hours but that''s only because they intentionally slowed down to be given the most basic lesson about the world outside the walls of the city, the world of Energy Refiners.


    By the time their transport vehicles emerged from the dark corridor, Aldrin suddenly felt his phone vibrating.


    Pulling it out of the pocket, familiar system messages appeared on the screen.


    [A Dimensional Rift has been detected nearby the Host''s location]


    [Scanning¡­]


    [The Dimension at the other side of the Rift is at moderate danger level for the Host]


    [Identifying the Dimension¡­]


    [Drawyz Domain #5]


    [Feature requirement met!]


    [Dimension List has been unlocked for Idle Adventure mode]


    [Host can now choose which Dimension to send Dimensional Clones]


    [Calibrating parameters for the new Dimension¡­ 0%]


    [20%]


    [80%]


    [100%]


    [Calibration completed]


    [Drawyz Plains #5 can now be selected when starting a new run]


    [Note: Drawyz Plains #5 is currently connected to Host''s Dimensional Plane, conquest is impossible through Idle Adventure mode.. Host has to dive inside and capture the Fragment Core to conquer it.]

 Chapter 57 - Training Camp

    ''So, identifying a Dimension that''s not too dangerous can unlock a new feature! I can send my clones inside, huh? But that note... Fragment Core? The Dimension also had a name and it''s different from the Small Insect Colony#111222. Is it a higher Dimension than it?''


    Compared to the shock and awe his fellow new Energy Refiners were experiencing as they took in the interior of the military fortress that looked just like a small city with all of its establishments in place, Aldrin''s mind was wandering about the IDLE Database''s new feature.


    The mysterious program instantly detected the Maintained-type Dimensional Rift as soon as his eyes caught sight of it.


    It''s enclosed by clear walls and a roof in the middle, much like how a big fountain would be placed in the middle of a town square becoming an easily noticeable structure.


    There were soldiers and Metadomes stationed around it. They''re guarding the only entrance and access to the stable Dimensional Rift.


    Looking at it from his perspective, the Dimensional Rift even looked like a normal gate or passage at this point because of how they built a huge door in front of it, stopping anyone who probably would try to sneak past the guards. Only by opening that door would everyone get access to the path leading to the Dimension beyond it.


    Because of years of efforts maintaining the Rift, the tide of Rift Monsters that should come out from it had stopped. Instead of that, Energy Refiners operating their Metadomes were lining up to gain entry. They''re not part of the soldiers or Energy Refiners affiliated to the fortress but just people who wanted to venture inside, making use of the opportunity to earn a fortune.


    Consequently, those leaving the Dimension with Metadomes bearing different degrees of damage were also queueing behind the door.


    Just like that time at the Southern District''s disaster. If he hadn''t caught sight of the Rift spewing out the Rift Monsters, it wouldn''t notify him about it being a dangerous Dimension and advise him to leave its vicinity.


    ''I still haven''t finished the Small Insect Colony. But having something new like this is making my hand itch to try and see what kind of surprise IDLE Database will show me. It says to conquer it is to capture the Fragment Core... but there''s no information about what a Fragment Core is!''


    Aldrin minimized the system messages and checked the Idle Adventure mode where his four clones were doing their best to blitz every squad and group of ants or spiders they would meet.


    -


    -


    While the transport vehicles continued on their way to the location of the Joint Rookie Training Camp where they would stay for a month, the group of Metadomes that escorted them stopped and parked inside the military fortress'' hangar to record their entry and identity.


    Among the Metadomes from the City Hall, one particular man jumped and left the place after recording his information.


    He''s none other than the same man that''s responsible for the disaster as well as the one sent to locate the whistleblower before anyone else could find him.


    Through the spy planted by the organization he belonged to, he managed to get the position of being an escort for the new Energy Refiners. Without any new leads as to who among those kids was his target, he could only play the role of a member of the City Hall Guards.


    A few minutes later, after following the road that the transport vehicles took, the man arrived at the location of training camp.


    He didn''t enter it but instead, observed the place. The five transport vehicles were parked outside the camp area.


    Even from afar, his eyes began scanning the 50 or so new Energy Refiners that were being lined up by the ten instructors at the open field.


    ''Too bad, I arrived a bit late. I should''ve been one of the Instructors. That way, finding that bug will be easier.'' He shook his head in disappointment. Either way, he already planned on infiltrating the camp as one of the many Energy Refiners who would give a lesson to the rookies as their training progressed. That way, he could closely observe them and find out who he needed to silence.


    ''Do you think by sending it to that Mayor will save your hide? Wait until I find you." Once again a sinister smile flashed upon his face.


    Before he could be detected by the instructors, he pretended to be someone passing by the training camp.


    -


    -


    "Listen up! Your Instructors will be the same face in front of you until the end of the camp. Follow their guidance and strive to become a full-fledged Energy Refiner. What all you guys learned up until now is nothing compared to the experience that you will acquire here. If there''s any question, ask them for an answer. Dismissed!" The chosen Camp Leader among the 10 instructors announced after the distribution of trainees to each of them ended.


    Even though there were 10 Instructors and they split the students among themselves, they still had to elect someone who could take that role.


    With more than fifty trainees, each instructor got five or six under them.


    At the moment, Aldrin, who was handpicked by Janet, remained in front of her while four Energy Refiners from the other organizations lined up behind him.


    Those who weren''t specifically picked to be kept by their instructor were shuffled or better yet, raffled on which instructor they would land.


    And surprisingly, as if they forecasted it before, the trio of Frederic, Irina and the egoistic guy Clark were among the four in Janet''s trainees. The last Energy Refiner is a short woman with glasses from Frostland.


    "You five. Introduce yourself and state your Combat Assessment Result."


    After bringing them away and finding a spot in the wide field in front of their supposed training quarters where they placed their luggage earlier, Janet shouted in command while maintaining an authoritative posture, clearly different from how she carried herself before arriving here.


    Being the older one and the one handpicked by Janet, Aldrin started the introduction.


    Since he had no chance to further investigate the new feature in the IDLE Database and the new Dimension at the moment, he put it at the back of his mind.


    "Aldrin Fallwater, Support-type."


    "Caroline Lightbearer, Defense-type."


    "Irina Heinen, Attack-type."


    "Frederic Colard, Attack-type."


    "Clark Knight, Defense-type."


    After they finished their introduction, Janet appeared to be nodding her head as her playful eyes once again scrutinized their forms.


    She''s the one who facilitated all of the new Energy Refiners'' Combat Assessments because of her previous post so there''s really no need for her to know. She''s just doing it to let them get to know each other. Furthermore, she''s a bit lazy to do an actual instructing job.


    Even if she promised her uncle that she would do her best, she didn''t really have it in her to be too dedicated to it.


    "Two attack-type, two defense-type and one support-type. Isn''t this a great team?!" Irina exclaimed which was followed by a nod by everyone, including Aldrin.


    Although it''s a lot better if three were attack-type, it wouldn''t hurt them to have two who could protect. In any case, just like what Aldrin learned when he took the Assessment, it wasn''t final. Even those deemed as defense-type could also excel in other areas.


    "Familiarize yourself with each other, starting today until the end of the Training Camp, you five are one team. Even if we''re going to evaluate you one by one, your final standing in this camp will still depend on how well you work with other Energy Refiners." Janet said before leaving them to their own devices to let her trainees talk amongst themselves.


    The same as them, the other teams under each instructor began creating their own circles as they sat down on the ground.


    Aldrin then noticed that Janet along with the other instructors convened inside the building that serves as the Training Camp''s Quarters.


    With Janet gone, Aldrin, the trio and Caroline copied the other groups as they sat down in a circle to talk about each other''s specialty as an Energy Refiner.


    Apart from Aldrin, the four hadn''t been enlightened with a Concept yet. However, they already had their desired path.


    Hearing their aspirations as an Energy Refiner made Aldrin feel as if he''s possibly taking everything lightly.


    He has the IDLE Database. Even if he didn''t devote some time to sit in one place and draw in the surrounding Dimensional Energy for a refining session that all Energy Refiners do, he''s still progressing at a relatively quicker pace than everyone.


    After contemplating about it for a while, he eventually shook his head inwardly.


    ''It''s my cheat. Rather than mull over what a normal Energy Refiner does... Doing what only I can do will further benefit me. If they''re in my shoes, they''ll also be doing the same. Benefit from it. Later, I better check that new Dimension and see if I can earn more IDLE Points from it. I can''t afford to just lay low. I have to continue progressing as well. That way, no one can threaten me or those close to me.'' He thought before turning his focus back to their conversation.


    By the time the five finished talking to each other and knowing each other''s strong and weak points, Janet and the other instructors returned to their respective trainees. In their hand, a rectangular tablet device.


    "Alright, the time has come for all of you to pick your first Concept. Come forward one at a time and I''ll show you your choices. You all have three days to freely spend on gaining enlightenment. If you can do that, I''ll commend you but if not, no worries, you won''t be kicked out if you failed to gain initial enlightenment with your chosen Concept. You can cram it on the following days. Also, you''ll undergo some physical training every morning. I can''t have you become like dried twigs who will break upon being stomped upon.." Ending her words with a meaningful smile, Janet then called Aldrin to pick his chosen Concept.

 Chapter 58 - Silent Advancement

    After picking one from the list of Concept Books curated individually, the instructors let all the new Energy Refiners resign to their quarters. It''s always best to get a silent environment easily gain enlightenment on it.


    Although it''s entirely possible to be enlightened over a Concept without the need of a Concept Book, that''s something that was only used by the early Energy Refiners who were pioneering the path for the new generation. Nowadays, relying on a Concept Book was easier as it contained hints on how to properly gain enlightenment towards a Concept without wasting too much time.


    Just like how Aldrin easily gained enlightenment on Shadow Clone, Spatial Pocket and Shadow Blade by relying on those Concept Books he bought. Without those, creating an entirely new Concept from scratch would be the same as treading in the darkness without bringing a flashlight to guide his way. Not only would it be hard, successfully conceptualizing it still depended on the pureness of its essence.


    If that happened, an Energy Refiner could possibly waste not just days or weeks, a month or a year is a definite possibility as well.


    "Shadow Steps. This costs 500 IDLE Points in Idle Shopping but I got it free from the Association. Janet said that picking the first Concept carried some kind of importance. It will be the Energy Refiner''s first torchlight to guide him in the corridors leading to a Concept of pure Essence. If the Concepts I got enlightened to were related to each other, there''s a possibility for them to combine into a Concept with a purer essence." Aldrin recalled what his Instructor told them as he stared at the Concept Book lying in front of him.


    Seeing the word ''Shadow'' among those choices presented to him and finding out that it''s a movement technique that could help him escape in a tight spot, he instantly picked it.


    The only reason he stopped buying new Concept Books from the Idle Shopping was because of the limit of Concepts that was imposed on him due to his Energy Quintessence.


    He already had three and he experienced the difficulty of completely integrating the third one because of how he needed to expand it to a certain size to be able to accommodate it.


    None of the instructors or even the real experts would be able to guess that Aldrin already had three Concepts even before the start of this Training Camp. It''s highly unthinkable for them that someone who had just luckily awakened to easily get a proper channel for Concept Books. Furthermore, no one expects a new Energy Refiner to be enlightened in three Concepts in such a short time.


    In any case, to give her trainees an example about what she told them. Janet specifically showed them her ''merged'' Concept earlier.


    Using her refined energy, Janet''s body transformed into what she called her Tyrant Form or to what she called that merged Concepts, ''Tyrant Transformation''.


    Her red hair and golden eyes turned to a deeper crimson color. Her body also showed minute transformations amplifying her presence to be on the more terrifying side on top of being domineering enough which let them feel a greater pressure than what they felt from the officials yesterday.


    As Aldrin recalled that, he likened the experience to the fear he felt upon seeing the Ant Champion. Although that didn''t mean that Janet was as strong as that ant, he believed that he could be crushed by her if she so wished.


    According to her, that Concept was a combination of five different physique-centered Concepts that could give her overwhelming strength on different parts of her body. Those Concepts at least had one common word shared among them, ''Tyrant''.


    "Let''s see. I''m sure it will be hard for me to completely become enlightened with this. How many IDLE Points had I converted to Dimensional Energy to accommodate Shadow Blade?" While trying to recall that, Aldrin opened the IDLE Database from his phone and checked something from the statistics.


    [Total IDLE Points converted: 16190]


    ''If I recall correctly... it''s after it went past the 10,000 points. Will it be enough? Well, there''s one way to find out.'' Aldrin picked up the book and unhesitatingly read it to start gaining enlightenment.


    A few hours later, Aldrin frowned. Unlike the ones bought at the Idle Shopping where it would be instantly downloaded in his mind, he''s finding it hard to completely comprehend a physical Concept Book.


    He left his room for a while to gain fresh air and clear his mind only to find out that many trainees like him were facing the same situation.


    ''I got too used with the features of the IDLE Database, didn''t I join this camp to prepare myself for the real world in case it disappeared? I better put more effort and show some result!''


    Upon thinking about that, he postponed his idea of taking a break and returned immediately to his quarters, continuing to comprehend the Concept Book.


    With this, it marked the end of the first day of the Joint Rookie Training Camp.


    -


    -


    Three days soon passed and the free time the instructors gave to their trainees ended.


    Unlike the other trainees, Aldrin diligently tried to comprehend and gain enlightenment to the Shadow Steps Concept Book. Moreover, he didn''t forget the IDLE Database and his routine to dive once a day to gain combat experience.


    Apart from that, he didn''t forget to probe the new Dimension the IDLE Database detected beyond the Maintained-type Dimensional Rift at the middle of the fortress.


    Using one run after the reset during the second day, Aldrin tried diving inside it by controlling his Dimensional Clones. However, he found out that it was impossible to manually control the clones sent inside the Drawyz Domain because of the same reason why Conquest through Idle Adventure was impossible.


    He had no choice but to watch his clones through the screen of his phone.


    Seeing that it''s truly another dimension like the Small Insect Colony, Aldrin was amazed at the geography he saw inside it. However, the weakest creature that his Dimensional Clones found inside that they could win against was a giant brown cat simply called Brown Feline.


    The Brown Feline''s level is higher than Giant Head Ant, sitting at Level 20 and with Totally Impossible difficulty.


    Against a strong opponent such as that one, his clones only managed to kill ten before they started dying one by one. Due to that, Aldrin decided to stop even if the profit only amounted to less than 500 points IDLE Points after deducting the cost of multipliers and heals.


    With that kind of probe, Aldrin confirmed that he was still weak. Even with two multipliers that were equivalent to 4x of his current strength, it needed a team of his Dimensional Clones to put down the weakest Rift Monster inside the maintained Dimensional Rift.


    And that explained why Energy Refiners were using Metadomes to explore that place. It''s just too dangerous to rely on oneself.


    During that probe, he actually saw some Metadomes which affirmed that the new dimension listed in his IDLE Database was truly the dimension beyond the Maintained-type Dimensional Rift.


    Nonetheless, the Dimensional Clones actually avoided those Metadomes. And whether those Energy Refiners noticed his Dimensional Clones, he had no idea.


    Either way, lucky those who would be able to find the corpses of the Brown Felines his Dimensional Clones left behind. But if no one, the other creatures residing in that Dimension would surely eat them.


    It''s a shame but he had no choice but to leave them behind.


    -


    -


    "Aldrin, what about you? How is your enlightenment?" Irina approached him after asking the same thing to the other three in their group.


    At the moment, every new Energy Refiner was once again gathered outside to evaluate their progress with the Concept they picked.


    With those on the same team lining up together, the ten instructors were standing in front of them, checking their progress.


    "I met some success." Aldrin humbly answered when in fact it''s not just a small success but a bigger and greater one that he had no idea if he could successfully hide it from Janet.


    During the third day and after basking in 10,000 IDLE Points worth of Dimensional Energy for a total of 20,000 IDLE Points for the three days that passed, his Energy Quintessence finally allowed him to conceptualize Shadow Steps.


    It''s just utilizing shadows to quicken his footsteps. Furthermore, his body would be concealed by his shadow making it appear as if he blinked from one place to another.


    But that''s not his greatest gain in terms of Concept. As if something clicked inside him, once he became familiarized with Shadow Steps, the three Concepts; Shadow Clone, Shadow Blade and Shadow Steps seemed to be linked with one another.


    Although it didn''t appear to be the same fusion of Concepts as what Janet told them, Aldrin felt that there now exists some kind of harmony between his three Concepts. For example, the Shadow Clones he could conjure could also conceptualize Shadow Blade and Shadow Steps by themselves.


    Naturally, he was certain of that because he had finished testing it in Idle Adventure mode of IDLE Database, raising his earning for the third day to 15,000 IDLE Points contrary to 7,000 and 10,000 from the past two days before it!


    And that''s not all.... After passing the 25,000 point-mark of converted IDLE Points, Aldrin experienced that certain click in his mind concerning his Energy Quintessence expansion. It finally reached its limit, making him pass the threshold to become considered as a middle Stage 1 Energy Refiner!

 Chapter 59 - Duel

    When Aldrin noticed that his Energy Quintessence stopped expanding and he entered the ranks of middle Stage 1 Energy Refiners, he was definitely elated.


    How long has it been since he started on this new path? Compared to the meager 5 IDLE Points he earned from his very first run, he''s now earning more than a thousand times more than that.


    True, there''s the apprehension of not being able to explain himself if found out by others. However, being a realist, he felt that it''s not wrong to celebrate his progress. It''s not like he''s about to brag about it to everyone.


    In any case, for the next step now that his Energy Quintessence had expanded to its limit, his refined energy had turned towards his Energy Channels, expanding it as well to hasten and ease up the flow of Dimensional Energy towards his Energy Quintessence and to any part of his body.


    Only after every Energy Channel had been expanded would he reach late Stage 1.


    The progression of an Energy Refiner was that simple, at least for now. It''s strengthening Aldrin''s body or rather, modifying it so that he could eventually accommodate more energy.


    "That''s great! All of us had made some progress." Irina happily cheered with Aldrin''s answer.


    The three days given to them to be enlightened with the Concept they picked was fruitful for everyone.


    But then again, Aldrin instantly noticed that these young Energy Refiners, including those from the other groups, experienced a change.


    For example, this girl in front of him. After a little observation, Aldrin found out that like Renissa, Irina''s refined energy was somewhat leaking from her body. However, he couldn''t pinpoint where it was coming from, or rather, it''s possibly hidden beneath her clothes.


    And that''s the same for everyone. Everyone except Aldrin himself.


    They''re all leaking refined energy from different parts of their body which confirmed that all of them met some kind of success in gaining enlightenment with the Concept they picked.


    He remembered that Renissa told him that the side effect was the result of her being a complete beginner. But that''s probably not the whole explanation.


    Like these Energy Refiners around him, even if they''re still short from being fully enlightened with their Concept, they could probably already mimic its effects or partly conceptualize it.


    Given time, when they finally completed their Concept, they''d surely show more changes at the same level as Renissa''s hair changing its natural color.


    And due to that, Aldrin stood out like an Iron Bull in a herd of cows.


    "So that''s the one with the flawless spherical Energy Quintessence. No refined energy leaks." One of the instructors commented as he eyed Aldrin among the trainees gathered in front of them.


    "That''s right. He''s the oldest among everyone as well. Whether that helped him or not, we will not know unless..." responded another.


    "I know what you are thinking. Let''s have them showcase their progress. You won''t object, right? Janet?"


    The same as the other instructors, the acting leader of the camp was also interested in the ''rare'' spherical Energy Quintessence.


    Whether it helped Aldrin or not, they had to know. He''s the only one without any leaks of refined energy after all. There''s no way for them to guess whether he made some progress on the Concept Book he picked.


    "Heh. I can understand your curiosity. Do what you want."


    After answering that, Janet met Aldrin''s gaze and winked at him.


    Although slightly baffled by that gesture from her, Aldrin soon found out why when the Camp Leader stepped forward to make an announcement.


    "Listen! Three days have passed. To evaluate everyone in your progress in your Concept, we will be having a little assessment in the form of a duel. Show us what you learned these past three days, got it?!" He declared with a grin which instantly gathered different kinds of reactions from the young Energy Refiners.


    -


    -


    "Please hold back for me." Irina smilingly said to her opponent while getting into her fighting stance.


    Because it was supposed to be just a stage to show off the progress of their Concept, the individual duels would be done in hand-to-hand combat and no Battlesuit or physical weapon would be equipped. In any case, what they''re wearing was already changed to a standard military uniform that was padded for shock protection. Even if they beat each other up, they wouldn''t sustain any lasting injury.


    "Likewise." Her opponent, another woman under a different instructor, answered while also preparing herself to receive any attacks that would come her way.


    With the new Energy Refiners forming a huge circle, the rules were made simple. Throwing their opponent out of the circle or having their opponent admit defeat would lead to the end of the duel.


    One of the Instructors would act as the referee and judge, making sure that the duel wouldn''t cause any fatal injuries.


    "Fight!"


    With the instructor''s voice as a signal, Irina and her opponent instantly disappeared from where they were standing.


    Both of their legs glowed with the use of their refined energy, increasing their mobility and leg strength.


    For every new Energy Refiner present at the Training Camp, this duel might be their first fight against another Energy Refiner and that included Aldrin.


    His experiences at fighting were against the insects in the Lower Dimension, the Rift Monster during the disaster and the simulated opponents during Combat Assessment. Never had he tried sparring with another Energy Refiner, even during their physical training from the past few days.


    ''This seems to be about right. It''s not only Rift Monsters and the creatures in the Dimensions connected to Idle Adventure that I needed to be wary of. That mysterious Energy Refiner at the Southern District, it''s obvious that he was about to silence me if not for the arrival of the mayor.'' He thought for a while as he prepared himself to watch the duels carefully while also preparing himself for when his turn arrived.


    Even though he didn''t make any obvious movements back at the Southern District disaster, the mysterious man noticed that someone was hiding behind the wall. If he once again found himself in that kind of situation, Aldrin believed that he would not be so lucky again.


    "Look, is that her Concept?"


    "That''s the only explanation, right? She managed to hold her opponent back."


    "But all of us can partly use our Concept. I don''t think this will be over soon."


    As the duel between Irina and the other female Energy Refiner raged on, some of the new Energy Refiners began discussing among themselves.


    Since all of the new Energy Refiners except Aldrin came from Energy Refiner lineages, most, if not all, trained themselves in different combat techniques ever since young.


    Surely there were few exceptions like Bert. Despite hoping to become an Energy Refiner like someone from his family, he didn''t take up any training. Fortunately or unfortunately for him, he failed to awaken, otherwise, he would become a punching bag in this Training Camp.


    "Told you so. It will be extremely boring if this ends easily." said the vocal Energy Refiner.


    In the middle of the ring, Irina''s Concept that she could barely conceptualize made her opponent stop in place giving her the chance to end it easily. However, before she could deliver her kick that would end the match, her opponent also burst out with her Concept, shooting some kind of projectile from her punches and kicks.


    On the side, Aldrin, who''s the same as them, nodded his head. That''s their current progress in their enlightenment. It didn''t look as impressive yet because they''re still finding it hard to properly utilize their chosen Concepts.


    Totally unlike him that only had the restriction in his Energy Quintessence.


    Although he couldn''t make an accurate guess as to what kind of Concept the two women got enlightened to, Aldrin continued watching to learn more. He felt like he had to be thoroughly informed about different Concepts. That way, he wouldn''t suffer too much in the future if an entirely foreign Concept was used on him.


    Anyway, with the infinite possibilities it offered, he would be a Sage if his knowledge about Concept reached the point of recognizing all of it.

 Chapter 60 - Against Frederic

    Around three minutes later, the duel between the two women was still raging on.


    It appeared as if Irina''s opponent couldn''t dodge her Concept whenever she would unleash it. As for the result, her opponent would stop at times similar to being stunned.


    On the other hand, Irina was agilely dodging the blurry projectiles being shot by her opponent as she tried to close in on her.


    Irina was an Attack-type while her opponent was a Support-type according to the onlookers from the same group as her.


    Aldrin thought that the fight would continue for a longer time considering the two appeared to be in an even matchup. However, after a few more projectiles that were keeping Irina at bay, her opponent''s refined energy reached near-exhaustion, resulting in the Energy Refiner making an error in judgement because of the slower release of her incomplete Concept.


    Using that as her chance, Irina closed in and overwhelmed her opponent with her techniques in close-quarter combat, throwing her out of the circle.


    "Irina wins!" The referee immediately shouted as soon as her opponent landed on the ground.


    It was followed by claps from the surrounding Energy Refiners. Clark, the one chasing after her skirt, was even shouting from his seat, making those who saw it look at him with slight disgust.


    Just how much of a simp is he?


    "Her Concept is kind of scary. If you''re not careful, it can stun you and you will be vulnerable!"


    "That''s right! What kind of Concept is that?"


    "She''s from Alpinecloud, she probably picked something psyche-centered."


    "That''s not just ''probably''. It''s definitely what she picked. Either way, it can''t be that it''s unavoidable, it''s just hard to do so in close quarters. She picked a suitable Concept for her, being an Attack-type in the assessment."


    Frederic, who was next to Aldrin, couldn''t help but join their discussion amidst the claps, seemingly annoyed by their idle chatter.


    A while later, a new set of two Energy Refiners stood up after being called by the referee.


    Irina, who appeared as if she''s not tired from that duel, returned to their group.


    "Congratulations. I think I need to be wary of your Concept by now." Aldrin said upon noticing that the girl stopped in front of him, clearly waiting for him to say something.


    "I doubt you need to be. We''re allies after all." Irina responded with a bright smile as she squeezed to her seat between Aldrin and Clark. Following that, instead of watching the next match, she closed her eyes to meditate, recovering the refined energy she used and bringing herself back to her optimal condition.


    As time passed, the duels among the new Energy Refiners continued.


    And soon, Aldrin''s turn arrived.


    He was waiting for it but at the same he somewhat dreaded standing in front of the crowd, showing off his current strength.


    Compared to these young Energy Refiners, he could no longer be called to be at the same level. His strength had already surpassed all of them. In fact, in the Small Insect Colony, killing a horde of ants led by a Giant Head Ant was something he could now do at ease, or for closer comparison, he can now kill a Very Hard Difficulty insect without purchasing the multiplier alone or relying on the other Dimensional Clones.


    Although only Striker had a Level 5 Weapon and was the only one that could use a Skill, the other three Dimensional Clones'' equipment slots had all reached Level 3 while some pieces reached Level 4.


    If he used 100 IDLE Points to summon one of them here in the form of his Shadow Clone Concept, he believed that it could defeat all of his batchmates in a duel.


    In any case, he had no other choice but to step forward. And ironically, his opponent this time was the guy next to him.


    "Funny how they pick who will be against each other. Do you think this is fair?" Frederic smilingly questioned as he confidently stood in front of Aldrin. His refined energy made his whole body glow slightly.


    They claimed that the matchups were randomly picked but Aldrin had to digress. With Janet''s wink at him, hinting him at what the instructors had in mind, it''s easy for him to guess that it concerned him and his spherical Energy Quintessence.


    He guessed that it''s simply too rare to see someone without any leaks of refined energy during their early days of being an Energy Refiner.


    "It''s a friendly duel. Happens a lot." Aldrin answered as he stood his ground, opposite Frederic.


    With the training they had undergone for the past three days, even if most of their time in the camp were spent on their chosen Concept, Aldrin managed to learn a thing or two.


    However, what he developed as his own fighting style was already ingrained in his mind after days of battling against those insects in the Lower Dimension.


    "Is that it? I will not hold back then. Show me the strength of someone who can also withstand the pressure of those officials." With Aldrin''s somewhat nonchalant answer, Frederic''s fighting spirit surged.


    He remembered what happened. In his eyes, Aldrin wasn''t an ordinary Energy Refiner who only got lucky. He had skills and he even had a confident posture most of the time.


    However, instead of showing off his skills, he''s making himself out to be the odd one out. That''s why when he''s paired up with Aldrin this time, Frederic eagerly wanted to test him out. To see the extent of his skill.


    Aldrin, on the other hand, still had the thought of being low-key in his mind. He''s aware that compared to the young Energy Refiners here, his experience was more abundant. He successfully honed it from day-to-day combat, fighting against those insects that were as deadly as Rift Monsters.


    It''s way ahead of the training they received through their families.


    Even if Frederic was going all out against him, with the information he had about his groupmate, Aldrin had already guessed what his opponent planned to do just by the expression on Frederic''s face. On top of that, he could definitely overpower him with his raw physical strength alone.


    "Fight!" Seeing that the two had readied themselves, the referee shouted and immediately took a step back, finding himself a better spot to watch the so-called rare and lucky Energy Refiner.


    A split second later, Frederic disappeared from his spot leaving only a trace of his footprint as if he kicked the ground hard and swift.


    Before everyone could even take a breath, a loud thumping sound of a fist hitting something rang out!


    With their eyes pinned to the ring, most if not all of the new Energy Refiner released sighs of amazement.


    "Great!" Frederic excitedly laughed when he saw his fist blocked by Aldrin''s palm without that much change in his expression.


    "I see. No wonder Irina told me to watch out because you''re somewhat of a battle-crazy maniac." Aldrin responded as he stared at his arm that was currently tingling from slight pain. He did perfectly catch Frederic''s fist but the refined energy he used to cover his hand got blown away by his opponent''s strength.


    With that, he found out that he somehow underestimated his opponent''s strength.


    Noticing the slight difference in the energy covering Frederic''s arm, Aldrin nodded inwardly.


    Frederic used his Concept right off the bat!


    Upon hearing his words, Frederic''s laugh intensified. "She''s not wrong. Now fight me with all you got, Aldrin!"


    "If that''s the case..." As his words trailed, Aldrin ducked, dodging Frederic''s follow-up kick.


    A split second later, his refined energy focused on his feet conceptualizing Shadow Steps.


    "What?!"


    Compared to how Frederic did it earlier, he found himself at an impasse when even Aldrin''s presence disappeared.


    Before he knew it, he felt a strong force hitting him from behind.


    Aldrin reappeared behind Frederic with his feet outstretched after that kick, sending his opponent rolling away.. He had to clutch the ground with his fingers just to stop his body from rolling out of the ring.

 Chapter 61 - Result

    "That''s fast!"


    "Is that the Concept he picked? It didn''t look as unstable as the others."


    "Huh? What else are you expecting? He has the spherical Energy Quintessence."


    "... I know it''s rare and it can only benefit him early on but I''m extremely envious of it! Who would not want to easily activate your enlightened Concept?!"


    Despite that kind of commentary from the instructors that was slowly heating up, the duel between Aldrin and Frederic continued.


    Barely saving himself from losing in one kick, Frederic stabilized his footing and reformed his broken stance.


    Even though he suffered a setback, the grin on his face remained as if he''s enjoying it to fight someone that seemed to be exceedingly stronger than him.


    On the other hand, Aldrin wondered if his kick wasn''t strong enough. Frederic easily stood up despite hitting him squarely.


    Although he mainly used Striker''s pre-equipped saber and his own sword that could overlap with the other saber, he had a fair share of experience using his feet to kick those insects.


    ''That''s right. I have a multiplier in the Lower Dimension that can allow me to hunt down even those with Totally Impossible difficulty. This is the true extent of my strength despite my advantage of being a middle Stage 1 Energy Refiner. It''s only slightly ahead of Frederic or... this guy is just a total freak when it comes to combat. In any case, I can still be considered holding back if I won''t use my other concepts like Shadow Clone or Shadow Blade.'' Aldrin pondered as he once again readied himself to face Frederic in the middle of their makeshift arena.


    "Show it again, Aldrin! This time, I''ll block you!"


    After dusting himself off Frederic hollered while his refined energy surged around his fist, giving it a slightly metallic color.


    Watching and observing his opponent, Aldrin made a guess about his opponent''s concept.


    It''s most likely along the lines of Iron Skin.


    "It''s not easy to use it. It almost drained my refined energy." Aldrin blatantly lied. That''s how it is normally, if he''s the same as them.


    Unlike the incomplete manifestation of their Concept, his Shadow Steps were complete which used up more refined energy.


    "Who are you trying to fool? Then I''m going to make you use it again! Take this!"


    Frederic disappeared again, but the same as earlier, he just charged forward with his fist aimed at Aldrin.


    Upon seeing that, Aldrin couldn''t help but shake his head and wryly smiled.


    Truly a battle-maniac.


    In the end, he had to answer to his enthusiasm to fight him squarely.


    Under the eyes of every spectator, the duel between the two raged on.


    After a few minutes wherein Aldrin fought against Frederic without using his Concept, the current trend still hadn''t changed. With their exchanges of punches, kicks and throws, Aldrin remained the one to always come out on top.


    And due to this, Aldrin realized that trying to be low-key might be harder than he expected.


    Frederic was one of the few who could withstand the pressure from the officials that were probably stronger than their instructors. And by that information, he''s one of the most talented new Energy Refiner in this camp, if not the strongest except for Aldrin himself.


    And being one of those few with strong knees that withstood the pressure, he''s the same as the guy in front of him.


    And the more this fight dragged on, the less confident he felt with his acting skills. If he continued to purposely hold back in this training camp, Janet or the other instructors had the possibility to catch him on his act.


    ''Then aside from showing my other Concepts, I just have to go at this normally and make use of this camp to train myself. It''s not like their attention on me will be more heightened than it is at the moment. My spherical Energy Quintessence actually covered up for some of my abnormalities.''


    He heard the conversation between those instructors. And he''s not wrong when he thought that this Duel was just a way for him to display what it meant to have a spherical Energy Quintessence.


    As long as he didn''t show anything too absurd, he would be safe.


    Having decided that, Aldrin increased the intensity of his attacks.


    "Let''s see if you can stand up with this again." As his Energy Quintessence churned, his arms and legs became covered with more refined energy.


    "That''s right! That''s how you do it, Aldrin!" Still with his somewhat crazed laughter, Frederic bravely fought head-on even though Aldrin''s connected hits always made his innards tremble from how strong it was.


    In any case, with Frederic using his unstable Concept to its maximum possible efficiency, Aldrin also had to make sure not to be hit directly by it.


    Dodging, blocking and keeping his distance. With every punch and kick Frederic would send him, he would first try to dodge and counterattack. If that didn''t work, only then would he use his Concept, saving his refined energy.


    In the end, their duel slowly switched to becoming a one-sided beating, with Aldrin only receiving countable scratches.


    Furthermore, whenever he would use his Concept, it became a certainty for him to hit Frederic and send him rolling away.


    Even if his opponent could be likened to a berserker, the battle-maniac was a lot different than actual berserkers in most games he played. He didn''t possess the ability to become stronger the more his health points decreased. On the contrary, with his nonstop use of his refined energy, he''s about to be depleted.


    And that''s the chance Aldrin took to finally end this dragged-out duel that only got prolonged because of Frederic''s resilience.


    As soon as Frederic showed signs of exhaustion, his already slightly offensive strategy switched to an aggressive one.


    In less than a minute after that, Aldrin''s refined energy-covered finishing kick successfully sent Frederic out of the ring in an extremely flashy fashion.


    "A-aldrin wins!" The referee shouted, slightly stuttering.


    From the start of the duel, it was clear not just to him but to every spectator that Aldrin owned his opponent.


    After that announcement, everyone somehow cheered, be it trainees or their instructors.


    And although some were worried about Frederic, the battle-maniac had already sat up from where he landed, cheering the same way as the others.


    In the middle of the ring, Aldrin, who was basking with the cheers, looked around, accepted the situation and returned to his seat.


    He thought he would be questioned by the instructors to explain his unnatural strength but in the end, they kept their mouths shut as the referee called out two more names who would duke it out next, making the cheers being thrown at him recede.


    "That''s amazing, Aldrin! What was that you said earlier? That you would be careful against my Concept? Ha! I don''t think I can last as long as Frederic if I got matched against you."


    After her cheerful praise, Irina showed a bitter smile as she imagined herself fighting Aldrin. Naturally, there''s no way she could blame Aldrin. It''s clear for all to see that it''s Frederic who''s stubbornly refusing to admit defeat. On top of that, it''s a friendly duel. The two were smiling all the time.


    "I still stood with what I said. But thanks, Irina.." Aldrin awkwardly accepted her praise and ignored Clark''s jealous glare.

 Chapter 62 - Most Promising Trainee

    As the duels continued, the other members of their group soon stepped out to fight.


    Caroline was matched against someone with the same assessment as her. Although she had a short stature, the girl was nimble at her movements causing frustration to her stalwart opponent.


    Instead of using her chosen Concept that could let her materialize a mirror-like shield as a ''shield'' to block, Caroline used it to push her opponent to the edge. She''s wielding it more like a weapon than defensive equipment.


    However, her shield was somewhat brittle which became the reason for her loss. It broke down in the middle of her push resulting in her opponent throwing her out of the ring.


    Seeing her gloomily return to their side, Irina beamed a smile towards her, cheering her up as she pushed Clark away to get Caroline to sit beside her.


    Fortunately for him, it''s his turn to take the stage so instead of grumbling at a corner, he confidently walked to the middle, hoping Irina would cheer for him as well.


    As for Aldrin and Frederic, who recovered and returned to their side, they also put in some words for her.


    Furthermore, Aldrin even gave her advice with what he observed from Tank. That Dimensional clone of his also liked charging forward with its shield. Their difference was that Tank''s shield was more durable.


    "Don''t worry too much. You heard the instructors. This duel is just their way to assess our current attainment. It doesn''t mean you''ll stay like this after we finish our training. There''s plenty of time for improvement." Aldrin finished it with a smile, showing off like a big brother to the girl.


    And upon hearing that, Caroline recovered the shine in her eyes as her confidence got renewed.


    It''s a little setback, even Frederic who got beaten up by Aldrin remained the battle maniac he presented himself to be.


    With that out of the way, they finally turned their focus back on the current match.


    Although he''s kind of an idiot when it comes to Irina, Clark truly possessed the skill to become one of those who remained standing against extreme pressure.


    Before their eyes, he used his Concept, materializing an energy spear with his refined energy.


    Naturally, like the others, his spear felt like it would flicker into nothingness at any moment. He''s a Defense-type like Caroline but the Concept he picked was like that. Either he hates the assessment result or he''s just treading his own path.


    Even though his spear would wisp out of nothingness after a while due to it being unstable, it''s enough for him to keep his opponent at bay.


    It''s a lot better than Irina''s opponent who could shoot out projectiles, Clark only needed to keep his distance, creating a zone around him that could neutralize his opponent had he stepped inside it.


    And because of that, he won that match easily.


    As soon as the referee announced it, Clark''s fiery eyes glanced at Irina with the same proud smile on his lips.


    However, Irina silently clicked her tongue in annoyance before showing a smile as she congratulated him for his win.


    "I know it''s not my place to ask but are you that annoyed with him?" Aldrin couldn''t help but ask upon seeing that.


    "Rather than annoyed, I''d say I''m tired of seeing him swoon over me every passing day. I don''t hate him. But you can see that he''s obviously not my type. I already rejected him many times... but he''s still there. I still treat him as my friend, of course." Irina answered before Clark returned.


    Upon hearing that, Aldrin somehow felt a bit of pity for the guy. Being rejected many times but he''s still hoping.


    "I see. You still cared for him as a friend. But won''t it be bad if one day, you find a guy of your type? Just like how he glared at me before, he''ll surely try to pick a fight with him."


    "If that day comes, then I will be the one to put him in place. Honestly, I once considered accepting him but before that happened, I backed out. I feel like I shouldn''t give him false hope. And now that we all awakened as an Energy Refiner, even more so. I don''t want him to become a stupid guy who will try to heroically save me in case we got put in danger."


    "Hmm... I understand your sentiment. Well, we''re going to be a team and being the oldest one, I guess I can give him some advice to pull him back on the right path." Aldrin said before standing up.


    His name was already called by the referee. It''s his turn to take the stage again.


    Although what he just offered was somewhat unnecessary, he couldn''t help it upon hearing that. Besides, it''s a chance to strengthen his connection with the other Energy Refiners. Starting from those in his group, he planned to gradually mix in with these young men and women of Energy Refiner lineages.


    -


    -


    With the intention of the duel being the showcasing of Aldrin''s attainment with his Concept, the following matches after his fight against Frederic gathered disinterest from the spectating instructors.


    Still, most of them evaluated their trainees, formulating new methods to hone their talents and skills in this training camp.


    When the second round began and with Aldrin being the first to step out, their enthusiasm to watch returned.


    Unfortunately, unlike Frederic who had a strong resilience to take hits from Aldrin, his opponent admitted defeat after finding out that he couldn''t catch up with his movements. Besides, Aldrin stopped being too passive, dominating that match as soon as he got the chance.


    "Most of these kids are like us except that guy. In just three days, his Concept was already perfectly attuned to him. No leaks whatsoever." One of them said, still amazed by what he showed.


    "I can understand why Janet picked him. If I''m also in the same organization as that one, I will surely pick him as my trainee." And another female instructor like Janet declared.


    "Haven''t you seen the way he fought? He completely read his opponent and even matched his strength."


    "Now that you mention it¡­ He''ll be someone worth noting for. I bet he''ll do great against the newbies from the other cities. He''s the most promising among this batch from Lonewind City." The female instructor smiled as she thought about the possibilities of Aldrin shocking those from the other cities.


    They''re not the only ones doing the Joint Training Camp. There were two more training camps with new Energy Refiners from the neighboring Secondary Cities.


    Although the organizations were mostly the same, it became a tradition for these instructors to make it some kind of competition on who would come out as the best rookie Energy Refiner.


    After the third round, the Camp Leader put a halt on the duels reasoning that they''d already seen everything. Furthermore, apart from Aldrin who looked like he didn''t even sweat from his three matches, the remaining Energy Refiners who won their third match were already exhausted even if they used an elixir to recover.


    Although they didn''t promise a reward when they announced the duels, the Camp Leader and the other instructors pooled their Credits, sending the eight remaining Energy Refiner to a restaurant inside the Fortress that''s offering dishes cooked using ingredients that they could find inside a Dimensional Rift.


    It''s to encourage the others to do better the next time they assess their current attainment. Hopeful that they''d be more eager to better themselves.


    Tomorrow, the Metadome Lessons will begin.

 Chapter 63 - Small Insect Colonys Hegemons

    While Aldrin was at the training camp, the Terrorhawk Eggs he bought finally arrived at their doorstep.


    "Go on and eat it. We boiled it properly. Your brother told us to let you eat this once at the end of each day. His instructor told him that it''s effective this way." Their mother had a wide smile plastered on her lips as she presented the hard-boiled Terrorhawk Egg to Althea.


    However, one look and Althea was instantly frightened at the egg in front of her.


    "Mom... you know how small my appetite is. This egg, it''s almost half my height!" She scrutinized the tall egg in front of her and wondered if a terrifying monster or just a large bird would hatch if they let it grow.


    "Stop complaining, go and eat that. It''s not your normal egg. It''ll melt easily. Imagine you''re eating a tub of pudding."


    "How did you know?"


    "... Burp."


    "You ate one..." Althea''s face fell listening to that extremely satisfied burp of her mother.


    Now that she heard that, she noticed how her mother''s skin became slightly glossy.


    "This child. Don''t mind the details. Your father and I tried it like your brother instructed. He said it''s also good for our health..."


    "That''s right, Althea. Look! I can do this again!"


    Supporting her mother''s claim, their father suddenly appeared from their kitchen and began doing squats.


    Althea watched all those with her eyebrows raised, wondering if the two in front of her were really their parents or they got swapped by an alien at some point. They seemed lively enough to make the third child they so wished before.


    ''If that''s not it. This egg is truly miraculous. That idiot brother spent money again even after giving me 200,000 Credits...''


    "Okay. I''m going to eat this. But mom, can you still contact him? I want to thank my idiot brother."


    "His phone is out of range. His last message is their arrival near the fortress. The signal is blocked inside that place, he said."


    Upon hearing that, Althea could only drop it as she began breaking the shell of the egg to eat it as instructed.


    She wanted to become an Energy Refiner and her idiot brother is putting his life on the line to earn money for her. The best can do to repay that is to strive and better herself.


    -


    -


    When Aldrin returned to his room after a hearty meal in that restaurant that used all those ingredients that could enhance an Energy Refiner in different aspects, he felt like he converted at least 200 IDLE Points to Dimensional Energy and refined it in his Energy Quintessence.


    ''This is probably the reason why the government is maintaining these Rifts. It''s truly an Energy Refiner''s haven." Aldrin sighed.


    Even herbs growing in that Dimension are valuable enough to use as an ingredient that could also provide Dimensional Energy.


    After spending a few minutes gathering his thoughts as he looked back to everything that happened today, he brought out his phone to check on his gains in Idle Adventure.


    [Four runs completed!]


    [Total IDLE Points earned: 14345]


    [Total IDLE Points spent: 660]


    [Automatic Exit fee: 1369]


    [IDLE Points to be stored: 12976]


    [Evaluations: B+, B+, A, B]


    [Conquest Progress: +5%]


    [IDLE Points: 18789/25000]


    ''18,000 in a day. And that''s only from the five runs of Idle Adventure. Apart from leaving the 100 IDLE Points for the emergency summoning of Dimensional Clone, I emptied it after renewing the Merchants. I will be expecting more than 20,000 IDLE Points this reset...''


    With his income growing bigger and bigger, Aldrin began contemplating on what he should focus on next.


    There were still three hours before midnight so before that happened, he started allocating his IDLE Points. Rather than decide on the spot, Aldrin began using his free time that others were probably using to absorb the everpresent Dimensional Energy to formulate his next steps.


    From the past three days, he used 2,000 IDLE Points to increase the storage by 10,000. He''s actually thankful that, unlike any other feature, that one''s price isn''t growing.


    Upgrading to fifth Dimensional Clone is still far away, it''s 100,000 points, a much bigger amount than his estimate for 100 Small Merchants.


    Before getting it, he''s planning to unlock the next tier of his IDLE Points generator at the Idle Shopping tab.


    "Hopefully, that will be perpetually unlocked rather than requiring me to buy 100 Small Merchants every time. It''s 38,200 Points. I can save the 20,000 today and get it tomorrow but let''s push that for at least until I upgrade the Dimensional Clones'' weapon to Level. It''s for their Skill! That way... I can begin raiding a subsidiary Ant Queen or Broodmother''s lair."


    These past few days, his clones'' hunting ground was already inside the territory of the insects. Apart from a full army or the Ant Champion, they could now survive longer against their swarm.


    Moreover, with his recent manual control, he managed to find out the social structure of the two Hegemons of the Small Insect Colony#111222.


    As for how that was possible... He used his Shadow Clone Concept to infiltrate the heart of each territory. Since he could share the sight with it, the IDLE Database considered it as an extension of his eyes, allowing him to analyze anything caught in its eyes.


    From that, the data he gathered about the two; The Black Spider Colony and the Royal Ant Colony each occupied more than 1/3 of the whole dimension while the rest were the place where other insects tried to survive.


    That''s right, the Dimension isn''t a whole world but just a large plot of land with a boundary of nothingness. He tried letting his Shadow Clone jump out of it and as he expected, it just fell down until it disappeared seconds later as if the Energy existing outside the Dimension was destructive.


    Judging from the ''Conquest'' progress of the Dimension. Aldrin believed that this piece of lower dimension could possibly become his once the counter reached 100%. Whether that meant the extinction of all the insects existing there or not, he had no idea yet.


    But with the additional information about the Fragment Core from the maintained-type Dimensional Rift near him... Aldrin suspected that he might find something like that as well or it was possessed by either the Royal Queen Ant of the Royal Ant Colony or the Regal Broodmother of the Black Spider Colony.


    Or there exists another possibility that they both possessed it.


    Either way, that''s how it is... the heads of those two colonies were named like that.


    The Champions are also not just an individual but they''re not more than the number of his fingers. Furthermore, they''re guarding a part of each territory. And some were near those breeding grounds.


    "Every insect there is a source of IDLE Points. If I killed the Ant Queens and Broodmothers, their population would surely dwindle until the point that I would have no other choice but to face the champions and the stronger types of ants or spiders. However, on the same note, I wouldn''t progress if I remained passive..."


    With that line of thought, Aldrin continued his contemplation as time continued to crawl towards midnight.


    And three hours later, his alarm rang, pulling him out of contemplation. His Idle Adventure chances have been replenished!


    As soon as he renewed the 50 Small Merchants, Aldrin dived inside the Small Insect Colony #111222.

 Chapter 64 - Target: Ant Queen Lair

    [Used 6250 IDLE Points]


    [Tank''s Weapon (R) has leveled up to 5]


    [A Skill''s prerequisite was met (Level 5 Shield)]


    [Unlocked Skill: Blast]


    [Used 5000 IDLE Points]


    [You leveled up Blast]


    [Tank can now use Blast]


    [Used 6250 IDLE Points]


    [Hitter''s Weapon (R) has leveled up to 5]


    [A Skill''s prerequisite was met (Level 5 Long-range Weapon)]


    [Unlocked Skill: Barrage]


    [Used 5000 IDLE Points]


    [You leveled up Barrage]


    [Hitter can now use Barrage]


    Aldrin watched as his more than 23109 IDLE Points were reduced to a mere 609.


    It fell short of the 660 for the multipliers but Aldrin didn''t mind it. Since there''s only a few hundred difference between the estimated income of 50 and 75 Small Merchants, he intentionally chose the lower one. 50 Small Merchants only cost him 1800 IDLE Points converted to Federation Credits compared to 8000 IDLE Points for 75 Small Merchants.


    The difference of 6200 was put to greater use. Just that... he''s out of IDLE Points for Dimensional Energy conversion again!


    "Do I still need to lament it? I better work!" Aldrin first bought the first multipliers before sending out orders to his Dimensional Clones.


    With the lead of Tank, he once again dived into the Royal Ant Colony.


    His target? The nearest subsidiary Ant Queen''s lair that he had already scouted yesterday.


    -


    -


    "Shrieeekk!"


    One Commander Ant out shrieked, carrying his order to the fifty Soldier Ants under his command.


    They all responded with the same shriek as the spears in their hands pointed forward and they began encircling Aldrin''s group of four.


    This type of Royal Ant was supposedly the most intelligent if the Champions and the Royal Ant Queen were put out of the equation.


    Since he got the name of this colony, he began calling the entire race of these ants as Royal Ants while their spider counterparts as Black Spiders.


    Outside each other''s territory, skirmishes still happen between the two but Aldrin would waste a lot of time searching for those battlefields. Moreover, those Champions were already aware of his existence.


    There were two instances that he only read through the records of the automatic idle runs. The Ant Champion Sira hunted the four Dimensional Clones, resulting in their complete slaughter in less than two minutes.


    Fortunately for him, those instances happened when the clones were already on their last stretch so they still took home a few thousand IDLE Points.


    ''I''m still not confident in getting away from it. If not stronger then they''re at least at the same level as our instructors or those officials. Well, this is just my guess after witnessing their prowess back then. I''ll personally look for them when I get strong enough to defeat them.''


    Aldrin swung his sword and beheaded the charging Soldier Ant, picked up its dropped spear and threw it to the next one.


    [IDLE Points +3]


    [IDLE Points +5]


    Brushing away those panels showing his IDLE Point gained, Aldrin jumped back and shouted. "Tank, go and get wild! Make a path!"


    From behind him Tank, who''s now carrying a Copper Shield, charged forward and crashed onto the Royal Ant Soldiers, breaking some of the pointed spears.


    Soon after that, his Copper Shield shone and a blast of light engulfed those in front of it.


    They''re not dead but they''re all blind.


    Tank continued forward, toppling down those blocking his way.


    From behind, Poker supported it with his spear, either sweeping or poking the ants.


    Hitter then used its bow, continuously firing arrows at the ants approaching their side, preventing them from approaching the group.


    And lastly, Aldrin who placed himself at the rear calmly walked through toppled ants stabbing those lying on the ground.


    And every stab, a sound would ring on his head followed by the blue panels showing his IDLE Point gained.


    In this way, no matter how much the Commander Ant shrieked his order, the troops under him were wiped out without giving Aldrin and his clones any difficulty.


    1000.


    2000.


    3000.


    As he continued to tread on the path he drew towards the first lair, his emptied IDLE Point accumulated quickly.


    An hour later, he''s now standing in front of a gaping hole, three Commander Ants and one Giant Head Ant blocking his way inside along with their troops that''s probably more than two hundred in numbers.


    [Ant Queen Lair #5]


    [Type: Restricted Dungeon]


    [Difficulty: Impossible (Normal)]


    Aldrin read the detailed panel. This was also something he found out back then. It''s considered a dungeon. Something pretty common in games he played.


    Furthermore, it also showed him that despite it being originally Impossible for the current him, the panel also took the multiplier he bought into account, showing the real difficulty of the dungeon.


    ''It''s at Normal Difficulty. I will really think twice if it''s still Hard before entering. But with this... I am confident that I can complete this, whatever''s inside... It''s a Dungeon! Besides, if I keep being cautious, I will surely spend a lot of time in this Dimension without accomplishing anything. That''s well and good but...''


    His thoughts trailed as he remembered the conspiracy he stumbled upon. To make sure that he and those close to him could survive whatever''s coming, he had no other choice but to be stronger as fast as possible using the IDLE Database.


    "You might be an insect but aren''t you supposed to be intelligent? Commanders and something with a big head. But all this time, you never laid down an ambush..." Aldrin acted disappointed as he facepalmed. "Wait, why am I talking to you? It must be great bringing someone to talk to here. Even if I''m slowly getting used to fighting... it''s quite lonely to play a single-player game..."


    By talking like that, Aldrin was removing any apprehension he''s feeling as well as clearing his head. The previous fear he had towards these ants had already dwindled to the point that he could calmly face these previously horrifying insects for him.


    In any case, with the trail of dead ants behind them, these ants blocking their way to the dungeon had also started exercising cautiousness.


    And Aldrin used that chance to his advantage.


    He stretched his arm to the side, breaking open the space, revealing a desolate small room.


    Spatial Pocket!


    Following that, using his refined energy, four metallic suitcases flew out from that gap in space and flashily opened.


    Before the ants confused insect heads, Aldrin and the other three Dimensional Clones became covered with Battlesuits!

 Chapter 65 - Dungeon

    [You entered the Ant Queen Lair #5]


    [Mission: Find and neutralize the Ant Queen!]


    [Leaving the Dimension is only possible inside a Rest Area]


    [Rest Areas are hidden across the whole Dungeon]


    [Inside Rest Areas, you can also leave the Dungeon, saving your progress at that point. If you decide to return, you''ll start inside that Rest Area]


    [A minimap has been provided. However, you need to uncover the path and map it yourself]


    [Reward upon completion: 10,000 IDLE Points, Grade 2 Weapon]


    -


    [Ding!]


    [Feature requirement met: Enter a ''Dungeon'']


    [Host has unlocked a new feature: Idle Storage]


    -


    "This is a Dungeon?" Aldrin looked around with definite interest as he took in the interior of the place.


    He''d played a lot of games that involved dungeons and it''s already common sense that there were clear conditions and separate rules inside.


    However, thinking back to the scouting trips his Shadow Clones did... the place he should''ve arrived at was the area beyond the gaping hole, a part of the Small Insect Colony and the Royal Ant Colony.


    Those clones he sent to scout back then failed to trigger this prompt about the Dungeon and they managed to scout ahead, even seeing the Ant Queens and the Broodmothers in the flesh.


    Think about those open-world games where caves served as some kind of instance dungeon but ultimately, they''re still part of the world and could be accessed easily by venturing through its entrance.


    Contrary to that, Aldrin suddenly found himself and his clones in a bigger place than his Shadow Clones scouted.


    Reading further down the notifications he received... a new feature was unlocked.


    Although it didn''t provide an initial explanation, just by its name, he could make a guess.


    "It''s a storage. But by attaching ''Idle'' to it, it''s safe to assume that it featured another Idle Game mechanic. Too bad I can''t access it while I am here."


    Putting that feature to the back of his mind, he began looking around him, inspecting everything his eye caught.


    "This..."


    He found out that the ground they''re standing on was glowing in green, possibly indicating that it''s a safe zone or a Rest Area in this Dungeon''s terms.


    While inside, like a knowledge suddenly implanted to him, he knew that apart from absorbing the everpresent Dimensional Energy in the surrounding, he wouldn''t be able to use any Concept or even the unlocked Skill of Striker; Ripple.


    Behind him, the gaping hole he entered from disappeared, in place of it was just a dead-end but while standing inside this green Rest Area, he only needed to think about leaving and they''d be teleported outside.


    "If I went by the logic of Dungeons from those games I played before and not think about the true existence of this Lower Dimension then... we''re teleported to another place different from the lair my Shadow Clones scouted."


    Aldrin took his time to set in the current reality in front of him.


    A while later, he stepped out of the green circle and his refined energy churned, giving back his ability to use his Concepts as well as Striker''s Skill.


    He looked to his left and right and all he could see was the dark winding path of this Dungeon leading to the interior where the ants could probably be seen.


    The Dungeon possessed an entirely eerie atmosphere that could most likely give a normal guy a chill. Perhaps if he''s here with his real body, he could hear his own breath.


    "The only explanation I can think of about this is... IDLE Database created an entirely new area somewhere in the vast Dimensional Space. But then again, it''s already mysterious enough with all of its features and the fact that no one could see it except me. I better check this place first. No matter what, clearing this dungeon was in line to conquer this Lower Dimension."


    Aldrin then summoned two Shadow Clones and sent them in different directions, scouting ahead, uncovering and mapping the minimap that''s existing at the corner of his eyes.


    With his current progress, two Shadow Clones is his limit. He believed that if he reached late or peak Stage 1, that would increase once more.


    In any case, that''s enough.


    While he paid attention to the Shadow Clones who were escaping any enemies they encountered to continue going as far as their feet could take them, he controlled the three Dimensional Clones behind him and put them into position.


    They''re all wearing Battlesuits so, at the moment, he felt like they''re a group of super soldiers raiding an alien hideout. They looked imposing enough compared to when they''re just covered with leather armors.


    A few minutes later, one of the Shadow Clones disappeared. The last thing he saw from it was the trap it set off. A large boulder crushed it to oblivion.


    "Well then, this way first," Aldrin commanded the Dimensional Clones, taking the path that the Shadow Clone took.


    As he ventured towards it, Tank was always on the lead, watching out for a sudden ambush that the Shadow Clone previously ran away from.


    "Shrieeek!"


    And as he expected, more than ten ants dropped from the ceiling, aiming their spears at the four of them.


    [Level 10 Royal Soldier Ant]


    [Level 15 Elite Royal Soldier Ant]


    "Their levels are boosted this much... Will they give me IDLE Points?"


    As he wondered about that, Hitter immediately moved, pulling the string of its bow and activating its unlocked Skill: Barrage!


    Fwoosh! Fwoosh! Fwoosh!


    While still in midair, Energy Arrows accurately hit the ants'' bodies, breaking their momentum.


    Aldrin then kicked the ground and the sixth piece of armor behind him boosted his jump.


    While the ants he aimed at were still wincing in pain from Hitter''s arrows, Aldrin''s Shadow Blade swept past them.


    Shrieks once again filled this dark corridor as insect juices showered them.


    [IDLE Point +5]


    [Royal Soldier Ant corpse has been sent to Idle Storage]


    [IDLE Point +5]


    [Royal Soldier Ant corpse has been sent to Idle Storage]


    [IDLE Point +5]


    [Royal Soldier Ant corpse has been sent to Idle Storage]


    [IDLE Point +10]


    [Elite Royal Soldier Ant corpse has been sent to Idle Storage]


    Before Aldrin''s eyes, he saw how the ants'' corpses suddenly disappeared as soon as they dropped to the ground. Only their juices that probably served as their blood remained.


    "So that''s the point of Idle Storage?" Aldrin wondered. "But what for?"

 Chapter 66 - Dungeon Boss (1)

    A Dungeon in most games often offers challenges for the Players that if they completed it, they''d receive a reward.


    However, in most cases, Dungeons would eventually become an area to farm rare materials.


    Only those games that were specifically designed to be difficult would a player truly feel the challenge. Otherwise, they''d just breeze through it without any problem and repeat it until their energy got spent.


    And in this Dungeon''s case, it might''ve shocked Aldrin at the start but upon encountering the ''monsters'' lurking in the dungeon, he gradually accustomed himself to it that he eventually didn''t need to make a move anymore or if he did, it''s only to provide support to the three Dimensional Clones.


    "It''s a Normal difficulty... What do I expect? Encounter a Champion here? But I guess, it''s about time to meet the Dungeon Boss." Aldrin muttered as he observed his surroundings checking if there''s treasure chests or the like.


    Alas, that didn''t seem to be included in the system.


    Save from the insect juices, spears and some parts that got severed from the ants, nothing else could be seen. The dark and eerie ant lair returned to its original silence as Aldrin continued on his way.


    Earlier, the Shadow Clone he sent that escaped all the traps it triggered and successfully mapped the other side had long encountered the one barring the only entrance to the next area before it disappeared.


    And from the result of that scouting, that Dungeon Boss isn''t a creature with question marks as its level but it''s above level 20 or Level 21 to be exact.


    It''s a level higher than the Brown Feline that''s supposed to be the weakest inside the Drawyz Domain or the maintained Dimensional Rift.


    After more than a week of possessing the IDLE Database, he had more or less analyzed the level system of the perceived ''monsters'' or ''enemies'' in this ''game''.


    If at first, the gap of one or two levels between each type of ants weren''t that noticeable, that''s slowly being highlighted the higher the level they appeared to be.


    Furthermore, Level 20 appeared to correspond to a certain threshold.


    Take the Brown Feline as an example. After reading a book where it was recorded, that Rift Monster was considered a peak Ordinary Rank.


    Going by that information, Level 21 could be considered as an early Extraordinary Rank.


    As for his current level, although there''s no clear indication, Aldrin could place himself between Normal and Hard difficulty. And at the moment, that''s around level 7 to 10. The 660 IDLE Points-worth of multipliers magnified that to around Level 12 to 15. That''s the reason why he could easily sweep through the Royal Soldier and its Elite Royal Soldier Ants in this dungeon, they''re simple mobs for him at this point.


    Thinking about the Difficulty of the Dungeon that dropped to Normal, placing a Level 21 here was more than the realm of Normal.


    It''s in line with Aldrin''s taste though. Although he wanted to take it easy, it wouldn''t hurt him to challenge a normally impossible task. That''s the joy of gaming. The reason why games would always thrive no matter the era.


    After passing through the giant boulder that crushed his Shadow Clone, Aldrin and his clones passed by more traps that Tank literally tanked the damage for them to arrive before the Dungeon Boss.


    [Level 21 Guardian Ant]


    Looking at the 3-meter-tall winged ant in front of him, apart from its size and its different weapon; a curved sword and a round shield, it''s no different than most Royal Ants he encountered.


    It''s not the Ant Queen.


    That means, there''s another area beyond this Guardian Ant. He also failed to see any room where eggs from the Queen should be stored.


    Furthermore, Aldrin was pleasantly surprised upon noticing that the system about a monster''s ''Detection Range'' is in place for the Guardian Ant.


    Even if they''re already standing in front of it and they''re well within its sight, it remained in its position, blocking their way.


    "This IDLE Database... Now I''m wondering if the ants here were truly existing or they were kidnapped and forced to conform by the system placed in this dungeon." Aldrin believed he''d already thrown out any common sense about the mysterious program. However, seeing every new thing that it could do, more than amazement, a seed of fear was slowly being cultivated in his mind.


    Without approaching its detection range, Aldrin re-summoned two Shadow Clones and ordered them to attack it.


    Before going into a boss fight, it''s quite common to test it first. To learn its attack patterns and skills if there were any he had to look out for.


    And with his Concept, it became convenient for him to send his Shadow Clones without letting any of his Dimensional Clones sacrifice themselves.


    With just a simple command, the Shadow Clones swiftly rushed over and entered the Guardian Ant''s range.


    They''re only wielding spears Aldrin picked up from the vanished ants. Like Dimensional Clones, they''re just moving the same as him, albeit clearly a lot weaker.


    As soon as one of the Shadow Clones aimed its spear at the Guardian Ant, it raised its shield blocking it. And using the recoil, the Guardian Ant flung it away.


    The same fate awaited the other Shadow Clone but compared to the first one, he was kicked away.


    Changing their tactics, they began circling the Guardian Ant. With one of them taking the aggro, the other one sneaked an attack, piercing its spear from behind.


    It''s successful but the damage was close to negligible.


    That''s to be expected anyway.


    Aldrin didn''t send them out to kill something impossible for mere clones.


    "They''ll still last for three more hits. I better get moving." He nodded after a quick check on his clones. Following that, he turned around and brought his Dimensional Clones away.


    He shared the Shadow Clones'' vision anyway. Even if he''s not here watching, his information about the Guardian Ant was slowly accumulating.


    Better use the time standing around to do something more efficient.


    Anyway, what kind of gamer will leave an area uncleared?


    There are the lousy ones that are simply lazy. As long as they finished the dungeon, that''s all that matters.


    Or those speedrunners that are challenging themselves to finish the game in the shortest time possible.


    Aldrin didn''t fall into those two categories. Furthermore, he''s also not like those who want to clear all the objectives and get a 100% clear.


    He''s simply a realist gamer. As long as a chance presented itself and he could finish it without any difficulty, he''d rather do it than leave it behind.


    Ironically, idle games in general are simply designed to be endless. You can do the same thing over and over again, unlocking new content and watching the numbers go up. Unless the idle game was story-based that had a definite ending, the player would soon find themselves on a loop.


    So, most of the idle games he played were left unfinished after exhausting their interesting contents.


    "As if I can apply that to the IDLE Database. This mysterious program was deeper than those games that relied too much on mathematical equations." Aldrin shook his head, clearing his mind of the unnecessary thoughts.


    Stepping into the uncleared passage, Tank, Hitter and Poker instantly moved out and engaged the scattered ants without needing new orders from him.


    Picking off every group of Soldier and Elite Soldier Ants swiftly, his IDLE Points started increasing once again along with the notifications about the ants'' corpses being sent to Idle Storage.


    With that kind of efficiency, it didn''t take long for him to return in front of the Guardian Ant.


    After checking their equipped Battlesuits and finding out that apart from the few dents when some of the ants managed to slip in an attack, he began gearing up to challenge the Guardian Ant.

 Chapter 67 - Dungeon Boss (2)

    Right above the atmosphere of the Planet Dualmoon, a huge structure akin to a stronghold hovered. It''s called the Themis Terminal.


    Despite being called a Terminal, the security enforced in it was at the maximum.


    Spacecrafts coming from different planets or World Zones had to land there for inspection before being allowed to touchdown on the surface of the planet.


    Naturally, being a territory of the Federation, citizens coming from different parts of it could enjoy some preferential treatment while those from the Republic and the Council had to pass various checks.


    Apart from the Space Elevator that could send people down to the surface of the planet, there''s a clear passage on its side that only those authorized could use. It''s connected to one of the two moons of the planet; Yitania.


    In that moon sat a gigantic palace that housed the Planet Dualmoon''s Overseer.


    With the sudden opening of the Dimensional Rifts in numerous Secondary Cities, the normally quiet moon turned bustling with activity, as officials and the likes came in to report confidential intelligence directly to the Overseer.


    At the moment, Tania Kartov, the Planet Dualmoon''s Overseer, was sitting in her own office, sipping a dark red wine while reading the latest reports sent from the surface.


    "Lonewind City. It''s still the only clue. After days of investigation, nothing new has been uncovered. Did I become too lax?" She wondered as she played the audio file sent to her one more time.


    "A man from the Council hired an organization to test something. If they''re testing a new technology that can bypass a Dimensional Disruptor, the Council has more than enough dummy planets to use. This is no more than a deliberate setup targeting the Federation or they''re hired by someone. They''re known to be on the neutral side but in fact, they''re acting as mercenaries for both the Federation and the Republic."


    "The Federation limited the number of those big Energy Refiner Organizations in every planet under them to ease up on regulating it. However, that''s not the case for organizations formed on the planet itself. They''re small and mostly unregulated. I''ve truly become too lax in my management. It''s been a while since an undercurrent like this happened. Is it because of that?"


    She thought back to the news she received from the Central Area of the Federation months ago. The Federation Leader is about to retire from his position. Two inner cliques holding a lot of influence in the Federation have begun butting heads as their representatives vie for the top-most position.


    "Whether this is connected to that or not, I should''ve been informed." Tania then sighed as she turned off the interface and reclined on her chair.


    She was about to massage her temples to ease the headache she was feeling when the screen lit up once more.


    "This is..."


    Tania gripped her hand tight as she read the contents of the newly arrived report. Her blood boiling.


    A Primary City has been destroyed when multiple Instance-type Dimensional Rift opened simultaneously. Only 1% of the population survived.


    Furthermore, the Rift Monsters that had finished destroying the Primary City had scattered. By the moment the report was sent, three nearby Secondary Cities and two Primary Cities were being besieged by them.


    "Are they trying to destroy my Planet?!" She roared at the top of her lungs due to her rage as she hurriedly stood up and left the confines of her palace.


    A few seconds later, an eight-meter-tall Silver Metadome flew down from the moon and entered the Planet Dualmoon''s atmosphere.


    -


    -


    Unaware of the current events transpiring at the other side of the planet, Aldrin watched as his three Dimensional Clones fought against the Guardian Ant.


    Because of its tall height, its speed suffered making it easy for him to kite it.


    Tank served its role, tanking the damage and holding its aggro while Hitter and Poker hit it in its weak spots.


    At the moment, severed arms of the insect littered the place along with its insect juices.


    Furthermore, potholes due to the Guardian Ant''s skill became some sort of obstacle to the clones.


    One wrong step and their gathered momentum would vanish instantly.


    That''s why Aldrin retreated to direct the battle by himself. In place of him, two Shadow Clones aided the three Dimensional Clones as he timely controlled all of them, preventing any fatal damage whenever the Guardian Ant would unleash its other skill, Fatal Shriek.


    "That''s like the cry of that huge caterpillar but worse. It could deafen them as well as slow down their movement speed and agility. Furthermore, the headache it could induce to him even though he''s only controlling a clone was jarring enough to break his concentration.


    If he continued fighting with the three, they''d suffer more damage because of his delayed commands.


    Dimensional Clones might''ve possessed the same strength and set of movements as him but they couldn''t think like him.


    If he''s not manually controlling one of them, they''re moving according to the settings of Idle Adventure. And when he did, either they move according to the same settings or abide by his orders.


    It''s safe to say that they couldn''t totally mimic Aldrin. They''re a cheap copy of him that had their own restrictions.


    In a more challenging scenario like this, actively observing the battlefield was a lot better for him to strategize and minimize the damage.


    Somehow, he started acting according to his Combat Assessment.


    Nonetheless, Aldrin only felt that it was natural. In some of the games he played, he had experienced being a Party Leader or a Guild Leader or there were games specifically for strategizing ways to win.


    And right now, he''s utilizing all of the knowledge he accumulated alongside his current reality.


    "Retreat!" He shouted as soon as the preconceived movement leading to the activation of the skill started.


    All five clones jumped back, the three in Battlesuits utilized its amplifying properties as they jumped as high as they could backward while the two Shadow Clones used Shadow Steps albeit visually inferior if Aldrin activated it himself.


    "SHRIEEK!"


    Fatal Shriek lasts for only three seconds.


    As soon as that ended, the five clones that had just retreated turned around and unleashed their prepared attacks.


    And when Aldrin noticed that the Guardian Ant was already on its last legs, he rejoined the battle by using Shadow Steps and ultimately, Shadow Blade!


    [You defeated the Guardian Ant]


    [IDLE Points +200]


    [You received Guardian Ant Core]


    [Guardian Ant Core has been sent to Idle Storage]


    [Guardian Ant Corpse has been sent to Idle Storage]


    [The next area has opened]

 Chapter 68 - Late Night Visit

    "Guardian Ant Core?"


    Confused because it''s the first time something else dropped from the insects, Aldrin took some time mull over it.


    However, without any access to the Idle Storage at the moment, he soon dropped it for later.


    "I have a rough idea what a ''Core'' is. It''s a common loot drop. Wait, it''s not that common in a game, but generally, most games have them. They''re usually rare materials that could be used to upgrade or craft. Furthermore, from what I read through the books I bought and general information provided by the Association, Rift Monsters also dropped them albeit rarer than in games."


    The Rift Monster Cores was a rare commodity. As for its uses... the official information mentioned that it was akin to an Energy Refiner''s Energy Quintessence. It contained condensed Dimensional Energy mixed with the Rift Monster''s Essence.


    However, only those Extraordinary Rank or above had the chance to drop them.


    The Guardian Ant dropping it proved that Level 21 was equivalent to Extraordinary Rank.


    [You entered the Breeding Area of Ant Queen''s Lair]


    With that prompt appearing in the corner of his eyes after moving to the next area, Aldrin raised his gaze as he scanned the path ahead. There''s only a straight path that would probably lead him to the Ant Queen''s location. No visible ants could be seen on the said path. However, from where he was standing, he could see that there were gaps on the wall that would possibly lead them to other rooms. Moreover, the path was lit up brightly compared to the previous area.


    Aldrin ordered Tank to lead again while the two clones closely followed. As for him, he began assessing their current condition, including himself.


    Although it appeared that they won easily against the Guardian Ant, they didn''t come out unscathed. Their Battlesuits had cracked in parts that they were hit and Aldrin who retreated much earlier wasn''t an exception.


    He thought of using his Shadow Clone to scout ahead again but decided against it after a while.


    His use of Concepts all this time was quite high. He didn''t hold back from using all three Shadow-related Concepts. Even if his real body should be unconscious in the real world, he could somehow feel that his refined energy was close to being depleted. If he summoned Shadow Clones to scout ahead, he''d find himself weakened again after ejecting his consciousness out of this mysterious program later.


    Due to those considerations, his plan changed. From conquering the Dungeon, he''s going to stop for today.


    He also needed some sleep to prepare for tomorrow''s lesson.


    In any case, he already earned more than a 4th of the IDLE Points he spent.


    A few minutes later, after cautiously pushing forward and clearing a room filled with unhatched Ant Eggs, Aldrin reached a Rest Area.


    "Tomorrow, I''ll finish this Dungeon and move to the next... I know I''m being overly cautious about everything but this is a lot better than being reckless."


    After giving the interior of the Breeding Area one last look, he was then prompted to exit the Dungeon. And a few minutes later, after clearing the Ants that spotted them outside the Ant Queen''s Lair, he retired for this run and left the Dimension.


    -


    -


    [IDLE Points: 6139/25000]


    [Idle Storage has been unlocked!]


    As soon as Aldrin''s consciousness returned to his body, the first thing he did was to take an elixir before drinking water.


    When he''s about to check on the new features he unlocked, Aldrin heard a knock on his door.


    After checking the current time, he frowned because... Who the hell will knock on someone''s door at half-past 2 o''clock in the morning?


    People should be sleeping at this moment.


    It''s as if whoever was knocking, he or she specifically picked this current time.


    Aldrin wondered for a possible reason. "Is there an emergency? No... if that''s the case everyone will be roused from sleep, not just me."


    He analyzed the knocks. It''s not hurried nor slow.


    Since the other party wasn''t even stating the reason for knocking at his door, Aldrin wasn''t inclined on opening it.


    But to not postpone checking the new feature any longer, he sighed and went to the door for a quick check. His refined energy was ready to burst out, just in case whoever had the gall to disturb his supposed ''sleep'' wanted to do him harm.


    However, even before opening the door, the familiar voice of his red-headed Instructor filled his ears.


    "Finally. What took you so long? Get out of the way and let me in." The Tyrant Princess pushed the door open as she squeezed inside.


    ''Huh? What the hell is this?!''


    That''s the first thought that entered his mind as he watched the woman make her way inside his room and nonchalantly sit down on his bed with her legs crossed.


    Aldrin immediately followed her and threw the important question. "Excuse me, elder sister. You can''t just barge in my room in the middle of the night.


    Janet just gave him a blank look before shrugging her shoulders.


    "Aren''t you the least bit happy? A woman like me visiting your room?"


    Aldrin was appalled. "No. Not one bit when I don''t even know what entered your mind to knock on my door and come in without even saying the purpose of your visit."


    "Hmm? Oh! I was wrong. I should''ve worn my thin negligee. That way, you''ll get what I was aiming for even without saying a word." Janet flashed an enticing smile as she slightly slid the sleeves of her shirt, showing him the flawless white skin of her shoulder.


    However, Aldrin was unfazed by it. Janet was purposely acting mischievous and she''s bad at it.


    Despite being a beautiful woman, Janet was as stiff as a metal rod. She seemed to be great at teasing somebody else but her real experience about things she teased about was close to nonexistent.


    "I see. If that''s the case..."


    Since she resorted to this just to tease him without mentioning her real aim for coming to his room, Aldrin decided to play along and break her act.


    Although he had the least contact with women after failing his college entrance exam, Aldrin was no longer a virgin. Furthermore, it''s not like he''s going to go through with it. The other party was clearly acting to tease him so... he''s just going to retaliate in kind.


    Back during his assessment to the Association, he only modestly retorted to her but that didn''t mean he could be teased by her continuously.


    He stepped forward and arrived in front of Janet.


    Before the woman could respond to him, he had already grabbed her shoulders and pushed her down on the bed.


    And only then did she get a grasp of the situation.


    "W-wha?! Y-you! What are you doing?!" Janet almost stuttered as


    Surprised at what he did, Janet''s refined energy immediately surged out.


    Aldrin expected that so before it hit him, he already retreated away from her.


    "Elder sister, I thought that''s what you''re aiming for. Am I wrong?" He returned a mischievous smile and that immediately made the woman''s eyebrow twitch in annoyance.


    "Alright! Don''t move one step from there. I''m not here for that, happy?" Janet clicked her tongue and fixed her shirt. "Renissa would be sad if I told her about this."


    And she threw another dirt assuming Aldrin would bend over again.


    "In the first place, you''re the one who barged in my room in the middle of the night saying those enticing words. You expected that I would act like an inexperienced guy, right? Too bad, your little brother isn''t impotent. And truthfully, your acting sucked... If you''re going to tease someone, be prepared to be teased back"


    Aldrin preached as he shook his head, acting disappointed at Janet.


    Naturally, that''s all his act on his part. He still respected the woman who loves teasing the newbies. He just didn''t want to be at her mercy again.


    After staring at him with narrowed eyes and conflicting emotions, Janet eventually sighed in defeat. "Remind me not to tease you again."


    "Alright. My purpose... Let''s see. I''m going to give you information in advance."


    "Wait, isn''t that cheating?"


    "What''s there to cheat? Everyone can do that. You''re my special trainee. I''ll make you the one reigning at the top of every rookie." Janet said.


    Actually, despite his stellar performance after only three days in the camp, Janet believed that it''s not enough to clear the condition her uncle gave her to go back to her previous post.


    And that''s why she''s here to ensure that he''d continue to dominate the camp by paying more attention to him.


    ''Let''s see if that old man would still bully me after showing him the result of my trainee..'' She victoriously smiled and Aldrin who was seeing that at the side wondered whether Janet lost her sanity or not.

 Chapter 69 - Idle Storage

    After supplying him with information about the upcoming lessons; what to expect in the following days as well as a professional tip on operating a Metadome, the flustered Janet left his room in a slight panic. She clearly got quite a fright when Aldrin suddenly pushed her down as he attempted to play along with her teasing.


    Aldrin watched her retreating back with an amused expression. In his guess, that elder sister of his, despite being a great teaser, was inexperienced at that department.


    Either way, he brushed it off as he locked his door once again.


    He''s not a horny teenager anymore. There''s a time and place for that as well as the right circumstances. Besides, even though he had just recently accepted his attraction to Renissa, their romantic plight had to be bottled up due to separation. He''s not even clear if the girl felt the same for him and he hadn''t confessed to her yet. All they had was that ''boy''friend-''girl''friend thing.


    In any case, that''s not his focus at the moment. Moreover, the camp had a signal jammer. For them to focus on their training, communication outside was prohibited. It would be a month before they heard from each other again.


    "Let''s see. She also prepared this..." Aldrin picked up the storage device she left behind on his bed and checked its contents by plugging it through his phone.


    Spending at least ten minutes reading its contents, Aldrin got a clear view of what awaits them at the end of the camp.


    "There are two other Secondary City training camps that will be competing with us during the third and fourth week. Their strongest rookies are even listed in detail here. A young man who hailed from a Primary City and got sent there to test his mettle as well as a talented female Energy Refiner from the most famous Refiner Lineage in their Secondary City. Janet even noted that she''s approaching Renissa''s talent. Furthermore, both of them are already middle Stage 1 Energy Refiner and the young man is already approaching the late Stage 1."


    Aldrin rearranged the information he got before noting their specialties. He didn''t truly plan to be competitive. However, upon knowing that there were already amazing rookies like that, it wouldn''t be weird for him to also show some bits of talent. He had something to lean on, after all. His spherical Energy Quintessence.


    Furthermore, he''s not the only ''lucky'' Awakened Energy Refiner that showed great talent. There''s Renissa as the living example.


    In a way, what he''d shown so far wasn''t that exceptional. As long as he didn''t show some questionable feats like his Concepts or his quick advancements, he''d be fine to show off a bit.


    He''s also beginning to doubt that only Janet tried that stunt. Most likely, those two or more of them were already aware of him.


    "Since she went out of her way to provide me numerous benefits, what''s wrong with making her proud while I''m here? That''s the least I could do to repay her."


    Having decided that, his enthusiasm to better himself pumped up. But at the same time, he also reinforced his mind to make sure that he wouldn''t make a mistake.


    Outside the Dimensions provided by the IDLE Database, Aldrin Fallwater could only use Shadow Steps.


    And if need be, he''d also not hesitate to convert IDLE Points to Federation Credits to buy Shadow Clone or Shadow Blade''s physical Concept Book.


    After tucking away the storage device, he finally got the chance to check the mysterious program.


    Rereading the two notable notifications about his current IDLE Points and the new feature that got unlocked, he nodded once more as the same excitement filled him.


    "A new icon." He muttered as his eyes were immediately attracted to the new square icon next to the shopping cart icon of Idle Shopping.


    "Strange, it''s called Idle Storage but the icon isn''t even related to storage. Not a safebox nor a treasure chest."


    The icon depicted a furnace with blazing flames in a red background.


    After tapping it once, a prompt suddenly showed up in front of him.


    [Do you want to enter Idle Storage?]


    [Note: The Storage is located in a small dimension connected to the IDLE Database. The same as Idle Adventure, you can send your consciousness inside where a separate Dimensional Body in your own make can be possessed to manage the Storage manually. Otherwise, you''ll be presented with a simplified interface and limited features.]


    [Idle Storage allows you to store anything that contains Dimensional Energy except living things. However, only those connected to the IDLE Database can be stored.]


    [By connected to IDLE Database, it means anything you can acquire using one of its features, such as Idle Adventure and Summon Dimensional Clone Skill]


    [Host is advised to send your consciousness inside during the first time accessing the Idle Storage]


    After reading through that series of notifications, Aldrin naturally followed its advice.


    First, he laid down on his bed comfortably before preparing himself mentally. And a few seconds after that, he tapped ''Yes''.


    As soon as he did that, Aldrin lost consciousness.


    Without knowing how long he was unconscious, the next thing that registered in his eyes was the mountain of human-sized ant corpses piled up in front of him.


    Before he could even feel all of his five senses, a rectangular panel appeared in front of him much like what he''s seeing after using manual control in Idle Adventure.


    [Welcome to Idle Storage host!]


    [What do you want to do?]


    Below that question, three choices were presented to him.


    -Inspect Storage


    -Manage Resources


    -Leave Idle Storage


    "Let''s see. Inspect Storage."


    Aldrin blurted that out instead of tapping on its rectangle.


    Fortunately for him, the system in place accepted it.


    As soon as those choices were cleared, he found himself staring in front of the mountain of corpses again. On top of his vision, two virtual counters could be seen.


    [Storage Capacity: 20%]


    [Essence Storage: 0/100]


    "A new currency!" Aldrin immediately exclaimed upon seeing that second line.


    All this time, all he had was IDLE Points. But now.... in this Idle Storage, a new currency presented itself.

 Chapter 70 - Essence Furnace

    Finding out a new currency and with a name that somehow eludes him to what was its purpose, Aldrin hurriedly tried to prompt its tooltip.


    "It''s not working. The explanation for it isn''t here."


    Aldrin then looked around only to find that he could walk around this small dimension.


    "So, this is what it means to ''Inspect Storage''. I can freely check the whole place. But what''s the point in this?"


    Having gotten his answer, Aldrin began exploring the Small Dimension that the IDLE Database provided for Idle Storage.


    Apart from the mountain of ant corpses, the first thing he noticed was that he was under a roof.


    Unlike the Small Ant Colony wherein there''s an edge one could fall off in all directions, this storage or rather, this warehouse was bordered by four tall walls without any exit in sight.


    Furthermore, because he could see the underside of the roof which was around 10 meters from the ground, the place was just a plain warehouse at this point.


    He went around the corpses and they''re the same ones he killed in the Dungeon and outside of it before leaving the Dimension.


    It thoroughly amazed him that the Idle Storage could transfer all of those as soon as he killed them.


    And on another note, he also found it convenient. He wouldn''t be leaving any trail of bodies that the insects could use to track him.


    Satisfied with that information, he continued his tour and eventually reached the empty spaces or the remaining 80% of the storage. Then right in the middle was a large furnace with a violet fire seemingly perpetually burning inside it.


    Since the body he''s using isn''t his, Aldrin couldn''t feel the heat it was emitting but the moment he stepped within five meters of it, a warning popped up in front of him.


    [Warning! Please step away from the Essence Furnace. Your current body is bound to melt from it]


    "Essence Furnace..." Upon reading that, Aldrin stopped his exploration and ended his ''inspection''.


    Following that, he picked the second option ''Manage Resources''.


    As soon as he did that, a chair mechanically popped out in front of him followed by a holographic mainframe.


    As soon as the screen loaded, Aldrin was faced with an interface seemingly similar to the multi-tab interface of Idle Shopping and Idle Adventure.


    However, compared to those two, there were no locked tabs. All five tabs were already unlocked and accessible.


    Resources


    Essence Furnace


    Craft


    Upgrades


    Units


    The first tab ''Resources'' was self-explanatory, it showed the current contents stored in Idle Storage.


    [1x Level 21 Guardian Ant Corpse]


    [87x Level 15 Elite Royal Soldier Ant Corpse]


    [271x Level 10 Royal Soldier Ant Corpse]


    [5x Level 9 Commander Ant Corpse]


    [10x Level 7 Elite Soldier Ant Corpse]


    [110x Level 5 Soldier Ant Corpse]


    [1x Guardian Ant Core]


    "That''s close to 500 corpses. No wonder it became a mountain. However, that only amounted to 20% of total storage. I could fit more than 2500 corpses here, huh?"


    After speeding through the corpses, his eyes then got fixed to the lone core.


    He tapped into it and its description popped up.


    [Guardian Ant Core: The Core of a Dimensional Creature. You can melt it in the furnace to get five times the Essence of its corpse or use it at the Units tab to gain the ability to summon a Guardian Ant using Essences]


    Upon reading that, Aldrin''s expression didn''t change. After seeing the interior and the contents of this Idle Storage, most specifically the Essence Furnace, he arrived at a conclusion about what Idle Storage was meant to be.


    It''s a type of idle game that deals with managing limited resources.


    However, only at first would the resources be limited. The player needed to click something to produce some and use it to upgrade something. That was the most tedious part of most resource-management idle games. When the ''automation'' upgrade was brought up and activated, the resource would become unlimited as long as the automation was working.


    Thinking about the Automatic Renewal, that''s already a form of ''Automation''. He hadn''t started the 2nd run for Idle Adventure yet but he''d expect that more corpses would be piled up in this space.


    Moving on, by transforming those resources to another form of resource, in this case, the ''Essence'', he could then use it for other specialized use.


    That''s where the 2nd tab would come in. The Essence Furnace.


    His first thought that it''s another form of currency like IDLE Points was probably wrong. However, not entirely, Essence could probably only be used in Idle Storage, unlike IDLE Points that could be used anywhere in any feature produced by the IDLE Database.


    Summoning the Guardian Ant was one thing but the prerequisite was the Core. That means, even if he couldn''t get a core, Essence has other uses. And that''s where the third and fourth tab would come in.


    "There''s no time to waste, let''s start playing this game." Aldrin picked the second tab and inspect the features in it as well as its current statistics


    [Production: 0 Essence/hour]


    [Essence Furnace: ON]


    [Worker Bots: 0]


    [Essence Storage: 0/100]


    [Furnace Booster: OFF]


    "I see so I still have to hire Worker Bots that will toss those corpses to the furnace."


    Aldrin tapped the Worker Bots and an Idle Shopping interface popped up in front of him with the list of Worker Bots he could purchase.


    [Worker Bot


    Durability: 1000


    Cost: 100 IDLE Points]


    [Worker Bot EX


    Durability: 5000


    Cost: 400 IDLE Points]


    [Giga Worker Bot


    Durability: 50000


    Cost: 3500 IDLE Points]


    "Let''s see. Durability will surely wear off because of the heat. By buying those with higher durability, they will last longer. However, there''s no indication whether they all have the same efficiency. Let''s buy the cheapest first."


    [Purchased 5x Worker Bots for 500 IDLE Points]


    As soon as Aldrin tapped the ''Buy'' button, a hole in space suddenly appeared next to the mountain of corpses that spewed out the five Worker Bots. The bots didn''t look like a humanoid at all. They''re wheeled robots with clamp hands.


    Without waiting for his order, the Worker Bots mechanically whirled as they grabbed one Soldier Ant corpse each before moving to the Essence Furnace.


    As soon as they reached within five meters of it, they all threw the corpses, accurately shooting them inside the furnace.


    When the corpses began to burn, Aldrin noticed the change in Essence Furnace Tab


    [Production: 25 Essence/hour]


    [Essence Furnace: ON]


    [Worker Bots: 5]


    [Essence Storage: 0/100]


    [Furnace Booster: OFF]


    "Only 25 per hour. Is it too low? Wait... I think I somehow get it."


    Aldrin watched the Worker Bots make a round trip as they threw another set of Soldier Ant corpses inside the Furnace.


    "If I''m not wrong... the production should increase this time."


    And as he expected, 25 became 50.


    "Soldier Ant is only Level 5. So, the Essence that could be squeezed from it depends on the level... One last thing to check is the efficiency."


    Aldrin focused once more at the Worker Bots, throwing the third set of Soldier Ant corpses.


    [Production: 60 Essence/hour]


    "That''s it! The efficiency is pretty low. 1 per minute. However, there are 1440 minutes in a day. At most, it can produce 1440 Essence as long as the Worker Bots worked nonstop... And that''s where the Furnace Booster will come in. To increase the efficiency. Even without checking it, it will surely need IDLE Points to activate."


    After uttering the last word, Aldrin already moved his finger and tapped it. He gulped down imaginary saliva and prepared himself.


    [Furnace Booster]


    [2x Efficiency]


    [Duration: 1 hour]


    [Cost: 100 IDLE Points]


    [4x Efficiency]


    [Duration: 1 hour]


    [Cost: 300 IDLE Points]


    [8x Efficiency]


    [Duration: 1 hour]


    [Cost: 500 IDLE Points]

 Chapter 71 - Units

    [Essence Storage: 2/100]


    Two minutes later, its storage had begun to be filled. Aldrin only checked the Booster and didn''t purchase any of it yet. He had to see first what else the Idle Storage could bring him in terms of benefits.


    Idle Adventure allowed him to take the first step to become an Energy Refiner.


    Idle Shopping provided him with an easy way to procure anything that he would need as an Energy Refiner except those that were possibly locally available.


    Thinking about that trend, he''s expecting great things that would come up from utilizing the Essence.


    While the Worker Bots were still tossing the corpses of ants inside the furnace, Aldrin checked the Craft and Upgrades tabs.


    At the ''Craft'' tab, Aldrin found two available craftable items; Essence Grenade and Allcure Elixir. They both cost 100 Essence to craft.


    Just reading their name, Aldrin easily understood their uses.


    "Offensive and recovery items. They''re supporting items when it comes to games but if I use it openly, it will surely garner attention. I have to try their effectiveness first..." Aldrin evaluated the two before moving on to the Upgrades tab.


    As he expected, the first one on the list is the Essence Storage Expansion and below it, the Idle Storage Expansion.


    "It costs 100 Essences to expand the Essence Storage, huh? Since it''s equivalent to its current capacity, it''s safe to assume that it might retain that nature. I will have to fill the Essence Storage to expand its capacity. As for the expansion of this Idle Storage... it''s a whopping 10,000 Essences. It''s too far away from 100 Essences. Apart from the two, there are no other available upgrades yet. Most likely the other upgrades and craftables are the ones I need to unlock."


    Although he had the urge to sigh and rant after expecting a little higher for those two tabs, Aldrin brushed it off and continued to the ''Units'' tab.


    He already read the description of the Guardian Ant Core earlier so his expectation was already met.


    As soon as he tapped that tab, a prompt popped up again asking him if he wanted to use the Guardian Ant Core.


    Without further ado, he tapped ''Yes'' and a notification about the Guardian Ant Core being consumed appeared before him.


    After clearing the interface, he finally had the chance to see what''s needed to summon a ''Unit''.


    [Guardian Ant


    Monster Level: 21


    Race: Royal Ant (Colony-based Insect)


    Required Essence: 1100


    Summonable Unit: 1/1


    Core Experience: 0/10000]


    [Note: Units can be summoned in any Dimension scanned and calibrated by IDLE Database as well as Host''s current Dimensional Plane.]


    [Note 2: Summoned unit can move by itself and will obey Host orders. However, they cannot live indefinitely as the Essence making up their bodies will slowly wither away.]


    [Note 3: Each Unit will be supported by the Monster''s Core and will accumulate experience each time you use them. However, every Core will accumulate experience separately.]


    [Note 4: Gather and use similar Cores to summon more units.]


    "Another one that I cannot use yet because of low Essence. However, everything about it is just fantastic! It has the growth attribute and what''s more, its initial level corresponds to its level when I killed it. This is a great piece for conquering the Small Insect Colony... It can also be a trump card like my summonable Dimensional Clones."


    With the excitement building up inside him brought about by this new feature of IDLE Database, Aldrin left the Idle Storage for a while to start the 2nd run of Idle Adventure and turned on the Automatic Renewal before going back in.


    He could already use the simplified interface without sending his consciousness inside but still chose to dive back in.


    "Rather than watching the numbers go up, I''d rather watch the bots doing their job."


    That''s his excuse.


    And while he''s there, Aldrin decided to spend 500 IDLE Points for one hour of 8x efficiency of the Essence Furnace raising its productivity to 480 Essence/hour.


    An hour later, Aldrin successfully expanded the Essence Storage twice by spending 300 Essences.


    His guess was right, after all. Next expansion, he needed 300 Points to expand it to 400. Although he found the increment of only 100 each expansion, he believed that it would improve in the future just like how the prices from the other features were incrementing.


    After waiting for a few minutes to accumulate 200 Essences once the booster expired, Aldrin crafted one Essence Grenade and one Allcure Elixir for testing purposes, leaving the Essence Storage empty.


    While putting on a satisfied smile, Aldrin keenly watched more corpses being transferred inside the warehouse from out of nowhere before leaving the small dimension of Idle Storage. His Dimensional Clones have begun their hunt.


    "I have five hours to sleep without worrying that the Essence Storage will be filled, halting its progress."


    That''s one of the reasons why he emptied it, he just didn''t want to burden his mind from thinking about the Essence Storage.


    Five hours later, Aldrin woke up like an alarm clock as he accessed the simplified interface of the Idle Storage.


    [Storage Capacity: 35%]


    [Essence Storage: 300/300]


    Aldrin immediately went to upgrade the Essence Storage before tucking his phone away and reminding himself to check it again 6 hours and 40 minutes later.


    Following the trainees going out of their rooms to go to the cafeteria for their breakfast, Aldrin instantly spotted his group occupying a table.


    As always, Clark was sticking next to Irina while Frederic and Caroline were across them.


    As soon as the girl spotted him, Irina cheerfully waved at him and squeezed to the middle of the dining bench to give him a space to sit on.


    Upon seeing that, Aldrin couldn''t help but shake his head.


    He knew that she was just being friendly to him but the guy next to her was taking that the wrong way.


    Aldrin told Irina yesterday that he''d talk to Clark but he got no chance to do so because of their sitting arrangement. He planned to do it today during the Metadome Lessons but it seemed that his jealousy had once again intensified.


    "May I ask? You''re all from an Energy Refiner Lineage, have you all been taught to operate a Metadome?" Aldrin opened a discussion while eating.


    He noticed the quietness and it''s also a way to divert Clark''s attention from being jealous of him because of Irina.


    Moreover, he''s also curious if he''s the only one who had zero experience with it. Although he read some books and bits of information available in the dimnet as well as Janet''s tips last night, he''s a literal newbie about it.


    "Yes, I''m taught to operate one. However, according to my father, the operating scheme is different for an ordinary soldier and an Energy Refiner." Irina was the first to answer, seemingly enthusiastic over the topic.


    "That''s right. I am also taught to operate one like a normal soldier but it''s a lot different when you''re an Energy Refiner. They have this thing called Neural Quintessence Link or NQL." Frederic continued.


    "Uhm... It''s practically a module added to a Metadome for Energy Refiners to link their brain and Energy Quintessence in it. Instead of operating it like any mechanical vehicle, Energy Refiners can operate it like our own body. The NQL is copying the signals sent by our brain." Caroline explained.


    "Being a commoner, you''re definitely a newbie when it comes to it. Do you want us to give you pointers?" Lastly, Clark brought back his condescending attitude towards Aldrin.


    In any case, Aldrin only smiled at that as he knew where he''s coming from, "Sure, I''ll be counting on you."

 Chapter 72 - Metadome Lesson

    For the Metadome Lessons, Aldrin and the rest of their group were brought away by Janet.


    With ten instructors having trainees under them, they divided the huge open space where they gathered before by activating some kind of mechanism to create dividing walls.


    At the moment, they''re at what they called the Block J or just the 10th makeshift training grounds for their group that was bordered by those seemingly durable-looking walls. In front of them was Janet and behind her were two five-meter-tall, white-painted Training Metadomes.


    A Training Metadome was just a cheaply-made product based on the Standard Model. It''s a disposable Metadome that was specifically used for this kind of purpose.


    Even so, an NQL module was installed in it for the Energy Refiners to practice on.


    Compared to the Metadomes of their escorts to this fortress, the Training Metadome could be said as bare bones of it.


    It has a humanoid shape and limbs that were well proportioned.


    Since Aldrin got two different sources of information about Metadomes or three if he included what Clark haughtily preached which he called ''pointers'', he''s already quite familiar with these metallic husks that doubled up as a very strategic weapon against a wave of Rift Monsters.


    "Listen up! Today, we''re going to start your Metadome Lessons." Janet started as she loudly tapped the leg of the Training Metadome behind her. "I''m aware that all of you except Aldrin have been taught by your family on how to operate this thing like any normal soldiers do."


    Irina and the other three instantly nodded. Frederic then patted Aldrin''s shoulder by giving an encouraging thumbs-up as if saying he got his back. Likewise, Irina and Caroline looked at him with a twinkle in their eyes that clearly said ''You don''t need to worry, you have us to guide you.''.


    And naturally, Clark was the exemption, "You remembered the pointers we told you earlier, right? Don''t disappoint us."


    "Clark! We''re a team here. Do you have to be that condescending?"


    "What? I''m only reminding him. He''s the strongest Energy Refiner and that''s a fact I will not refute. But fights against Rift Monsters are often done with the aid of Metadomes. No matter how strong he became, if he cannot be half as great as us at operating it, he will definitely become a liability for us."


    With Clark''s answer, Irina couldn''t rebut it. It''s true after all. Instead, she clicked her tongue as she annoyedly glared at him.


    Upon seeing that, Aldrin couldn''t help but shake his head as he thought something that he could probably say to Clark as a piece of advice, ''That''s not a great way to impress a woman, you know? That''s probably one of the reasons Irina cannot find herself liking you as more than a friend.''


    Since he became the center of their topic, Aldrin stepped out and wryly smiled. "Ah. Don''t worry about me. If I cannot learn it today, we have a whole week for Metadome Lessons. Ain''t that right, elder sister¡ª"


    "That''s Instructor for you! That''s right, it''s a week and we''re going to assess you again before sending you inside the Rift." Janet cut off Aldrin from blurting out what she asked him to call her as. Still, she answered his inquiry right after.


    "Uh. I understand, Instructor. Hear that? A week. I''ll do my best to catch up with your experience. Besides, I have all of you to rely on. If not then, you can all make me the vanguard or scout." Aldrin scratched his head before saying all that to his groupmates.


    Although what he said was kind of weak, they still nodded their heads, with Irina becoming more enthusiastic. The fire in her eyes burned ever so brightly.


    She watched him dominate the dueling grounds yesterday. Even if Clark said all that, if Aldrin could display the same prowess while operating a Metadome then he''d be their greatest asset. Furthermore, Irina had high hopes with his Support-type Assessment.


    After all, her father was the same. According to him, Support-types were mostly tacticians if not escape specialists. They might be somewhat unimportant if alone. However, in a group, they can save everyone in a seemingly hopeless situation because of how they can read the situation and judge it effectively.


    With the little scuffle of words out of the way, the lesson began.


    Janet personally operated one of the two Training Metadome while they took turns in trying to catch her as she ran around the whole Block J.


    With the four of them failing to do so despite their ''experience'' in operating a Metadome, Aldrin''s turn soon arrived.


    "Have you reviewed everything?"


    From the Training Metadome''s cockpit, Janet asked Aldrin who''s about to climb the kneeling Training Metadome that was last used by Clark.


    The guy came out exhausted even though the manual controls of the Metadome only consisted of buttons they had to push and a few steering rods.


    Alright. It''s more complicated than just driving a car. But in hindsight, as long as one knows what the button or the commands are for, it could run as smoothly as a human''s body.


    "I did. But if they can''t catch you, what more a total newbie like me? Isn''t this bullying, Instructor?"


    "Oh. Are you scared now? I think you''re going to do your best?"


    "I do. But compared to an old hand like y¡ª"


    "Who are you calling old?"


    "I mean, veterans like our young and beautiful Instructor, then it''ll be a miracle if I don''t trip at all."


    Emphasizing the ''young and beautiful'', Aldrin saw how Janet proudly smiled and nodded at it. She''s having a kick from it.


    ''There''s no doubt. She''s out for my blood after last night. It''s subtle but without giving me leniency as a total newbie, that''s what I can feel.'' Aldrin sighed inwardly as he seated himself inside the cockpit of the Training Metadome and started its engine.


    Putting his hands on the control deck of a Metadome, he recalled what he read and everything he gathered from watching his four groupmates.


    A few seconds later, a screen lit up in front of him, giving a clear view of what''s in front of the Metadome.


    Following that, Janet''s face appeared at the upper right corner of the screen as the communication between the two Metadomes was established.


    With his hands ready to operate the machine, Aldrin''s refined Energy traveled from his Energy Quintessence to his brain, clearing up any unnecessary thoughts and slightly increasing his focus and brain activity.


    It''s a normal procedure. Soldiers are also taking up some kind of medicine to boost their brain activity to increase their focus and synaptic reflexes.


    ''According to Janet''s tip last night. Mastering manual control is also an important milestone to be an expert when it comes to Metadomes. Because if something went wrong with the NQL, one switched to manual control while that Energy Refiner-specific technology rebooted and identified the problem. That''s why every instructor will start with this.'' Aldrin thought as he watched Janet''s lips arching into a wide grin. ''I doubt she showed this to the other four.''


    Whether that tip was common knowledge or not, Aldrin had no idea. His groupmates seemed to be more excited for the NQL, after all.


    But since it''s given by Janet that declared how she wanted to make him the most outstanding trainee, Aldrin decided to trust her on this one.


    As the engine of the Metadome whirled indicating that it''s already heated enough, Aldrin began to chase Janet.


    Ten minutes later, Aldrin opened the cockpit, falling face-first from it as his whole body ached from exhaustion.


    ''I salute all the soldiers who can manually control a Metadome!'' He shouted in his heart.

 Chapter 73 - Gears Turning

    The first day of Metadome lessons ended with no one from the five trainees catching Janet.


    Despite holing up in the Association''s Building for years, her skills in manual control of Metadome were still considered top-notch. No matter what the five trainees under her did, she could slink away flawlessly by skillfully maneuvering the Metadome.


    Clark even called her out that she''s cheating. Due to that, the Tyrant Princess gave him a taste of how it''s like to fight her using a Metadome. In less than five seconds, the Training Metadome along with Clark that was operating it inside flew from one side to another, embedding himself inside the thick wall of the block.


    He''s not injured though. Janet pulled back her punch a split second before hitting him squarely. However, the shock he received was enough for him to rethink the choices in his life.


    "I think I successfully went past the newbie rank in manual control but still no way better than the other four. I tripped countless times. Furthermore, elder sister even gave me more handicaps than the others despite her desire to get back at me for what happened last night."


    Aldrin was back in his quarters, mulling over the result of the lesson.


    It''s not like the other trainees got it better. Although their teaching style might be different, some were stricter than Janet''s.


    Most of them felt dead tired and exhausted for the day and tomorrow, it would be the same tiring sequence of events.


    "Tomorrow Janet said they''ll invite other Energy Refiners that were close to our strength for a spar using the Training Metadomes. And among the tips she specifically shared with me, they will not hold back like her. The saving grace is that... we''ll be allowed to use the NQL while the guest Energy Refiner will use manual control."


    After going over the things he learned today on the path of being a genuine Energy Refiner, Aldrin then shelved it to the back of his mind as he took out his phone to check on IDLE Database.


    -


    -


    Outside the training camp, the one spying and looking out for the whistleblower had just been informed about tomorrow''s lesson. The spy from his organization made sure that he would be one of those guest Energy Refiners.


    He just had to make sure not to be found out that he''s a late Stage 2 Energy Refiner or Instructor from the camp would be able to unmask his identity.


    "This is tedious but tomorrow, I can finally identify that moron who had the gall to record my voice. I still remember his weak energy signature. Even if he progressed a bit, I am confident in singling him out."


    The devilish grin on his lips was further complimented by the fact that he''s hiding in a dark alleyway.


    Although the fortress blocked signals for the dimnet and any sort of communication, every organization had a way to circumvent that.


    As a matter of fact, he was informed to quickly finish his job as their employer did something drastic. Drastic enough to force the Overseer of the planet to make landfall to personally investigate and prevent whatever plan was being hatched.


    Although he''s not clear as to the real purpose of their employer, his organization was hired or rather bought by them to follow each and every order.


    "After killing that moron and erasing the trail back to us, I will finally receive that Concept Book and that elixir to increase the harmonization of my Merged Concept within my Energy Quintessence. It won''t be long for the union of my ''Energy Streams''." He clenched his fist tight. "Joining a gray organization was well worth it and the dumbasses from the Association and the Federation are clueless about our existence."


    The man snickered and after looking from left and right, he disappeared from where he was observing the camp to prepare for tomorrow.


    However, a few seconds later, another figure appeared from where he was standing. "Hmm? Commander Yun''s foresight is truly great. Letting those spies think they''re not detected to catch a bigger fish. The sender of the audio is one of the trainees."


    -


    -


    When midnight arrived, Aldrin prepared himself for another dive. He had upgraded the Essence Storage to 600 capacity and the Idle Storage was sitting at 60% capacity even after continuously melting the corpses.


    The Worker Bots he initially bought only lasted for half a day. Using that as a standard, he switched them to the Worker Bot Ex spending 2000 IDLE Points.


    Because the Essence Storage is still low, apart from purchasing the 8x efficiency booster before he slept earlier and a 2x booster to fill 500 Essence before midnight, he had yet to touch it again.


    After estimating the time that he would spend by doing the manual run, he left it as is before.


    He had already renewed the 50 Small Merchant and he''s still left with more than 17,000 IDLE Points.


    He converted half of it to Dimensional Energy, increasing his progress once more.


    Compared to when he''s still an early Stage 1 Energy Refiner, the energy being refined by his Energy Quintessence would slowly circulate around his Energy Channels or meridians, gradually expanding it to allow smoother flow.


    8500 IDLE Points made him feel that the Energy Channels located at his navel up to half his chest had successfully been expanded. It''s a slow process so he didn''t know how many IDLE Points he needed to convert to complete it.


    But thinking back about the previous threshold, he dreaded the possibility that he needed to multiply 25,000 to 25 again. That''s a hell lot of IDLE Points if that''s the case.


    "It''s probably not that exaggerated, right? Otherwise, how the hell Janet and the other veteran Energy Refiner progress without the aid of IDLE Database?" He shook his head and put on a positive outlook.


    However, with him being a realist, he gulped down and just prepared himself if it''s really 25 times. Consoling himself that soon enough, he''d earn millions of IDLE Points a day.


    That''s too far away from his current state but not impossible so that successfully eased up his mind.


    After making sure that no one would knock on his door again like last night, he laid down on his bed and began the first run of the day.


    This time, he picked Poker''s body to possess. Its main weapon is a spear, however, thinking that he''s not that used to it, he quickly changed it to a pair of sabers like Striker before overlapping it with his sword.


    It''s quite mystifying for Aldrin to see how his Dimensional Clones'' weapons were melding with a real-life weapon but he didn''t mull over it to uncover its secret. That''s the reality in his eyes. It''s not like he needed to continuously look for an answer when he''s aware that it''s next to impossible to uncover it.


    Soon after that, he used 6910 IDLE Points for the multipliers and upgrade one Weapon slot to Level 5, allowing the clone he''s possessing to be able to use the Ripple Skill.


    With the direction of Ant Queen Lair memorized by him, he immediately set out to return inside it and finish what he couldn''t last night.


    "Hopefully, an Ant Queen will be the same as most ant queens I learned from science, not used to moving their bodies and only lingered in one place to continuously lay eggs," Aldrin murmured as he safely followed behind his three Dimensional Clones, making a path towards the Ant Queen Lair.

 Chapter 74 - Back To The Dungeon

    [Level 20 Royal Giant Head Ant]


    Upon entering the Ant Queen Lair, Aldrin did the same thing as before. Let his Dimensional Clones lead the way, while he would only occasionally join in their fight, maximizing their current efficiency.


    This time around, he limited his use of Shadow Clones or any of his Concepts. Furthermore, the slightly damaged Battlesuits were once again worn by his clones.


    Although Battlesuit was marketed as a self-repairing armor for Energy Refiners, it''s not instant. Otherwise, the industry where it belonged would easily crumble due to an immediate lack of customers.


    In time, he needed to buy a new set for his Clones when the Battlesuits got worn out so much that its defensive capabilities became nil.


    "So, it''s a Giant Head Ant. The only difference from the one outside is that its body appeared thicker." Aldrin observed the rows of ants blocking his way.


    From behind, he could see a bigger ant, pulsating as it continued to lay more ant eggs. Worker Ants picked those eggs up and brought them towards another room where they store those eggs until they hatched.


    [Level 10 Ant Queen]


    "And it''s a different Ant Queen than what my Shadow Clones scouted before. This one looked uglier and way bigger." Aldrin was slightly disgusted. "Anyway, it has a low level compared to those Ant Queens. Is it intentionally lowered or...?"


    As he wondered about that, his three Dimensional Clones charged towards the Giant Head Ants.


    Compared to the Guardian Ant that went past the threshold, the Giant Head Ants were seemingly feeble and needlessly big against the three.


    Striker immediately went to the nearest one, unleashing Ripple from one of its sabers that snaked through the grounds, leaving behind cracks.


    That Giant Head Ant''s aground legs quivered violently before exploding into countless pieces.


    As soon as its balance crumbled, Tank charged in and activated Shield Blast to its other aground leg.


    And to keep the other Giant Head Ants from coming to its rescue, Hitter flicked its bowstring, unleashing a barrage of arrows.


    Obviously, the Giant Head Ant who lost its legs used its other leg to save himself from tumbling down. Furthermore, it found the chance to counterattack when Tank didn''t retreat immediately.


    With its iconic Giant Head, its mandibles created clamping sounds as it aimed to bite off the Dimensional Clone''s head.


    BONK!


    Unfortunately, Tank just jumped and used its hammer to hit its head.


    On the corner of Aldrin''s eyesight, the notification about the Giant Head Ant being stunned appeared.


    "These three could now be considered veterans. However, it''s still not enough to topple down a ''Champion''." Aldrin commented as he also entered the range of the seemingly programmed Royal Ants.


    They''re like the Guardian Ant from before. They would only react at a certain range.


    Counting eight of the same Giant Head Ants with menacing mandibles, Aldrin still felt that it''s too low for a ''2nd and final area'' of a Dungeon.


    "If I''m not wrong then, there''s another stronger ant that will appear once these eight Giant Head Ants are defeated... That or the Queen isn''t as weak as it seemed to be."


    With those Giant Heads blocking his way, he could only see the tireless queen and Worker Ants busying themselves to the eggs.


    "There''s no other way around. I have to finish this and just be vigilant of what''s going to happen next."


    After saying that, two Shadow Clones appeared and ran alongside him. He passed two of the cheapest swords in the Idle Shopping to the two as they split up to deal with different Giant Head Ants.


    Regrettably, compared to the Dimensional Clones, Shadow Clones produced from his Concept cannot equip a Battlesuit, making them a lot weaker than the former.


    Even so, with those Clones able to partially use his other Concepts with ''Shadow'' prefix, their combat ability was slightly compensated.


    Holding his sword tightly, he jumped from where he was. With his Battlesuit a tier higher than the ones worn by his Dimensional Clone, its bonus attributes and amplification were higher. Furthermore, he had the sixth piece which allowed him to hover longer in the air.


    Aiming directly to the big head of the ant, his refined energy seemingly gathered to the saber in his left hand to form the Shadow Blade Concept while the sparkling energy particles gathered on his sword for the activation of Ripple Skill.


    SLASH!


    Like a passing deadly breeze, Shadow Blade and Ripple beheaded the Giant Head Ant he targeted before continuing to cut through its body, preventing it from flailing around.


    By the time his feet created a loud thud from landing to the ground, the corpse was already transferred to the Idle Storage.


    "Huh? One hit? I only tried if it was enough... With the multipliers in place, I am already stronger than a peak Ordinary Rank Rift Monster or even an early Stage 2 Energy Refiner."


    Aldrin waved his sword and saber, removing the insect juices from it.


    From behind him, Striker and Tank finally took down the first Giant Head Ant. They then split up to help the two clones that were doing their best to avoid the ant''s large mandibles.


    Ah. No. One of them had already lost one arm, it got bitten off easily.


    With one arm off, its balance tilted to one side, making its move clunky. It kept on using Shadow Steps but like him, its uses aren''t unlimited.


    Fortunately for it, Tank arrived at its rescue, hammer and shield ready to bash the Giant Head Ant.


    As for Hitter, it kept on shooting its bow and finally took the attention of the remaining four Giant Head Ants.


    Aldrin immediately ordered it to retreat just outside their range as he targeted the four.


    "This is only the first of the seven lairs. And there''s still the spider''s side. Even though it sounds impossible, I want to at least come close to conquering this Dimension before the conclusion of Metadome Lessons."


    He had a guess that once he got sent inside the maintained Dimensional Rift, IDLE Database would either disable Idle Adventure or pause his conquest of the Small Insect Colony.


    He''s steadily earning IDLE Points and he could clearly feel the result of the converted Dimensional Energy. In his estimate, if not an increase in level then he was at least halfway of it.


    "Oi big heads! Over here!" Aldrin shouted, taking the attention of the confused Giant Head Ants. Even though Hitter was still in front of them, just outside their supposed ''Detection Range'', the four treated it as invisible.


    After taking their attention, his Battlesuit whirled mechanically as steam ejected from it. Following that, he jumped back.


    A few seconds later, something appeared in his hand.


    The Essence Grenade!


    "Let''s see how strong this is! Fire in the hole!" After seeing the four Giant Heads all homing to him and judging that he''s far enough from them, he hurled the 100 Essences-worth grenade.


    Whooosh!


    As he watched it gradually drop and right in the middle of the four, he reflexively covered his eyes.


    HISSSS!


    BOOM!


    After a hissing sound as if a firework had just been lit, a deafening explosion ensued followed by a bright flash of light that engulfed the whole Ant Queen Lair.


    By the time Aldrin opened his eyes, a crater replaced the ground where the Essence Grenade landed.


    Although the four Giant Head Ants were still alive, they got blasted in four different directions, half their bodies either scorched black or destroyed.

 Chapter 75 - Survival Challenge

    "It''s strong enough to critically damage a peak Ordinary Rank at least. But because there''s a delay like any other grenade, it will be hard to use it against another Energy Refiner." Aldrin evaluated the Essence Grenade.


    Following that, he and Hitter walked towards the four Giant Head Ants, giving them the final blow turning them into IDLE Points and corpses to be melted at the Essence Furnace.


    After sending Hitter to help the clones to finish the remaining two enemies, he then stood vigilant for any incoming surprises that''s waiting for him.


    When a minute passed and nothing out of the sort happened, he passed by his clones to approach the Ant Queen that''s laying an egg.


    However, when he reached around 5 meters before it, a new set of notifications flashed in his eyes.


    [You located the Ant Queen!]


    [Ant Queen used its ability ''A Queen''s Woe'']


    [The whole lair has been alerted.]


    [Survive the wave of Royal Ants coming to the rescue of their Ant Queen for 30 minutes to finish the dungeon]


    [Death means failure and as a penalty, 2 Idle Adventure runs will be deducted and the Dungeon will reset, raising the level of the monsters by 1.]


    Upon reading that, Aldrin''s face relaxed slightly despite the deafening shriek of the Ant Queen blasting his ears.


    "I see. So, it turned to survival instead of meeting a Boss-type Ant stronger than the ''Guardian Ant''.  Time to finish this dungeon then."


    He looked behind him and the three Dimensional Clones were about to rejoin him while the two Shadow Clones had already disappeared.


    A few seconds later, the Ant Queen and the Worker Ants suddenly stopped as rumbling sounds echoed across the whole Ant Queen Lair.


    Before Aldrin''s eyes, he saw how the ground seemingly expanded, widening the gap between him and the weak-looking Ant Queen.


    Then from around him, eight passages that were nonexistent earlier lit up followed by the marching sounds of ants coming out from the said passage.


    As those ants stepped into the faint light illuminating the place, Aldrin found a horde of Worker and Soldier Ants, holding different types of weapons.


    They''re all shrieking at him as if shouting ''You dare touch the queen!''.


    He tried accessing their details but it seems the Dungeon restricted him from doing that.


    This way, he had no idea how strong the ants before him that were continuously filling the widened space of the Ant Queen Lair.


    "If they can also give me IDLE Points then great. But I doubt this will be the same as before. Either way, I have no other choice but to fight..."


    From above, a countdown timer also appeared and seeing how much time the Dungeon gave him to prepare, he instantly accessed the Equipment and Skills tab and changed Hitter''s weapon to a pair of a shield and a hammer.


    "We''re surrounded, relying on a long-range attack is not viable here. Having two tanks or three attackers is more efficient."


    Aldrin analyzed his options and came up with that kind of conclusion.


    He had to survive for thirty minutes and at the moment, he''s counted at least 500 of those ants surrounding them and there''s more clogging the passage.


    "They''re probably unlimited and will instantly disappear after 30 minutes passes in this Survival Challenge... Then I got an idea to safely pass this." He smirked as he readied himself as well as his three Dimensional Clones.


    [0:05]


    [0:04]


    [0:03]


    [0:02]


    [0:01]


    RING!!!


    Accompanied by a loud ringing sound akin to an annoying alarm clock, the shrieking Royal Ants of different types charged towards his position.


    Positioning themselves to face four different directions, Aldrin simultaneously gave the command to the Dimensional Clones.


    Ripple!


    Shield Blast!


    Aldrin and Striker brandished their weapons, unleashing the Ripple skill,  decimating the first two rows of ants they''re facing. Likewise, the Bronze Shields of Hitter and Tank shined brilliantly as they blasted the charging Royal Ants in a cone shape.


    "As I expected, no IDLE Point gains and they''re not being transferred to Idle Storage... Such a waste." He lamented before his face returned to seriousness.


    The first wave was decimated, however, that''s just the start.


    Even if the dust hadn''t settled yet, the next wave charged forward, trampling the dead bodies of their fellow ants.


    With his hands gripping tightly on his weapons'' hilt, Aldrin began his survival or massacre. Whatever the scene could be called.


    -


    -


    Back in the Lonewind City, Commander Yun was gazing at the two bright moons through his office windows. Behind him, his subordinate was reporting the findings of one of his men sent to follow the man arranged by the spy of a gray organization called Three Vipers Gang.


    "Reporting to the Commander! The information relayed to me is as follows..." Without raising his head, the subordinate reported word by word and without omitting any details.


    As soon as he finished he stood up and saluted, waiting for Commander Yun''s next order.


    "A trainee. It''s also the same conclusion that the investigation by the Mayor and the Federation''s Agents came up with. I don''t know if finding that whistleblower is still important when a Primary City and more Secondary Cities have already been destroyed on the other side of this planet. The Overseer even made landfall to investigate it herself. Days from now, new information about the culprits will most likely turn up." Commander Yun said, his hand on his chin as he contemplated the available information.


    At first, they thought it was just the Dimensional Disruptor''s low chance of being unable to block the opening of a Dimensional Rift. Then the audio was sent to the Mayor''s Office. The Overseer then informed the mayor that the same occurrences happened in other Secondary Cities.


    And after a week of investigation, without any other lead turning up, the culprits targeted a Primary City.


    "Compared to a Secondary City like this one, a Primary City is way bigger. But even it cannot withstand the sudden appearance of eight Dimensional Rifts. Their tests are successful. Is that why they decided to enact their plan? No... There''s something more hidden from this. I better ask someone for more information. I stayed in this Secondary City and planet by that man''s orders but I cannot just stand idly if this planet is coming close to the path of destruction."


    When he reached this point in his thoughts, Commander Yun then turned around to address his waiting subordinate, "Follow that one spy and locate the whistleblower. Even if his importance seemingly dropped after the recent events, what he did was still exemplary. The best we can do is protect him from harm."


    After saying that, he left his office with a clear destination in mind.


    Minutes later, he reappeared in front of the Refiner''s Association and was guided to the top floor at a moment''s notice.


    "Qi Yun. You looked serious. What seems to be the problem?" Matias looked at the newcomer, one of his eyebrows raised slightly.


    "Old man, what is the Refiner''s Association''s stance over these recent attacks on the planet?" Commander Yun didn''t beat around the bush and directly confronted the old man of the Association.


    However, despite his serious expression, Matias calmly answered. "Hmm... Isn''t it the same as usual? Neutral."


    "Bullshit! With the number of gray organizations out there still existing even in this corner planet, I''d say the Association is slacking off."


    "Contain your anger, young lad. I get where you''re coming from. However, with limited personnel, the Association''s hands are tied, at least that''s the case on this planet. Most of the Energy Refiners of your caliber are all being recruited by the titan-class organizations. Overseer Tania made her move, why not wait for news in the meantime?"


    "What if Rift opened in here again? And worst, it''s the same multiple Rifts? What now?"


    "Like I said, calm down. If that happens, we''re definitely hopeless against it. If we panic at this time then you''ll certainly see the whole planet in chaos. Isn''t that why they contained the news of the destruction of the Primary City to the masses? Whoever is responsible for this, I assure you that the Association will not turn a blind eye to that." Matias flicked his fingers and a screen appeared in front of them.


    Inside the screen, a scene of chaos and destruction flashed through and in the middle of it, a single Silver Metadome could be seen trampling on numerous Rift Monsters. And at a distance, a few black-cloaked Energy Refiners seemingly give orders to the horde to either slow down the Silver Metadome or attack the city before them.


    "Huh? What''s that mean? Can they control the Rift Monsters?!" Commander Yun blurted out a question after seeing that eerie scene.

 Chapter 76 - A Second

    The same as the Silver Metadome shown by Matias to Commander Yun, Aldrin who was still enduring the waves of giant ants trampled on them with slight ease.


    Along with his Dimensional Clones, he appeared to be dancing as he nimbly dodged and decimated the endless ants coming to drown him with their numbers.


    If someone had a camera drone observing and recording the situation from the ceiling of the Ant Queen Lair, it would be even worse than the Iron Bull Stampede Aldrin witnessed on the way to the fortress.


    Initially, Aldrin found it overwhelming when the number of the charging ants exceeded the number of ants he and his three Dimensional Clones could kill with every passing second.


    Their attack variety was simply limited with basic attacks and one Skill. The rest was supplemented by his combat sense that his Dimensional Clones also adapted.


    He had three usable Concepts excluding the Spatial Pocket. However, among them, only Shadow Blade could be considered an offensive ability. Furthermore, it''s just a blade made of shadow. It is sharp and can cut through the ants, however, it has one glaring weakness; Shadow itself.


    Pretty obvious, right? Once it passed through numerous bodies wherein light couldn''t reach, it visibly weakened. That''s why after cutting through a few ants, its cutting power would be rendered useless and it would vanish shortly. Not everything hit by it would instantly die. Those at the back or were hit by the dull and brittle Shadow Blade would only be pushed back or injured at best.


    In short, it''s not a totally effective Concept against a horde of enemies. The Ripple Skill from the Idle Adventure was proven more effective.


    Furthermore, he had to watch over his limited refined energy. He could feel the limit but given the current situation, he could lose himself to the heat of the battle.


    "It''s certain that a Metadome can amplify that Concept, however, it will surely have the same weakness. Its sharp edge will eventually dull. But thinking about it, the ''shadow'' property substituted for the strength one will need to cut through anything using a sharp weapon."


    Aldrin contemplated his weaknesses even under the siege of endless human-sized ants.


    If he used the Concept without letting it form through his equipped weapon, its sharpness will not be the same. Nonetheless, without exerting strength in his arm, it could cut through an enemy, saving him some stamina.


    That''s the plus of his Shadow Blade. And with the harmonization with the other two ''shadow'' Concepts, the conceptualization was faster and had a wider range.


    "Anyway, since my Dimensional Clones can use it, there''s probably a way to bring it out to the real world and be used by me. I just had to unlock that kind of feature."


    With his thoughts taking another turn, he eventually shook his head as he readjusted his focus.


    [5:08]


    Looking up at the remaining time, Aldrin almost sighed in relief but reigned it in as he deflected a flying spear aimed directly at his head. Following that, he picked it up and threw it forward, creating a sudden free space as ants got impaled one by one until the spear got embedded in the lair''s wall.


    "No. I can''t be complacent yet. I''ve passed the most dangerous moment when arrows and spears suddenly rained down on us but this is far from over."


    Aldrin then spun once as two deadly arrows passed by his sides and got embedded behind him.


    After 25 minutes in this Survival Challenge, he had long left the middle of the lair. There''s no way to run and he had no choice but to make a stand. So, rather than worrying about being surrounded in all directions, he slowly moved from the middle to a corner of the wall.


    That way, he only had to worry about what''s in front of them.


    "Intentionally putting our backs against the wall can surely be laughed at in a real battlefield, but that is if our strength is only on par with these enemies. This time, however, this is akin to a Survival Mode of any game that has a set time to win. As long as I prolong our lives to that point, we will win." Aldrin declared to himself before sending another mental command to his three Dimensional Clones whose 500 IDLE Points worth of Basic Refiner Battlesuits were already worn off from the holes and cracks in it.


    As they covered up for one another, the pile of ant corpses gained an additional layer.


    Four minutes.


    Three minutes.


    Two minutes.


    When the remaining time reached its last minute, every Royal Ant and their corpses instantly disappeared.


    In their place, three anthropomorphic Royal Ants wearing full-body armor akin to a medieval knight and deadlier weapons replaced them.


    "Champions?!" Aldrin instantly exclaimed upon feeling the pressure of the three ants who had human-like body structures.


    They''re definitely different from the Royal Ants who had only been enlarged. And the one closely similar to the three armored ants in front of him was that Ant Champion that led an army of ants.


    BANG!


    Aldrin had just exclaimed upon noticing them but in the next instant, Hitter who''s standing next to him disappeared. From the spot where it was standing, a clinking chain extended as electricity seemingly sparked from it.


    He glanced back and witnessed his Dimensional Clone vanish into nothingness. Ironically, its head was directly hit by a large ball of steel attached to the chain.


    Hitter died in less than ten seconds of the three Champions'' appearance!


    As soon as that clicked in his mind, Aldrin issued retreat orders to both Tank and Striker.


    However, he was one step too late. Two weapons were thrown by the other Champions hitting both Striker and Tank.


    "What the... How can they be so fa¡ª" Aldrin hadn''t finished his words as his refined energy whirled into his existence as he manically activated a Concept.


    Shadow Steps!


    His body disappeared from where he was standing and reappeared from the shadows a few meters away from the three.


    Striker and Tank were still alive but the former had one of its sabers and arms broken or rather cut clean while the latter had its shield and its stomach penetrated by the javelin, the remaining piece of Basic Refiner Battlesuit broken.


    It''s already hopeless for the two at that point, By giving them the simple command to stall for time and survive the remaining 40 seconds, Aldrin disappeared from his where he was once more.


    BOOM!


    The ground where he had just been standing exploded, the deadly ball and chain landed on it.


    "Now, this is truly survival. There''s no way for me to kill these three..." Aldrin laughed despite the sudden spike in difficulty.


    SHRIEEK!


    With the usual shriek that he had already used to, the ball and chain Ant Champions zoomed towards his position, still intent on ending him.


    However, given that he had gotten the gist of his current situation, his mind was only geared towards retreating and shaving off the remaining time.


    The same as him, the one-armed Striker and the hole-in-a-stomach Tank jumped and retreated in any direction they wanted just to prevent the other two from killing them.


    At the 15 second mark, Tank got pinned down by the javelin Champion and died tragically.


    At the 10 second mark, Striker lost all of its limbs before the sword Champion beheaded it.


    At the 5 second mark, Aldrin faced the three-pronged attacks by the three Champions.


    "Five seconds!" He shouted as two Shadow Clones appeared in front of him.


    The two blocked the ball and the javelin with their bodies, disappearing the instant they got hit.


    And before Aldrin''s eyes, the sword whistled into the wind as it aimed to behead him.


    "Come on, fly!"


    Utilizing the sixth piece of Battlesuit, Aldrin kicked the ground with all his might as he watched the time go down by the millisecond.


    [0:03]


    [0:02]


    SLASH!


    A second too late, his legs got cleanly cut from the knee, the Dark Warrior Battlesuit seemingly useless from its sharpness.


    [0:01]


    Ignoring the pain of his lost limbs, Aldrin continued funneling his refined energy to the Battlesuit, overloading the sixth piece as he flew up high and into the ceiling of the lair.


    However, two weapons flashed before his eyes. The uselessly big ball and chain and the needlessly pointy javelin!


    "Please make it!"


    Along with his shout, Aldrin''s remaining limbs got crushed and impaled. The sword Champion was about to finish him off but a loud ringing sound echoed across the whole Ant Queen Lair.


    [0:00]


    The countdown reached 0!


    [You have completed the Survival Challenge!]

 Chapter 77 - News From Outside The Fortress

    Following the notification that he passed the Survival Challenge, Aldrin''s body powerlessly dropped from up above as soon as the weapons impaling him up there disappeared.


    His body was racked in agonizing pain coupled with the horrifying sense of his limbs either paralyzed or cut off.


    Before his eyes, the Dungeon or rather the Ant Queen Lair #5 that was generated by the IDLE Database broke like glass. And following it, his vision became filled with various notifications.


    However, with the adrenaline rush subsiding, the subdued pain from his wounds rushed towards his head, resulting in his uncontrollable pained cry and eventually unconsciousness.


    [You completed the Dungeon: Ant Queen Lair #5]


    [You received 10,000 IDLE Points]


    [You received Grade 2 Weapon: Winterthorn]


    [Winterthorn


    Grade: 2


    Specifications: A blade naturally born from a special gigantic flower of the same name that can be found in specific Dimensional Planes. Its sharpness can easily cut through any Ordinary Rank Rift Monsters. Can apply an ice-element negative status to anything cut by it.]


    -


    -


    "¡­ I''m back?"


    With his sense of sight returning, Aldrin found himself staring at his quarter''s ceiling. His eyes immediately went to his limbs and upon seeing everything intact, he sighed in relief.


    "Argh! It hurts!"


    What could be called a phantom pain suddenly assaulted his mind when he remembered his state in the Lower Dimension. While biting his lips, he endured a pain that shouldn''t have been there as beads of sweat drenched his bed.


    A few minutes later, Aldrin sat up and picked up his phone to check how much time had passed as well as what happened to him.


    He recalled that he lost consciousness from the pain¡­ If he was transported back to the actual Ant Queen Lair, he''d be a sitting duck against the ants there and half of his earned IDLE Points would be deducted.


    "Fortunately¡­" Another relieved sigh was released by him as he read the overlapping notification filling his phone''s screen.


    [Ant Queen Lair #5 has been conquered]


    [The actual lair will now be sealed]


    [Small Insect Colony #111222''s Dungeons: 1/14 completed]


    [Do you wish to return?]


    [Time''s up]


    [Ending your current Idle Adventure run]


    [Host''s unclaimed items and equipment will be sent to Idle Storage]


    He did lose his consciousness and the prompt of whether going back to the Small Insect Colony was left unanswered resulting in him abruptly ending his Idle Adventure run.


    Aldrin hurriedly opened the Idle Storage''s simplified interface to check what items and equipment were sent back in it.


    [Whitethorn x1]


    [Dark Warrior Battlesuit (Damaged Set) x1]


    "Only that?" He wondered. However, seconds later, Aldrin remembered his Dimensional Clones'' equipment was either destroyed or beyond repair. His sword as well.


    With his arm crushed limbs, the 500 IDLE Points worth of sword was also destroyed.


    That''s only a Grade 1 Weapon even if it''s a tier higher than the basic Blacksteel Sword.


    But now, he received a Grade 2 Weapon as a reward alongside 10,000 IDLE Points.


    "At least the Battlesuit is still fine. But that damage¡­ How long will it take to be repaired? I remembered my legs or rather Poker''s legs were cleanly cut by that Champion''s sword¡­ It''s probably useless by now except that 6th piece. Good thing I still got the reward. I can buy a new set."


    Aldrin hurriedly skipped past the thought of his legs getting easily severed, the phantom pain might return after all.


    Instead, he focused on his current IDLE Points.


    [IDLE Points: 13298/25000]


    Looking at it brought back to more than half of his current IDLE Points Storage, he contentedly smiled.


    A few moments later, he started the second run, activated Automatic Renewal and went to the Idle Shopping, ordering a new set of Dark Warrior Battlesuit and four sets of Basic Refiner Battlesuits.


    Both were still considered Grade 1 Battlesuit. The cheapest Grade 2 Battlesuit would cost him 10,000 IDLE Points per piece or 50,000 IDLE Points as a whole set of five pieces of armor.


    That''s still out of his current budget. Instead of thinking about that, he expanded IDLE Points Storage to 40000.


    "There''s still a lot of time before the Essence Storage gets filled¡­ I better sleep for now and use the booster later. It''s time to at least utilize its other features such as¡­ the summoning of a Guardian Ant to help me in battle."


    Having decided that, he put down his phone and laid back down.


    -


    -


    When morning arrived, Aldrin used the filled Essence Storage to expand it to 700 before buying the 8x efficiency booster for four hours.


    After taking a quick shower, he left his quarters and met up with his group at the cafeteria. They talked about the lesson yesterday as well as their anticipation for the lesson for today.


    They''re finally going to utilize NQL. And in that area, all of them were newbies which led to Clark being silent throughout their breakfast.


    "Hey, did you hear? Something big happened."


    Aldrin''s group was about to stand up and go to their designated area for today''s lesson when they heard something from the table near them.


    The volume of that voice was loud enough for everyone in the cafeteria to hear as if that trainee did it intentionally resulting in everyone turning their gazes to him.


    "What?" His companion asked, also puzzled.


    "We''re blocked off from the news outside, right? But my cousin who''s in this fortress visited me to relay some news. It seems that our planet is currently being engulfed by chaos."


    Upon hearing that, everyone tensed up. Aldrin, who stumbled upon the conspiracy involving the Stiletto Council''s supposed technology to open up a Dimensional Rift regardless of the Dimensional Disruptor in place, even more so.


    "Tell me more."


    "This¡­ I don''t know what happened exactly but it seems the same thing as what happened in the South District last week also happened in other Secondary Cities and just a few days ago, a Primary City was rumored to be destroyed."


    "What the--?! Shut your mouth, you dumbass! If what you''re saying is true then¡­ that''s confidential intel. If the Instructors heard you¡­!" The trainee promptly stood up from his seat and covered his groupmate''s mouth. Following that, he dragged him out with him along with their group mates.


    However, what he did was already useless when everyone heard their conversation.


    "A Primary City," Caroline muttered, her body trembling slightly from fear.


    "Shh¡­ We heard enough. If it''s really serious, I don''t think we''ll be stuck here in this training camp." Frederic then interjected, contradicting what the guy mentioned about the news being confidential intelligence.


    "That''s true¡­ And even if we know about it, what can we do? We''re just newbies in this industry. We''d be like the soldiers at best. Cannon fodders. But cheer up! Let''s ask our Instructor instead to confirm."


    "Will she even tell us? And what if it''s really confidential intel and we got punished by knowing it?" Clark rebutted Irina''s rather optimistic statement.


    "There''s no hurt to ask. I think we also deserve news about the outside. It''s hard enough to not be able to contact our families, we should at least be allowed to check on them." Aldrin opened his mouth which earned him a few nods from his group.


    ''If that is connected to what I discovered, then I really need to check back home¡­ Also¡­ A Primary City was destroyed? Sunspeak, where Renissa is currently, is also a Primary City..'' Aldrin worriedly muttered in his mind.

 Chapter 78 - Metadome Lesson Day 2

    "What are you staring at me for? Do I have dirt on my face?" Janet raised an eyebrow upon noticing her trainees stuck staring at her without any change in their expressions. "Aldrin?"


    Although their inquiring eyes didn''t truly bother her, she still turned to her adopted ''younger brother'' for clarification while thinking. ''Did they drink a spoilt coffee today? Do they need a bathroom break?''


    Hearing his name being called, Aldrin had no choice but to represent the others in inquiring about the news outside the camp.


    Everyone got curious about what they heard, no doubt. And with the disaster at the Southern District still somewhat fresh in their minds, all of them had the same concerns.


    Furthermore, the same thing was happening to the other Blocks. The trainees either subtly or boldly inquired their instructors about what they heard.


    "We only heard this in a cafeteria, elder sister. I''m hoping you can enlighten us¡­" Aldrin answered and recounted what they heard word-by-word.


    Although he also wanted to inquire about Sunspeak or Renissa, he held back and thought of asking her later when he got the chance. ''If only IDLE Database can connect me to dimnet¡­ But it seems to be running on a unique network solely for it.''


    After finishing, all five of them waited for Janet to give them an answer while also watching the change in her expression.


    That certainly took precedence over their Metadome Lessons for the day.


    "So, do you want confirmation? It''s true." Janet haphazardly replied as if it''s of no importance to her.


    And because of her manner of answering, Aldrin got slightly suspicious whether Janet was playing with them or not. "Elder sister, aren''t you giving us the information easily?"


    "You''re all leering at me as if wild dogs hungry for a rotten bone. What? Do you want me to raise the bar and get you to accomplish something first?"


    "That''s not¡­"


    Janet waved her hand, stopping Aldrin from continuing.


    "Then drop it. It''s true. Something happened outside. A Primary City and a few among the hundreds of Secondary Cities on this planet are destroyed. It''s not Sunspeak, if that''s what you''re wondering. It''s far away from us so don''t believe any exaggeration you heard. What you all need to do is¡­ to become a proper Energy Refiner!"


    "I¡­"


    "Do you have something else to say?"


    "No¡­ I''m good. Let''s start with the lesson, elder sister."


    Aldrin thought of talking about the information he stumbled upon. However, he didn''t know where to start. Moreover, he already did his part in sending the recording.


    The information about the Council''s invented device to ignore Dimensional Disruptor had surely made the rounds with the higher-ups by now.


    That''s why Aldrin closed his mouth and decided to not say anything.


    ''Janet won''t necessarily lie to us. It''s not Sunspeak and it''s far away from here. For sure, the Mayor or even the head of the Refiner''s Association had already reached the point of thinking about the possibility of Rifts to open at any moment. Even if I express my concern, what can I do with my meager strength?''


    Upon reaching that line of thought, Aldrin gave up completely. Instead, his thoughts switched towards checking on the status of those close to him and reminding them to take care and be alert.


    It''s not even a week since the start of the camp, if things progressed faster, he had to do double time with the benefits he''s receiving from IDLE Database as well.


    ''Lowkey, huh? I will probably break the norm of the World of Energy Refiners if I changed my approach. But it''s inevitable¡­ I have just started transforming my life into a better and perhaps more dangerous one so I will not cut it short¡­ I''ll aim to clear the Dungeons in the next week. Besides, I''m itching to get a Metadome and bring it there.''


    "Great. You four? Do you also want to ask something?" Seeing Aldrin turn silent, Janet then turned her attention to the other four behind him.


    "None for now Instructor! You''re right. We have to be a proper Energy Refiner first to worry about things out of our hands." Irina answered followed by affirmation from the other three.


    They have Energy Refiners from their family so upon hearing that the place of the incident was far from them, their minds just returned to their previous gear to complete this training camp.


    They''re simple that way because compared to their older family members, they''re definitely the weakest. Only Aldrin had to bank on himself to protect those he wanted to protect.


    "Hmm¡­ Alright then, let''s move on. Here''s who you''re going to fight¡­"


    With everything back to normal, Janet called the guest Energy Refiner who would be sparring with them using the Training Metadome.


    And like yesterday, they had to do it one by one. But first¡­ Janet briefly explained to them the application of NQL.


    -


    -


    ''I''m finally inside.'' The man who named himself Carlos entered the Lonewind City Training Camp along with nine others who were assigned to be the guest Energy Refiner to spar against the trainees.


    The 10 guest Energy Refiners were all at least middle Stage 2. Anyone lower than that might exhaust themselves early on even though they''re just going to use their refined energy to increase their focus and brain activity for the manual control of a Training Metadome.


    And as someone with another goal inside, he had to make sure to act accordingly, at least until he identified his target.


    He was an Energy Refiner for more than 10 years by now. At first, everything was smooth sailing for him. He joined a big organization that''s always been hired by the government and even owned a lot of assets on the planet that needed Energy Refiners'' hands.


    However, one incident led to him getting stuck in early Stage 2, halting his slightly great record and progress for more than 3 years. He almost lost his mind on what to do with his life as it seemed that the opportunity being given to him started to become less and less.


    In the end, when he''s about to accept that he already reached the peak of what he could attain, an invitation from a supposedly illegal organization reached him, promising benefits that could allow him to progress.


    And 3 years after that, he''s now fully invested in that organization that delivered their promised benefits.


    ''The organization might be doing something illegal as their trade. But that''s just how the world goes. Every day, countless humans either die of old age or by any other unfortunate occurrences one can think of. I will survive to live another day using my own way. If someone will judge me then so be it. I''m just doing my work¡­''


    Carlos clenched his fists as he adjusted his mindset to that of the identity he''s wearing today.


    After being led by one of the staff of the Training Camp, he was assigned to one of the ten blocks which contain an Instructor and the trainees under him or her.


    From inside, Carlos heard the young voices of trainees asking questions to their Instructor. And once the voices died down, he knew that it''s his turn to enter.


    "Come in!"


    Upon hearing the shout from the instructor of the Block he was sent to, Carlos straightened his back and heightened his senses as he stepped forward and went around the wall to arrive in a huge space where two Training Metadomes stood proudly.. His eyes didn''t linger there as they instantly switched to observe the young trainees that he''ll be sparring with as part of their Metadome Lessons.

 Chapter 79 - Neural Quintessence Link

    ''He''s not among these trainees.'' Carlos concluded after observing the five young Energy Refiners who were eagerly waiting for the lesson to start.


    Although he''s confident that he could identify the one hiding behind the ruined wall from back then, there''s no guarantee that he''d meet him easily. He even checked twice but the trainees from Block I were not even close to what he remembered; a weak fluctuation of refined energy that could be compared to someone who had just awakened.


    He did factor in the week that passed but even so, no one in this group of trainees came close to who he''s looking for.


    ''There are nine more blocks... I don''t have the time to wait for that. I''d look for that bastard myself after this and plan how to eliminate him.''


    Having decided that, his mind geared back to play the role of a guest Energy Refiner and began sparring with the trainees.


    -


    -


    Similar to what''s happening in other blocks, while Janet discussed to them how the NQL worked for every Energy Refiner, Irina was already inside one of the Training Metadomes as the first one to try it out.


    The girl even almost tripped herself from the excitement exuding from her body as she ran towards it.


    As for the guest Energy Refiner for their Block, he had long climbed up the other Training Metadome, ready to spar against Irina.


    After listening to the lesson that only took around 20 minutes which told them how they should proceed after using the NQL, Aldrin took his time to analyze the following sparring matches prior to his turn.


    Furthermore, he also took the time to check on IDLE Database to see the current state of his Dimensional Clones as well as the Idle Storage.


    With the 8x efficiency booster activated, a little more than three hours was enough for the Essence Storage to be expanded to 800.


    Since he thought of speeding up his progress, he extended the 8x efficiency booster to three more hours, enough to expand the Storage to 1000. Furthermore, he bought ten more of the cheapest Worker Bots to keep up with the boosted efficiency.


    Despite how automated it looked, seeing the actual process inside the Idle Storage made Aldrin also put into account the Worker Bots'' efficiency in throwing the corpses inside the Essence Furnace.


    It''s common sense that with continuous use of a booster, which in actuality was just melting the corpses faster than normal, the corpses thrown inside wouldn''t be able to keep up with it resulting in a waste of the said booster.


    Moreover, it''s also a way to prevent the storage from being full. It''s still a long way to expand the Idle Storage so managing its contents to make sure that nothing could go to waste was something he had to do from now on.


    In a way, that''s how every idle game with resource management as its theme goes on in its early stages or even up to its end-game contents. To those with a shorter attention span, they''d most likely get tired of it in just a few hours but for those enthusiasts who wanted to consume everything the game has to offer, they''d pour in hours playing it, even creating schedules or setting up alarms just to make sure that nothing would go to waste.


    Two hours later, Aldrin''s turn arrived. Just like yesterday, he chose to become the last one among the five. He familiarized himself with the minute differences on how the other four in his group operate their Metadome compared to manual control yesterday.


    And there''s no doubt, even if it''s their first time using the NQL module, their movements and techniques went up more than a notch. In his observation, it''s like he''s watching them in person rather than the clunky operation yesterday.


    Irina managed to at least hit the guest Energy Refiner when her Concept manifested itself, slowing down her opponent''s reaction speed.


    However, that''s all she could do in the entirety of her turn.


    Frederic, on the other hand, became like a berserker again as he kept on closing in on his opponent, throwing the same punches and kicks from the combat art he trained in.


    However, because of how close he was, the guest Energy Refiner easily turned the tables on him as the same scene during the duel with Aldrin happened. He was sent flying away more times than everyone could count.


    ''That guy can be likened to a punching bag by now.'' Aldrin couldn''t help but comment upon recalling that.


    As for the other two, Clark and Caroline focused on being on the defense rather than doing the same during the duels. They played into their Combat Assessment result. Defense-types.


    Because there''s no other module installed to the Metadome, they could only rely on counterattacks. Caroline deflected the guest Energy Refiner''s attacks using her shield Concept before throwing a punch or a kick, banking on the momentum she gathered from that deflection. Clark, on the other hand, limited his use of Concept because it''s not perfect yet. Only when he''s going to counterattack would it manifest in either of the Training Metadome''s hands.


    With that kind of display by the two, Janet and the guest Energy Refiner commended them.


    "I see. So, this is how it feels to operate a Metadome using the NQL." Aldrin muttered under his breath as soon as he put on the NQL module and activated it.


    When he settled the visor-like equipment on his head, Aldrin felt himself sinking into the darkness, giving him the slightly familiar sense of his consciousness being sent to the Lower Dimension.


    However, that didn''t last long as his vision returned almost instantly. From the corner of his eyes, system messages from the NQL informed him of his successful linking to the Training Module.


    [Booting up the Neural Quintessence Link]


    [Please remain standing and don''t move unnecessarily until the Scan and Calibration are completed]


    [Operator Scanning Complete]


    [Calibrating...]


    [Operator to Metadome movement calibration has been set to 95%]


    [Linking Operator''s Neural Functions and Energy Quintessence...]


    [Neural Functions has been successfully linked]


    [Energy Quintessence has been successfully linked]


    ''95%, huh? That means this Training Metadome cannot mimic my movements completely.'' Aldrin was satisfied with what he got.


    It''s actually not hard to get 100% as most Energy Refiners are perfectionists and... life-and-death hangs on that balance.


    Like Janet explained to them earlier, one can achieve that by fine-tuning the Metadome using an advanced calibration module.


    However, considering that they''re still in the training camp, letting them get used to operating a Metadome with less than 100% calibration could help enhance their judgment and reflexes.


    At the moment, Aldrin''s vision was split between what his Metadome can see and what he can see in front of him. It''s giving him a more realistic sense that he''s one with the Metadome unlike when he just had to stare into a screen during manual control.


    Furthermore, the NQL Module provided him the option to move his body freely or let it rest comfortably as it''s enough for it to only pick up his brain signals that will make the Metadome move according to his wishes.


    There were also certain parameters located in the corner of his vision, indicating the current state of the Training Metadome. Each part was labeled with its name and its current durability.


    Since it was already used by four others before him, all of its parameters were already below 70%.


    There''s no fuel gauge since every Metadome was being manufactured to utilize Dimensional Energy as its fuel. It''s automatically absorbing the ever-present energy. Instead of a Fuel Gauge, there''s the Core Engine''s status. It''s located right below the cockpit.


    It''s to minimize a Metadome''s fatal weakness. The two were the most vital parts of it, after all. If either the cockpit where the Operator was located or the engine that''s making the Metadome run got destroyed then it would be instantly incapacitated.


    Most Rift Monsters didn''t know so Metadomes was highly efficient in fighting them. It''s another story when it''s a battle against another Metadome, Energy Refiner or even normal soldiers wielding weapons that could damage it.


    "Greetings. Tell me if you''re ready. It''s your first time operating using an NQL so take your time to familiarize yourself."


    After a while, the voice of the guest Energy Refiner reached Aldrin''s ears. Like yesterday, they''re in open communication since it''s not only going to be a spar, it''s a practical lesson.


    Instead of Janet, the guest Energy Refiner would point out his shortcomings in this spar.


    "Thank you. I have finished familiarizing myself. We can start." Aldrin responded calmly.


    Following that, the Training Metadome whirled into action.


    With the link in place, he''s aware that the Metadome had already mimicked his combat stance, ready to take on his opponent. From his Energy Quintessence, his refined energy also woke up from its slumber as if a dragon being disturbed from its sleep.. It went through his Energy Channels and poured into the NQL module, ready to be utilized at any moment.

 Chapter 80 - Immersion

    During the first few minutes, Aldrin clunkily controlled the Training Metadome. Compared to yesterday when he manually controlled it, the sudden shift in perspective confused his sense of distance.


    Furthermore, since the Metadome possessed a heavier weight than himself, Aldrin was somewhat overwhelmed with it despite the near 100% calibration.


    As such, he asked for a bit of time to familiarize himself with this new experience.


    He noticed that the NQL had some similarities with how he''s possessing his Dimensional Clones during manual control of Idle Adventure. However, his clones were created with his figure as their mold. There''s no need to adjust himself to it.


    "Don''t rush it. Everyone needed time to adjust. The other four before you did the same. Think of it as your body being gigantified. That''s how you will easily acclimate with it." advised the guest Energy Refiner.


    ''Gigantified, huh?''


    Aldrin followed the advice and thought about how it would feel if he became as big as the Guardian Ant at first. It''s a little smaller than the Training Metadome but has a more fluid movement than a Metadome.


    A few seconds of immersing in that state was enough to adjust his mindset, allowing him to successfully climb up the ladder towards imagining he gigantified and his body became a lump of metal welded together.


    ''Ugh... That''s a rather crude imagination. I better be aware where the joints are.'' Aldrin spat in his mind as he polished that imagination.


    A while later, from the initial clunky movements of the Training Metadome, its steps gradually became steady. He took up a combat stance and did some footwork resulting in the whirring of its engine as well as the whistling of the wind as the bigger mass of Training Metadome fought against wind resistance.


    With the sound of the Metadome''s engine whirring about, Aldrin eventually finished his adjustment.


    Five minutes later, the Training Metadome could be seen doing some kind of footwork that''s eerily human-like.


    Aldrin finally adjusted to his gigantified size, the Metadome was now akin to his real body. And inside the cockpit, he settled down on his seat, allowing the NQL to have the Metadome move according to his thoughts


    After steadying his footwork where at each step the ground would quake slightly, he then started throwing punches and kicks to check how strong the Training Metadome is.


    Swiiish! Swooosh! Swiish!


    The whistling wind gradually churned louder, prompting Janet and the other four spectators to back away slightly, escaping the brunt of strong surging wind that was being parted away by the Metadome''s punches and kicks. Although it''s still far from the speed where he could materialize sonic booms, it''s quick enough to generate small wind blades that are no different from a diluted Concept of the same name.


    "Woah, watch out!"


    Although faint, Aldrin heard Clark''s voice as he warned Irina.


    "How come he can make the Training Metadome move like that on his first try?"


    "He has a high calibration rate and... he successfully immersed himself in the NQL. Right now, Aldrin is treating the Training Metadome as his own body. Didn''t you all try that as well?" Janet answered nonchalantly, a slight smile on her lips as she watched Aldrin achieve that state.


    "I... I failed. I managed to imagine myself being gigantified but my insight into it isn''t that high. I became too wary if I''m moving properly."


    "Unfortunately, I also failed to immerse myself, I brute-forced it."


    Irina and Frederic admitted.


    Caroline only nodded, agreeing that she''s the same as the two while Clark clicked his tongue, thinking that he was once again outclassed by Aldrin.


    "Don''t worry. All of you will be able to achieve the same immersion the more you use the NQL module. There are just simply people who can do stellar things in one try." Janet concluded before telling them to back away further.


    Aldrin caught what they''re talking about but didn''t think much of it. More than that, he''s focused on the laughing guest Energy Refiner who''s also amazed at what he''s showing.


    "Excellent! You exceeded my expectations, Aldrin. I''m glad I signed up to be one of the guest Energy Refiners, I got to witness someone that will surely make a name for himself in the future!"


    He''s truly elated. And that elation provided him more motivation to put Aldrin in his place.


    On the surface, the trainees were told that guest Energy Refiners were just sparring partners that will guide them to experience NQL. But there''s one more side to it... they''re also instructed to stamp out budding Energy Refiners from becoming arrogant after a success.


    They''re only allowed manual control, true. But that doesn''t mean they''re prohibited to channel their refined energy and Concepts.


    Against the first four, he didn''t need to do that since they''re clearly newbies and they could never win against a veteran in that state. But against the trainee in front of him at the moment, as soon as he gauged that Aldrin could take him down, he wouldn''t hesitate to go all out.


    "Thanks for the tips, sir. I''m more than ready. Let''s do this!" Aldrin declared as he stopped his footwork and took up a stance similar to that of a brawler. It''s an offensive stance signaling the guest Energy Refiner that he''s going to make the first move.


    "Great job! Now show me what you''re made of!" The guest Energy Refiner replied in kind, the engine of his Training Metadome whirled into existence and dust particles began to gravitate towards it, making it look like a small hurricane was about to form.


    Around twenty meters from their previous location, Janet and the other four trainees watched in interest as the sparring was finally about to start. They had already experienced it so they''re trying to see how the one dubbed as the ''most outstanding'' trainee of the camp would fare compared to them. Furthermore, they''re definitely interested in what a ''full immersion'' meant for a newbie like them.


    Before everyone''s eyes, Aldrin slightly battered Training Metadome was the first to move from its location.


    He kicked the ground pushing him forward to the other Training Metadome that''s clearly waiting for his attack.


    Before fully reaching his opponent''s range, Aldrin banked the Metadomes feet and threw a punch from there.


    BOOM!


    Although it sounded like an explosion rang out, Aldrin''s punch metal fist didn''t reach his opponent.


    However, before everyone''s eyes, they saw how the opposing Training Metadome instantly ducked and maneuvered sideways before counterattacking.


    "He didn''t take it head-on," Caroline commented


    "Look behind him. It left a dent on the wall." Even if hated to admit it, Clark pointed at the bordering wall where the exploding wind produced by Aldrin''s punch hit.


    Upon looking at that, Irina stared at it in doubt, "Will we really be able to do that as well?"


    "Impossible if you can''t punch that quick," Frederick answered her before returning his focus back at the two white metal giants.


    The guest Energy Refiner tried to counterattack but Aldrin already adjusted himself and dragged one of his feet before kicking, dust screen covering his front.


    By the time the guest Energy Refiner''s fist punched through that screen of dust, Aldrin''s Metadome had long disappeared.


    Shadow Steps!


    In a blink of an eye and without making any obvious sound, his Metadome reappeared behind his enemy or directly under the opposing Training Metadome''s shade.


    "Thank you for giving me this opportunity!" Aldrin said at the same time as his Metadome''s leg kicked onto his opponent''s back.


    Because of the momentum of the punch, the guest Energy Refiner threw, the Training Metadome flew forward before rolling a few times after landing.


    Like he mentioned, Aldrin took the first move and the first clean hit!

 Chapter 81 - Against The Guest Energy Refiner

    Five minutes into the sparring against the guest Energy Refiner, Aldrin immediately found out that his first strike was his first and last connected hit within that duration.


    By utilizing his known Concept early on, he got that clean hit. However, soon after the guest Energy Refiner recovered from being sent rolling away, his refined energy that was eye-catchingly more abundant than Aldrin''s exploded from the Training Metadome.


    After receiving one clean hit, the guest Energy Refiner went all out against him.


    Is that fair?


    Perhaps.


    Absurd as it was, Aldrin had no other choice but to quickly switch into a defensive stance. His attacks weren''t connecting anymore and his speed was surpassed by his opponent.


    Looking back at his accumulated experience in the lower dimension against the human-sized insects, Aldrin found out that he''s nowhere near an expert yet.


    Compared to the real veterans, those insects were nowhere near on par. Most of them were mindlessly attacking him. Even a Commander Ant could only utilize the dumb ants to heed its commands while the insect itself was poor in combat.


    "Wait, sir! Let me take a breath!"


    After dodging once more by using Shadow Steps, Aldrin hurriedly called out to the guest Energy Refiner.


    "Oh? Tired already?"


    Luckily for him, the guest Energy Refiner stopped at once. Had he been even one second late in shouting that, the opposing Training Metadome would''ve successfully impaled him on the ground.


    "Oi, Aldrin! Is that how I trained you? Put some slack on your back!"


    And a distance away from them, Janet''s voice traveled to them, reprimanding Aldrin''s performance.


    "Haha! What to do? Your Instructor doesn''t want you to rest."


    ''Ugh. Is she still mad at me for that night?'' Aldrin couldn''t help but think that.


    "Then¡­ I have no choice. Please go easy on me."


    "That, I cannot do. You achieved full immersion on your first try. I have to make sure you remember the feeling. The feeling of being trampled while in that state." The guest Energy Refiner laughed, the engine of his Training Metadome whirled loudly once more. Ready to launch and sweep the ground Aldrin was standing on.


    Helpless, Aldrin, who only got a few seconds of rest, readied himself.


    He knew that even if he continued using his Concept, he would ultimately fail to outclass the guest Energy Refiner.


    However, that didn''t mean he''d just roll over and lose.


    "Feeling of being trampled? Why do I feel like I''m the only one to get this kind of treatment?"


    "Because that''s true. I do not need to exert my refined energy against the first four. But against you, I won''t win if I don''t utilize it. Enough talking! Here I go!"


    And with that, the guest Energy Refiner resumed his offensive against Aldrin.


    As he couldn''t think of any solution to his disadvantageous situation, Aldrin soon found the Training Metadome''s durability declining at every punch and kick he would receive.


    The sound of grating metals continued to ring out and being under full immersion, Aldrin could literally feel the impact as if he''s being directly hit by it.


    And so, five more minutes passed before he raised the white flag. His battered Training Metadome kneeled down before disconnecting through the NQL.


    While his senses returned back to his own body, Aldrin helplessly concluded. ''Even through Metadomes, the gap in our progress as an Energy Refiner could be clearly felt. I was no match at all. That''s just a Stage 2 Energy Refiner but it felt like he''s already invincible. What more those at the level of Commander Yun?''


    ''Now that I think of it, I also still have no idea about Janet''s real strength. She hadn''t shown it yet. She''s at least a Stage 2 like this guest Energy Refiner, isn''t she?''


    -


    -


    After Aldrin stretched his limbs, he jumped out of the Training Metadome, looking sluggish and battered.


    The guest Energy Refiner also left the Training Metadome, jovially laughing at his plight.


    "Great spar, Aldrin! Too bad, you lost when it comes to the denseness of refined energy."


    Upon hearing that, Aldrin cursed silently, ''And you think that''s fair? Bullshit. But I can''t deny that it''s a great sparring session. I got to know my current limits without the help of IDLE Database.''


    It was one hell of an experience for him. However, if he could compare that to the three Ant Champions that made short work of him, the guest Energy Refiner was significantly less terrifying.


    Anyway, it''s a Metadome lesson. Now that he had the experience to control one, even if it''s just a Training Metadome, he couldn''t wait to get his hands on a real one.


    ''And if I can bring that to the Lower Dimension¡­ Those insects will know the terror of giant robots.''


    Since his free basic Metadome from his contract wouldn''t be awarded yet, he had already checked the prices of a basic Metadome. It would cost him around 15,000 IDLE Points for an assembled one along with two offensive and one defensive module. Although Idle Shopping said that the price starts at 1000 IDLE Points, it only pertained to parts.


    To speed up his conquest of that lower dimension, he''s planning to invest points on it.


    While there''s no problem with its delivery since the Idle Shopping indicated that the Metadome would be sent to a small Dimensional Hangar, most likely created by IDLE Database, he had no idea yet if he could bring it to the lower dimension.


    His weapons and battlesuits were being pulled out from his Spatial Pocket after all.


    ''Forget it. For sure IDLE Database will assist me on it.''


    After Aldrin returned to the group, Janet, along with the guest Energy Refiner for the day, gathered them to evaluate their performance.


    Among the four, Janet gave Irina and Frederic a passing remark.


    On the other hand, Clark and Caroline were given advice to improve their Metadome operating skills.


    As for Aldrin¡­ "You achieved Full Immersion on the first try. That''s a great feat. However, what''s that lame performance? Can''t you do anything else but defend?!"


    Janet intentionally smirked as she delivered a harsh remark. Inwardly though, she''s amazed by what she showed. Unfortunately, the woman decided to keep it to herself.


    "Now, now. I don''t think he showed a poor performance. I¡­ I think I got too heated up."


    The guest Energy Refiner tried to soften up that remark but instead of Janet, Aldrin was the one who got irked by it.


    ''Think? You got fired up almost instantly!''


    Aldrin cursed in his mind but soon dropped it.


    But thinking about it again, he''s thankful to have been given that kind of lesson.


    It''s just the second day so¡­ there are five more days for him to train and improve his Metadome operating skills.

 Chapter 82 - Missed

    With the second day of Metadome Lessons done, Aldrin thought of going back to his quarters right away to return his focus back on IDLE Database.


    The four runs of Idle Adventure would surely be done already and the Essence Storage had already been expanded to 1000.


    However, before he could do so, Irina blocked his way towards his room and hugged his arm as she dragged him towards the cafeteria where the other three were already waiting.


    "You have to join us for dinner this time, Aldrin! Tell us your experience on full immersion! We also want to reach that state!"


    With that as her reasoning coupled with her pleading round eyes, Aldrin eventually gave up resisting her slightly pushy invitation.


    He had no idea if it was intentional, but Irina used her womanly charms outright by pressing his arm between her still developing valley. Although he could pull his arms off of it easily, he would surely come off as cold-hearted.


    ''Just this once.'' He thought.


    It''s not detrimental to him to increase his bond with his group. Moreover, it''s not like he wouldn''t be able to access the IDLE Database. No one could see it apart from him, anyway.


    A while later, with Irina still tightly hugging his arm, they reached the cafeteria that''s currently bustling with activity.


    Even with Irina to guide him towards their table, Aldrin still scanned the room.


    Most tables were occupied with groups of trainees, eating and talking to each other as they shared their experiences on the lesson as well as the news they picked up from their instructors.


    However, Aldrin found a few new faces apart from the trainees.


    ''They''re not our Instructors¡­ then the guest Energy Refiners?''


    It didn''t take long for him to guess their identities. It''s just a process of elimination after all. Furthermore, they all looked older than the young trainees and although faint, he could feel the stronger fluctuation of energy around them.


    He was about to take his eyes off of them but he suddenly felt an eerily familiar sensation making him stop in his steps to take a second look.


    "Aldrin?" Next to him, Irina asked upon noticing his actions.


    She looked up and followed his gaze that was locked somewhere.


    "Who''s that? An acquaintance?" She asked again, confused why he would stop to stare at someone.


    Aldrin heard her question and he answered with a simple shake of his head.


    On one corner of the cafeteria, a man that was probably in his late twenties was by himself, drinking a mug of beer.


    Perhaps noticing that Aldrin''s gaze was locked onto him, the man raised his head to return his gaze, his eyes narrowing into a slit.


    However, before their eyes could meet, Aldrin snapped back and resumed his steps, dragging Irina this time to the table where Frederic, Caroline, and Clark were waiting.


    ''I don''t know who he is but¡­ what''s that familiar and dangerous sensation I felt from him?''


    Inside his chest, he could feel that his heart throbbed nervously as if he encountered a sinister entity that could end his life at any moment.


    "Aldrin! What''s that? I know Irina''s looking at you favorably but I have no idea you''re this close already." Frederic teased upon seeing them approaching, pulling Aldrin''s out of his stupor.


    "What are you saying? Aren''t you the one who told me to drag him here?"


    "Really? Why does it look like you''re the one being dragged by him?"


    "Oi! Aldrin, get away from Irina!"


    With that kind of banter among his groupmates, Aldrin''s mind soon returned to normal.


    He then tried to once again look at that same corner. However, the man sitting there had already disappeared.


    ''Huh? Where did he go?''


    "Shut up, Clark! Are you okay, Aldrin? You looked pale." Irina asked as they sat down on the empty seats.


    Despite that short banter with Frederic and Clark, the girl was also partly confused at Aldrin''s sudden change that she witnessed.


    "Un. No problem here." Seeing how the girl was genuinely worried about him, he soon shook his head and put on a smile to reassure the girl. However, one part of his mind was still wondering who that man was.


    "If there''s no problem, then can you move over there? You''re unnecessarily close to her!" Clark once again howled like a dog who got his bone stolen.


    Clearly, that''s his jealousy. But Aldrin wasn''t even paying attention to him.


    Even if he said there''s no problem, her brows were furrowed as he continued to dig into his mind to recall anyone with the same face as that man.


    In the end, he couldn''t find anyone that matches it.


    But then, that''s when it clicked in his mind¡­ ''Wait. When it comes to Energy Refiners, those who I personally know can be counted on one hand, if I don''t include all the trainees and instructors here. Then that man¡­ The dangerous feeling that I felt from him is from that time¡­''


    He was about to reach the answer when suddenly, the cafeteria server reached their table and dropped their meals on their table, breaking his concentration through the sound and the appetizing smell of food.


    ''¡­ It''s not too late to think about it in my room later. For now, I should at least fill my stomach and quickly finish this socializing event with my groupmates.''


    -


    -


    While Aldrin and his group''s table start to turn rowdy, not just because of the arrival of the food but also Clark''s continued harping for Irina to separate herself from Aldrin, the man from the table was making his way out of the Training Camp.


    "Those two were the last of the trainees. I waited inside that cafeteria to check every trainee''s face and energy fluctuation¡­ None of them seems to match with that newly awakened Energy Refiner who recorded me. Is he not here? Am I wrong with my assumption?"


    Carlos gathered his thoughts, recalling every information he had at the moment.


    However, because it''s unthinkable for him to assume that the weak Energy Refiner could quickly advance to middle Stage 1, even Aldrin''s behavior of stopping in his steps and staring at him before he left the cafeteria was instantly dropped. Other trainees also did the same thing after all. It''s a common reaction for most upon seeing an unfamiliar face.


    Unfortunately, had he stayed a few minutes longer, he would''ve caught Aldrin looking at him one more time that could mount a suspicion in his mind.


    In the end, with Aldrin being interrupted by the food and Carlos leaving too early, none of the two recognized each other.. Yet.

 Chapter 83 - Winterthorn

    The dinner and Aldrin''s experience sharing with his groupmates ended quite well. It''s just him telling them how he achieved it. In hindsight, it''s almost the same as how I would visualize their Concept. It''s all about their imagination.


    Anyway, the dinner should be perfect if not for Clark relentlessly harping for Irina to leave Aldrin''s side.


    But instead of doing that exactly, Irina stuck even closer to Aldrin just to annoy Clark.


    Although he couldn''t really be bothered by it, it''s clearly a case of one side not wanting to give up and the other side already tired of the former''s antics.


    He already offered to help to make Clark understand that his attitude wouldn''t lead to him wooing the girl. That should be enough. But tonight, he got dragged by them again.


    That''s why before he returned to his room, Irina was dragged by him this time to also offer the girl advice.


    "I have to be honest here, Irina. If you really want him to stop, there''s only one solution to it." He started.


    And with a weird glint in her eyes, Irina became filled with anticipation.


    "There is? Tell me, Aldrin. I''ll owe you one!"


    "Get a boyfriend. There''s a limit to using me as a shield, don''t you think so?"


    Upon hearing the solution he came up with, Irina was first dazed before showing a crestfallen expression. "¡­ Right. You''re the one being bothered because of Clark. I''m sorry, Aldrin."


    "Don''t be. As the one oldest among us, I ought to do this. Also, I''ll continue advising him until he gives up or he changes his approach." Aldrin reached for Irina''s golden hair and ruffled it gently, "Cheer up, I''m not saying you should get one as soon as possible. You two are friends and¡­ as long as we stay as a group, I''ll look out for everyone."


    A while later, Aldrin escorted Irina to her room before returning to his.


    Putting the issue of Irina and Clark at the back of his mind, he was surprised when he saw six silver suitcases neatly placed inside his room.


    "I was wondering how the IDLE Database will deliver everything I purchased earlier. To think that it would be like this¡­ No one from the camp or even from the fortress probably detected this. If it''s not the drone from before, then the only possible explanation to this is the mysterious application''s ability to create Dungeons and Dimensional Spaces like this Idle Storage." Aldrin smirked, locked his room and approached the package delivered to him.


    As he observed them, they''re still similar suitcases that were being used as hand-carry equipment boxes for every Energy Refiner who doesn''t have a Spatial Pocket Concept.


    He opened them one by one and found out that everything he bought was inside. The first five silver suitcases were filled with the battlesuit sets while the last one was filled with the basic weapons that cost 100 IDLE Points each.


    From how many mysteries the IDLE Database had shown him, he''s slowly becoming numb to it. Still, he''s still hoping to unearth its mysteries just to satisfy his mindset as a realist.


    For him, everything has an explanation, it''s just a matter of whether he''s privy to it or not.


    After putting them all in his Spatial Pocket, he pulled out his phone.


    Seconds later, the interface of IDLE Database filled his eyes.


    [IDLE Points: 18230/40000]


    Because of his spending earlier; the battlesuits, furnace boosters and Worker Bots, the 10000 IDLE Points that he got as a reward from the dungeon was almost depleted.


    Still, seeing that he''s already earning 20000 a day from just Idle Adventure, it naturally brought a satisfied smile to Aldrin''s lips.


    Despite the fees he''s paying to safely stow away his Dimensional Clones'' earnings, it''s still higher than what the Small Merchants were producing.


    "I want to say it''s about time to unlock the next tier for that but more than twenty thousand IDLE Points are still not enough to reach 100 Small Merchants." He shook his head as he recalled the staggering more than thirty thousand points that were needed for it.


    Since there''s still time before midnight and the reset, Aldrin set that aside first as he accessed the dimension of Idle Storage.


    After a brief darkening of his consciousness, he once again found himself inside it, standing before the mountain of ant corpses and the Worker Bots busily throwing those corpses to the furnace.


    As he scanned them, apart from the Worker Bots Ex that costs him 500 IDLE Points each, the cheaper kind of Worker Bots were soon to reach 0 Durability.


    Most of those Worker Bots looked like they''re already crumpled from the extreme heat of the furnace.


    Upon seeing their state, he immediately bought their replacements.


    Following that, Aldrin walked around the storage area to look for something.


    Moments later, he found what he''s looking for, the damaged battlesuit as well as the sword with an ice-blue blade and white as snow hilt.


    He first picked up the battlesuit and extracted the sixth piece that Janet provided for him. It''s also damaged but not beyond repair. Its metallic cast was blackened from how he pushed it to the limits just to escape the quick sword of the Ant Champion.


    If that sixth piece got destroyed there, Aldrin would be hard-pressed to provide an explanation if Janet noticed that it was missing from his battlesuit.


    "I better not use it again in the meantime before I get a channel to procure a replacement for it."


    After deciding it like that, he also threw it to Spatial Pocket and attached it to one of the Basic Refiner Battlesuits before safely securing the silver suitcase on one corner. Just in case his battlesuits got destroyed again, he had one of them stowed away that could be used when their training moved back to using battlesuits.


    Once the dimensional crack closed, his attention was now taken by the sword.


    Aldrin picked the sword up to check it.


    "This is¡­"


    Although the body he''s possessing should be devoid of the sense of touch, he somehow felt a faint chill creeping along his body or rather, his consciousness that''s possessing the body prepared for him.


    The Grade 2 Weapon: Winterthorn was the reward for the Dungeon that was truly different from his previous weapon or even the pre-arranged weapons for his Dimensional Clones.


    He recalled its description. The chilling sensation he felt was most likely the inherent properties of it.


    "This sword''s description said that this is naturally born from a gigantic flower. There''s no record of it in the books I''ve read. Perhaps, it''s in one of those expensive ones. I guess I have to spare a few thousand IDLE Points for those and expand more of my knowledge. Especially the Grading System of the Weapons and Equipment I could get. Not just the ones I can get from IDLE Database but also what is being offered for every Energy Refiner through proper channels."


    "Anyway, I wonder how this will fare against those Ant Champions'' weapons? Will it also be crushed?"


    After scrutinizing the sword from its tip to its snow-white hilt, he swung it once and saw how it somehow left an icy effect from where it passed through.


    Since he couldn''t really test it inside the Idle Storage, Aldrin soon placed it inside his Spatial Pocket for later use.

 Chapter 84 - Pieced Together

    [Storage Capacity: 48%]


    [Essence Storage: 67/1500]


    Earlier during their dinner, Aldrin had already expanded the Essence Storage using the full 1000 Essences it accumulated.


    And as he had guessed, the increment of 100 every expansion changed to 500. It''s a huge relief on his shoulder and somehow abated the urgency to always check the Essence Storage.


    Furthermore, along with its expansion, new notifications arose, informing him of unlocked upgrades that he could purchase at the ''Essence Upgrade'' tab.


    Being their table turned a bit rowdy from Clark and the questions of his groupmates, he also set aside checking on those unlocked upgrades for this moment.


    That''s another of his purposes for entering the Idle Storage. To check if the upgrades were of any benefit to him.


    Recovering the sixth piece of the battlesuit and the Winterthorn sword could be considered secondary.


    As for his main purpose¡­


    Aldrin recalled the current time and began using his brain to calculate.


    "Three hours before midnight. 720 Essences per hour will result in 2160 Essences and will cost me 1500 IDLE points. Setting aside 1100 Essences for the summoning of the Guardian Ant, I can still make at least 10 Essence Grenades."


    "On average, I can now earn 5000 IDLE Points in one run and there are the 660 IDLE points for the Level 2 multipliers. I will still be able to take away close to 3000 even if I failed to conquer a Dungeon. Mhm¡­ I am still in the green."


    Truthfully, he already did that calculation earlier but he had to confirm it again just in case he miscalculated something. Following that, he saved it in one corner of his mind like a memo.


    Although the variables in it would change as time passed, it''s like his recorded statistics on how much he''d grown ever since acquiring IDLE Database.


    After accounting for everything and finalizing his plan as soon as the reset happened, Aldrin swiftly moved.


    He tested the prowess of Essence Grenade inside the Dungeon and¡­ he''s extremely satisfied with the damage it could deal against the insects. He even thought that if he had those grenades during the survival phase, his chances of surviving with all his limbs intact against those champions would be higher by a few percent.


    And along with that line of thought, he remembered that also possessed the Allcure Elixir. Unfortunately, with how pressed he was at dodging those overpowered insects, he had no chance to pop it in the Dimensional Clones'' mouth.


    Being both products of IDLE Database, Aldrin was more or less assured that the elixir would work on his Dimensional Clones.


    He had suspicions that its effect might be close or even better than the elixirs provided by the Association.


    He''s currently at a Training Camp so there''s no chance to try its effects in real life or the IDLE Database terms, in his current Dimensional Plane.


    After reading those different terms every passing day, Aldrin already had the gist of what''s their equivalent in the World of Energy Refiners'' terms.


    To confirm it, he had to buy a book that costs 5000 IDLE Points that had the title of ''Understanding Dimensions''. It was hinted by the IDLE Database itself when he somehow showed frustrations from being clueless to it.


    At the moment, as the knowledge about it is not as urgent, he''s holding off on buying it. Besides, he could slowly study the topic of Dimension by himself through his observations. It won''t be too late to buy it later.


    "IDLE Database is clearly utilizing the power of Dimensions. Well, that''s the most obvious trait of it considering it could bypass almost anything and continue to operate on my phone. Whoever created it must be some Supreme Being that as someone born as a normal civilian, I had no access to that kind of knowledge."


    After thinking all of that, Aldrin soon sighed in defeat before slapping himself again to turn his focus back on what he set out to do.


    -


    -


    [Confirm converting 10000 IDLE Points to Dimensional Energy?]


    [Choice Acknowledged. Please prepare yourself.]


    As soon as the clock hit midnight and the Small Merchants'' income was credited to him, Aldrin rounded his total points and converted half of it.


    At the moment, he had already taken off his shirt and any article of clothing on his body except his underwear as he sat down on the floor in a lotus sitting position.


    The phone that he put down in front of him that had just been showing the IDLE Database interface glowed brightly, illuminating his room with intense light.


    This already happened for a few days and he hadn''t been caught yet or anyone noticing the unusual bright light in his room.


    Aldrin attributed that to the IDLE Database that was probably preventing anyone from witnessing the conversion of IDLE Points to a mass of Dimensional Energy that naturally gets absorbed in Aldrin''s body even if he''s not doing anything special.


    In less than a second, Aldrin found himself being engulfed by it as the Dimensional Energy settled first into his Energy Quintessence to be converted to refined energy before swimming through his Energy Channels, unclogging and expanding them to allow the easier flow of refined energy in his body.


    If someone was watching him, he would immediately notice Aldrin''s sweat trickling from his body along with some impurities that were in his Energy Channels.


    Although he looked like he''s just sitting there as if he''s just bathing beneath the scorching summer sun, his whole body was actually getting strengthened as his refined energy flowed through his widened Energy Channels.


    Around two minutes later, the light subsided and Aldrin, drenched in sweat as if he had just taken a shower, opened his eyes.


    [Total IDLE Points converted: 54690]


    "That''s another 10,000. I already passed 50,000 converted IDLE Points. Looking at it on my side, my progress is about to leave the other trainees in the dust. But I can''t be too complacent. The expansion of my Energy Channels only reached the part before my neck and limbs. It''s far from perfect yet."


    Aldrin exhaled and picked up the towel he prepared as well as his phone before going to the bathroom to take a shower.


    Once he''s done cleaning himself, he returned to his bed and prepared for the 1st run of Idle Adventure.


    After checking the Winterthorn, the Essence Grenades and the sufficient Essences to summon the Guardian Ant, he closed his eyes.


    He then began recalling the events before their dinner. The man in the corner. The eerie familiarity he felt from him and the dangerous sensation that was enough to make the hairs on his skin stand up.


    "I remember. Apart from the Ant Champions, I only felt extreme terror from a handful of Energy Refiners. For Janet, it''s more of awe rather than terror itself but for that man¡­ it''s enough to bring my mind back to the disaster in the Southern District. That Energy Refiner responsible for opening the Dimensional Rift!"


    Aldrin suddenly opened his eyes as he finally reached the conclusion to what''s bugging him ever since seeing that man.


    "But, is it really him? Why is he here? Is it because of me? Is my identity as the whistleblower exposed?"


    As questions filled his head, Aldrin soon filtered them to reach an answer.


    "¡­ I''m not sure yet but if it''s really him, he''s either here for me or he''s about to repeat the same thing he did at the Southern District. Should I report this to Janet? But what can I say? And what if I''m wrong with my assumption? I need proof! But how?"


    Unfortunately, even after coming up with possible answers, new sets of questions arose.

 Chapter 85 - Summoning A Dimensional Clone

    Being born as a normal civilian on a corner planet of the Federation, Aldrin knew that his knowledge concerning the mysteries and secrets of the world was lacking. Even through the dimnet that should be accessible to the entirety of human territories; be it the Council, the Republic or the Federation, the information accessible for someone like him, who neither came from an Energy Refiner lineage or just a wealthy lineage was strictly regulated.


    He could connect with anyone from the dimnet, play with them online through it though.


    However, after stepping his foot to the World of Energy Refiners, he found out that everything he learned from school or even the tidbits he managed to dig in the dimnet were extremely lacking.


    Even the history of humankind after the migration lost a lot of detail or if not lost, locked up, never to be known again unless one was qualified to know it.


    In fact, even the history of Planet Dualmoon was most likely tailored and embellished for the people to not care too much about things outside of their capabilities.


    Through IDLE Database or rather, the books he could buy, he managed to remove some shade to the things he didn''t really care for before. And after being registered to the Association, more information became accessible for him.


    However, Aldrin''s current predicament this time was the risk of exposing himself as the whistleblower.


    The scope of things he knew compared to those up high and well-informed was extremely narrow. And that resulted in him making those assumptions upon recognizing that man.


    Either he''s a target for disposal or something was about to happen in this fortress.


    "Janet has at least a favorable impression of me. If I tell her that the man responsible for the Southern District disaster is here, I can probably ask her to protect my identity. However, I have no clue if that man recognized me yet."


    "Still, I also cannot erase the possibility that my assumption of his identity is wrong¡­"


    With his mind swirling towards what he should do, Aldrin found himself stuck.


    However, upon recalling what happened at the Southern District, he steeled himself to make a decision. Rather than wait for the worse, he''d prevent it from happening instead even if there''s a chance that he''s wrong.


    "That''s right. I have the means to investigate. The Dimensional Clones!"


    -


    -


    With his mind becoming filled with the sense of urgency because there''s already the chance that the man would open a Dimensional Rift in the middle of the night, Aldrin got up from his bed and left his room.


    Most trainees were already in their rooms but there were still some who were passing their time outside.


    There were also the instructors but they''re staying in another building, adjacent to the trainees'' quarters.


    With the cold breeze of the night brushing past him, Aldrin looked for a place where he could summon a Dimensional Clone without being seen.


    The whole Training Camp was large so it didn''t take long for him to find an obscure place.


    Naturally, he made sure that no one followed him before taking out his phone.


    Soon enough, he accessed the IDLE Database and went to the ''Exclusive Skills'' page which contained two entries at the moment.


    [Exclusive Skills:


    1. Summon Dimensional Clone ¨C requires Shadow Clone Concept + 100 IDLE Points


    - x5 IDLE Points cost increment per additional Dimensional Clones


    - Summonable Units: (2/2)*


    2. Summon Guardian Ant ¨C requires 1100 Essences


    - additional 100 IDLE Points if in Host''s Dimensional Plane


    - Summonable Units: (1/1)]


    "I can only summon two of them. It''s in line with how many Shadow Clones I can conjure using the Concept."


    Aldrin gave it a quick review as he selected the first skill listed.


    He originally set it to be used during emergencies. Considering the current situation, if he''s right with his assumption, it''s not just an emergency but a crisis that would fall into their heads.


    Even at this moment, he''s hoping that he''s wrong. That''s why he wanted to be done with it as soon as possible.


    Before the Training Camp started, Aldrin had already tried using the skill once. Although it cost him 100 IDLE Points, it''s a fair cost for him since it''s a skill he was relying on. Moreover, using that trial, he managed to familiarize himself with it. He successfully analyzed its difference to his normal Shadow Clones.


    For one, even though there''s also a time limit for its existence, the IDLE Database would notify him if he wanted to extend its duration 1 minute before it disappeared.


    As for the cost of extending its duration, it would become a metered service from the mysterious application. 1 IDLE point per second.


    His normal Shadow Clone had an inherent duration of ten minutes as long as it''s not destroyed while the Dimensional Clone had a shorter duration, 8 minutes at best.


    Aldrin found that fair, favorable even. His Dimensional Clone can carry over its equipment and the Skill born from it.


    He could also access its Status Page on his phone or computer, allowing him to change its weapon type or even upgrade its equipment as long as he got the necessary IDLE points for it. Furthermore, there were also a few helpful extra options that could be used.


    He could manually control the Dimensional Clone but that would render his real body unconscious. So instead of that, the ability to command and share its vision was what he''s relying on.


    "That man being there at the cafeteria means he''s one of the guest Energy Refiners. And Janet told us that those guest Energy Refiners are all going to stay inside the camp for the duration of the Metadome Lessons. Some will even accompany us inside the maintained Dimensional Rift. Anyway, that''s not important at the moment, locating and confirming that it''s him is my priority."


    After activating the skill and picking Striker as the Dimensional Clone to be summoned, the 100 points were instantly deducted to his remaining IDLE Points balance.


    Following that, the screen of his phone seemingly darkened. Inside him, Aldrin sensed his Energy Quintessence churned as a Shadow Clone emerged in front of him.


    A few seconds later, the Shadow Clone''s body seemingly vibrated as the figure of Striker, clad in leather armor while holding its pair of sabers, one of which was bronze-colored due to being Level 5.


    As his phone screen lit up once more, Striker''s status page now filled the screen.


    After checking the extra options of ''Hide Equipment'' and ''Temporary Appearance Morphing'', the Dimensional Clone''s figure shuddered as its leather armor covering its whole body seemingly got absorbed inwardly. The sabers in both hands also got the same treatment.


    Once it became like a normal Shadow Clone that had a similar body figure as Aldrin, its appearance morphed into the body of an Elite Soldier Ant.


    "Better that than make it look like a human. It''s not like it morphed perfectly anyway. Its overall appearance still looked like a shadowy figure that could disappear at any moment. This is enough¡­" Aldrin circled around the Dimensional Clone once.


    He stepped away from it and issued his command.


    Go and find the man!


    Just like how the Dimensional Clones moved in the Lower Dimension, the Dimensional Clone disguised as an Elite Soldier Ant darted away with a clear destination in its mind.

 Chapter 86 - Its Him!

    Two minutes later, Aldrin returned to his room.


    When he started monitoring what the Dimensional Clone was catching in its vision, it had just started creeping its way towards the building where the guest Energy Refiners were staying.


    It''s only a few minutes past midnight so there were still activities in the surrounding area.


    Most of them were doing what normal Energy Refiners should be doing, accumulating and refining more Dimensional Energy for further progression.


    Aldrin knew that there''s a huge chance for the Dimensional Clone to be discovered. Being a product of refined energy and all.


    However, with the trial that he did back inside the city, the summoned Dimensional Clone contained most of the refined energy inside its body with no leaks whatsoever.


    "It''s like an assassin or a ninja of olden times who mastered the art of breathing. Well, it''s breathless. Couple that with my command to stealthily make its way there, only those who have high intuition can detect it. There''s also those who can run into it face to face." Aldrin muttered as paid close attention to its surroundings.


    Aside from those he just mentioned, there''s also the fact the everpresent Dimensional Energy in that place was kind of chaotic due to the number of Energy Refiners trying to absorb it into their bodies.


    Only a strong fluctuation of energy could alert them.


    A few seconds later, the Dimensional Clone began traversing the backside of the building.


    At each closed window, it would stop to sense whether the occupant of the room was inside or if it could hear anything.


    Obviously, nothing was caught by it.


    Aldrin didn''t lose hope though.


    The Dimensional Clone in the form of an Elite Soldier Ant returned to the front side of the building and crawled right towards the front door.


    From its vision, Aldrin made out that the light was still on inside the hall that was being used as a lounge by its occupants.


    Through those lights, he could make out shadows of the people still lingering inside that hall.


    One. Two. Three. Four¡­


    Four shadows. They''re standing near the entrance, two of which had their hands raised with a stick of cigarette clutched between their fingers. The other two had their arms crossed and their backs straight.


    Whatever they''re doing in that place appears to be a simple gathering to talk about their experience during the day. Or they''re just taking a break from refinement and they slowly gathered there to pass the time before going back.


    Either way, with the duration of Dimensional Clone only a few minutes, Aldrin commanded it to put its back against the wall and creep closer to hear whatever conversation they''re having. Also, to spy if the man he saw at the cafeteria was among them.


    Soon enough, rough voices and occasional laughter filled the clone''s ears and it was cleanly transmitted to Aldrin''s ears.


    "Compared to the training camp I participated in, this batch of trainees are excellent. One of them almost forced me to use my refined energy! Their first time operating NQL was excellent. Think about it. All of them are early Stage 1!"


    "Excellent? You wish. Six trainees. I gave them handicaps to attack me thrice. The Training Metadome I operated only had a 2% reduced durability. That''s too weak, don''t you think so?"


    "I believe you two have different kinds of expectations. Lonewind City doesn''t have an excellent Energy Refiner lineage. I heard the one at Paleheart City forced the guest Energy Refiner to use a Concept to stop her. And it''s even worse at the Inkdragon City, a middle Stage 2 Energy Refiner lost to a late Stage 1 Energy Refiner." The only woman in their group interjected. Just from her voice, Aldrin could catch the awe she''s feeling.


    "Isn''t that one at Inkdragon from a Primary City? That''s as expected. Kids from the lineages settling in a Primary City are a cut above those from Secondary Cities like us." The one who bragged about giving handicaps instantly rebutted.


    At this point, although he managed to pick up some interesting information about those trainees Janet warned her to watch out for, Aldrin confirmed that the voices of those three who spoke were nowhere close to the voice of the man at the Southern District.


    There''s another one who hasn''t spoken yet. He''s the one at the rightmost among the four shadows he could make out on the ground. Also, one of the two who''s clutching a cigarette.


    As if the man read his thoughts, Aldrin saw that one''s shadow lifted the cigarette to his mouth and puffed once. Soon after that, he joined in the conversation.


    "Why are we worrying about these trainees? Years from now, they''d either die inside a maintained Rift or die working for the companies they contracted from. If they''re lucky, they can live as long as us. By the way, I''m going to take a walk."


    Aldrin, who was listening while comfortably sitting on his bed, suddenly jumped up.


    Obviously, he recognized the voice and it''s enough for him to feel the chill run down his spine once more.


    The terrorizing feeling of being near-death as he hid behind the ruined wall pulled him back to that day.


    He even forgot to command the Dimensional Clone to move away from there before that man could step out of the building.


    Within the shared vision, although his focus was elsewhere, the man could be seen stepping out and¡­ luckily enough, the man''s step was firm as it didn''t look behind, resulting in the giant insect hugging the wall to not be detected by him.


    Truthfully, it was also thanks to the shade provided by the building, if not for that, the light of the two moons hanging above the night sky would be enough to illuminate and expose the unusual creature.


    Even so, Aldrin who got quite a shock only got jolted awake from his stupor when the remaining three spoke again. ''What the hell happened to me? It''s just a voice. Why did I feel so scared?''


    Without an answer to his question, he slapped his face and brought his focus back to his Dimensional Clone.


    "That Carlos. Why is he that pessimistic?"


    "Leave him be. Looking at the scar he''s trying to cover up, he must''ve experienced a tough life."


    "Who else hasn''t experienced that? Only kids will dream of becoming an Energy Refiner and think that it''s the straight way to success."


    After digesting what they said, the Dimensional Clone was now staring at the back of the man they called ''Carlos''.


    Like he mentioned, he''s about to take a walk. He''s unhurried on his steps as he gradually goes towards a certain direction.


    To the walled spaces.


    "No! He''s about to go somewhere alone and¡­ open the Dimensional Rift!"


    Since he successfully connected the voice to the man he recorded back then, Aldrin''s mind quickly assumed that Carlos would do the same thing as before.


    "I¡­ I have to stop him!"


    With a weird sense of urgency, he commanded his Dimensional Clone to run after the man that''s about to disappear from its vision.


    "Chase him and stop him!"


    Even if a mental command was already enough, he couldn''t help but shout that as the giant insect crept away from the building and began running towards the man.


    However, before it could catch up to it, Aldrin ordered the Dimensional Clone to stop.


    Not because it was detected but because of the thing that was taken out by the middle-aged man named Carlos.


    "¡­ That''s a phone.. It''s not the device to open a Dimensional Rift, right?" As doubt gradually filled his mind, a low volume rhythmic dial tone was produced by it. "Is it or is it not?"

 Chapter 87 - Knowing The Situation

    After a clicking sound which meant that somebody answered the call, Aldrin heard a barely audible voice.


    Because of the Dimensional Clone''s distance from Carlos, he failed to hear what the other party said.


    However, finding out that it''s not the device to open a Dimensional Rift but in fact, a way for the man to contact somebody else pulled some pins clogging his head. After sighing in slight relief, his ability to think clearly somehow returned and the panic alarming inside his head toned down.


    "He might not have the device but if his phone can be used, the one he''s contacting is also inside this fortress. A possibility that his companion is the one holding onto that device."


    By birthing a new doubt in his head, Aldrin commanded his Dimensional Clone to draw closer.


    At the moment, Carlos still hadn''t sensed that someone was watching and following him.


    From Aldrin''s observation, the middle-aged man appeared restless as if something didn''t go according to his plan.


    Ten seconds later, the Dimensional Clone successfully crept closer, allowing Aldrin to hear the middle-aged man''s voice and the one he''s in contact with.


    However, the eight minutes duration of the Dimensional Close was about to reach its 1-minute mark.


    It spent two minutes going from where it was summoned towards their building. Another two minutes to circle the building, checking each window. Lastly, a minute and a half eavesdropping on their conversation and the few seconds it took him to get out of his shocked state.


    And to chase after the middle-aged man, close to a minute passed.


    After staring at his current IDLE Points that''s still over 8000, Aldrin settled himself to spend a few hundred of those to continue spying the middle-aged man.


    There''s a possibility that the man might disappear if he chose to resummon the Dimensional Clone after all.


    Having reached that decision, he began straining his ears to understand what they''re talking about.


    "¡ªthat''s your responsibility, Carlos! You confidently said that the whistleblower is among the trainees."


    "I get that! Didn''t I say I''m going to take responsibility for this blunder? I risked my neck by staying too long in the cafeteria to see and check every trainee. But he''s not among them. Not one of them clicked with what I remembered that day." He paused and scratched his head, clearly frustrated at the turn of events.


    Little did he know that the guy he set out to find was listening in on his conversation. If he had looked back even once earlier, he could''ve caught the unusual giant ant following him.


    Now, Aldrin had it plant its body on the ground while hugging the wall. That way it wouldn''t be caught by his line of sight easily.


    Besides, with its duration about to run out, he could just let it vanish into nothingness as soon as it was spotted.


    "Risked your neck?! We''re the ones who risked our necks for you! F*ck! Commander Yun is a scary superior who can sniff out a spy from one unusual move! I''m already thinking of escaping this fortress and my brother, the city. In the first place, it''s your fault that someone managed to leak out the information about the device. You will not be traced there so just go out after completing your job as the guest Energy Refiner. Go sort yourself out. I''ll throw this phone away."


    With that, the call between the two ended. Or rather, the man on the other side of the call ended it abruptly without waiting for Carlos'' response.


    In short, he was left to fend off for himself.


    Aldrin, who successfully caught everything that was said exhaled another sigh of relief. Moreover, he watched as Carlos frustratingly threw the phone away and destroyed it by stomping on it with all his might. Perhaps if he''s not wary that someone could be alerted if he used his refined energy to vent his anger, he''d have done that sooner.


    [The Dimensional Clone will disappear in 10 seconds]


    [9¡­]


    [8¡­]


    [7¡­]


    After seeing that countdown notification on his phone, Aldrin used the remaining time to continue watching the man.


    He got the answer to his question. However, he still felt uneasy.


    As it turned out, he''s truly the target but for some reason, the middle-aged man failed to identify him.


    Perhaps, if their gazes successfully met and Aldrin''s memory of that disaster got triggered, resulting in the fear nestling in his body to burst out at that moment, Carlos could''ve suspected him.


    It''s clearly a brush of good fortune that Irina and Clark muddled his head during their dinner. Otherwise, the situation could go differently.


    Someone stronger than will be running after his head. Although he''s aware that he''d still act the same; using his Dimensional Clone to investigate, the middle-aged man''s actions would be different from what he witnessed.


    [0¡­]


    [The Dimensional Clone has disappeared]


    [Closing Dimensional Clone Interface¡­]


    The image of Carlos still furiously stomping on his phone was the last thing the Dimensional Clone caught in its eyes before the shared vision disappeared, returning Aldrin''s senses to his room.


    "¡­ I survived this day. However, that man will stay in this Training Camp. Moreover, if I tell Janet about him, I don''t have concrete proof to back up my claims. Wait, I have one! The audio file!"


    Realizing that point, he immediately accessed it and played it. Not only to check that it''s still there but also to confirm that Carlos and the man talking in it are the same.


    "He believed I''m not here so in the meantime, I''m actually safe from him. He will not do anything that can put his life in jeopardy¡­"


    "Should I catch him myself and treat him as a challenge for myself? He''s at least a middle Stage 2 Energy Refiner¡­ If I continue progressing, there''s a chance for me to be as strong as him."


    Somehow, he picked up confidence and guts to even think of making someone who could kill him easily back then as a challenge to overcome.


    In his mind, it''s also a way to repay the guy back for the terror that he felt. If he could do it by himself, then why not? If he succeeded, he could send him to the authorities without drawing any attention to himself.


    "Or I can take the easy way out of this predicament by relying on Janet exposing my secret identity as the whistleblower."


    "Let me put off this decision later¡­ With the Guardian Ant and the Essence Grenades, I will aim for at least three Dungeons tonight!"


    The thought of getting justice for those dead people in the Southern District disaster passed by Aldrin''s mind. However, he knew that the man was only following orders so even if he died, the real culprits still live outside. Moreover, he''s never an ally of justice. As long as he and those he cares about survives, that''s more than enough for him.


    There''s no need for him to step into a conspiracy that the higher-ups were already solving.


    After refreshing his mind for a few minutes, Aldrin laid down in his bed once more and started the Idle Adventure''s first run of the day!

 Chapter 88 - An Old Cult

    [Used 1100 Essences]


    [Summoning Guardian Ant¡­]


    Before Aldrin''s eyes, the Guardian Ant Core that''s supposed to be in the Idle Storage or rather, supposed to have already disappeared upon using it at the Unit tab, reappeared before him.


    It floated in front of him before multi-colored energy, most likely the Essence pouring out from the Essence Storage, seemed to gather around it, recreating the 3-meter-tall winged ant''s body.


    In less than a minute, the Guardian Ant''s wings flapped excitedly before kneeling before Aldrin.


    As he observed the summoned Guardian Ant that''s supposed to be something comparable to a Stage 2 Energy Refiner, Aldrin noticed that even its curved sword and round shield were recreated.


    Furthermore, its whole carapace was now in a darker hue compared to the normal reddish-brown Royal Ants populating the Lower Dimension.


    As soon as the little whirlpool of colorful energy subsided, a new status flickered at the corner of Aldrin''s vision.


    [Level 21 Summoned Guardian Ant


    Core Experience: 0/10000]


    There''s no mention of its durability or even its health points that usually could be seen in normal summoning skills in most RPG games.


    Inside the Dungeon, most of the Ants there that had a ''Royal'' prefix was like an enhanced version of the ants he''s facing outside of it. The Guardian Ant not having that prefix meant that there might be a Royal Guardian Ant somewhere.


    With that line of thought, Aldrin took a note in his mind to prepare for that just in case.


    "I remembered the note that mentioned its Essence withering away as time passed. I guess I just have to check how long it will last today. It costs 1100 Essences. It shouldn''t be like my Shadow Clone or the summoned Dimensional Clone, right?"


    As soon as he finished checking the Guardian Ant, Aldrin set off towards another Dungeon.


    He already marked them so it''s just a matter of traversing the distance from where he landed towards its location.


    This time, he''d go for a Broodmother''s Cradle.


    That''s the equivalent of the Ant Queen''s Nest for the Black Spiders.


    With his Guardian Ant taking the vanguard position from Tank, he reinstated that Dimensional Clone into another offensive manpower. Still, he maintained its equipment of hammer and shield.


    To not destroy the balance in the Small Insect Colony, Aldrin decided not to target only one side. Otherwise, one side could subdue the other side without his interference. That would mean a loss of IDLE Points income for him.


    With a Royal Ant species as strong as the Guardian Ant, the groups of Black Spiders blocking Aldrin''s way were easily decimated.


    As long as no Spider Champion appeared, it was invincible. Making it easy for Aldrin at the back. And with the assistance of the Dimensional Clones, until they reached the nearest Broodmother''s Cradle, Aldrin didn''t even need to swing the Winterthorn.


    [Broodmother''s Cradle #3]


    [Type: Restricted Dungeon]


    [Difficulty: Very Hard(Easy)]


    -


    -


    Back at the Lonewind City, Qi Yun or most commonly known as Commander Yun was woken up by an urgent call from his subordinate.


    Yesterday, he visited the Branch Head of the Refiner''s Association in the city and got quite a revelation about what kind of enemy the planet was currently facing.


    This time, the call from his subordinate concerned the information of that matter.


    After dressing himself in his maroon military uniform, Qi Yun stepped out of his bedchamber to hear the full report.


    "Commander, according to our contacts inside the Paradigm Sector, the same kind of Energy Refiners has already been recorded. Two thousand Earth years ago, Energy Refiners who could seemingly exercise control over the Rift Monsters were part of a cult named ''The Risen''. The founders of the cult were supposed to be survivors of a closed maintained-type Dimensional Rift."


    "According to the history of their cult, as soon as the founders got rescued after an instance-type Dimensional Rift, they began propagating revelations about some godlike-being they''re calling Lord of the Dimensions."


    "Lord of the Dimensions? That''s a grand name!" Qi Yun snorted.


    Although he got interrupted, the subordinate continued with his report.


    "Yes! Lord of the Dimensions. However, no one took them seriously. Not until the members of their cult successfully occupied one planet near the Paradigm Sector."


    "Huh? If they''re that good. Why are they not known until now? Paradigm Sector is the collection of World Zones where the Federation''s Capital is located."


    Qi Yun put a hand on his chin as he began to contemplate the words of the man he swore loyalty to. ''Times are changing and things are not what they seem to be. Go to the place I tell you to and wait for the changes to show themselves.''


    "It couldn''t be it, right? I need more information!"


    Startled by the sudden shout of Qi Yun, the subordinate who got slightly confused continued.


    "That¡­ According to what''s recorded. After the cult has been identified as a subversive element. The Federation stomped them out in less than a year."


    "Less than a year¡­ How powerful. But if that''s the case, who are those Energy Refiners? How are they connected to the Council?"


    "¡­ That, there''s no answer regarding it yet."


    ''So, it''s only happening here, huh? The Association should''ve been notified as well. I wonder what they''re going to do. There are also the titan-class Companies that have branches on this planet. Will they let the young Overseer alone to solve everything?'' He murmured.


    With this new information, Qi Yun felt a slight sense of urgency.


    The question of whether he has to stay in this Secondary City or not surfaced in his mind. However, in the end, Qi Yun erased that thought.


    By the time the subordinate finished his report and excused himself, Qi Yun sat down before his window that''s also overlooking the whole Lonewind City as well as the two bright moons above.


    "Times are changing¡­ Perhaps, the peaceful era of humanity''s continued expansion will reach its end. The Rift''s are problematic enough but if the three universal superpowers butt their heads in a full scale war, no planet will be spared." Qi Yun heavily sighed.. Following that, he took out something from his military uniform''s chest pocket, a flawless golden cube.

 Chapter 89 - Exploited

    Upon entering the Dungeon, Aldrin found out that the interior was almost the same as the first dungeon he conquered. Furthermore, the objective and reward were the same.


    10,000 IDLE Points and a Grade 2 Weapon.


    There''s still no indication what kind of weapon he would get but if it''s the same grade as Winterthorn then he''d welcome it for his or his Dimensional Clones'' use.


    Seeing how the difficulty dropped from Impossible to Very Hard, Aldrin''s confidence in completing the Dungeon easily rose.


    The only challenge he could think of was the Survival after locating the Broodmother that should be residing in the depths.


    One hour into the dungeon, the Guardian Ant remained invincible against the enhanced Black Spiders spawned in the Dungeon. Even if the Black Spiders used their spider silks, they still dropped like flies against it.


    Aldrin was extremely satisfied with it. The IDLE points he spent for it were worth it.


    Even the traps that could hinder Aldrin were either smashed or dismantled.


    By the time the Guardian Ant emptied the passages, Aldrin already amassed 2000 points, not counting the points he acquired from the insects they killed on the way.


    In a sense, the capital he invested for the Guardian Ant has finally returned. He began to rake in pure income in the current run.


    [Level 21 Spider Sentinel]


    [Level ? Spider Sentinel Egg]


    [Level ? Spider Sentinel Egg]


    Upon reaching the first area''s boss. A huge black spider awaited him. It''s huge enough to stand toe to toe against the Guardian Ant.


    What''s unique to it was the skull-like pattern on its head and abdomen.


    Unlike the Royal Ants, the Black Spiders weren''t using any weapons. They all relied on their versatile spider silk that seemed to have different uses.


    Some could produce silks that could harden instantly before softening a few seconds later. The spiders he encountered with that kind of silk were equivalent to Soldier Ants. Most of them shoot it as projectiles while some could even use it as blades.


    There were also spiders that could produce sticky spider silks. Although it could easily be cut, it''s somewhat acidic that once an enemy gets wrapped in it, it''d feel like he''s being cooked. Using that opportunity, the spider would deliver a final blow by biting off its prey''s head


    Although they''re trickier than the Royal Ants, Aldrin found out that they''re fragile creatures. That''s the reason why the Guardian Ant dominated them with ease.


    However, with the size of the Sentinel in front of them, the Guardian Ant might''ve met its match.


    "That''s normal. They''re both Area Boss in their respective dungeons. What I don''t understand is those eggs. If there''s a Broodmother, why does this Sentinel have eggs surrounding it? And it''s even named after it."


    The same as before, Aldrin stopped outside the supposed ''Detection Range'' as he analyzed his upcoming opponent.


    He still hadn''t swung his Winterthorn yet so he''s slightly excited to use it against the hulking mass of terror among those with arachnophobia


    To test it, he once again produced two Shadow Clones and sent them inside. Furthermore, Aldrin and his three Dimensional Clones switched their weapons to a bow.


    Back during the first Dungeon, Hitter managed to hit those Giant Head Ants even when it was outside their range.


    However, Aldrin couldn''t be sure that it was effective considering he took the aggro and threw in the Essence Grenade right after.


    "If it can be damaged by long-ranged attacks outside of its Detection Range then I won''t need to risk the Guardian Ant from getting damaged or risk ourselves from damaging our cheap Battlesuits," Aldrin smirked as he began pulling the bow alongside the three clones


    Exploiting lousy game mechanics was something he had already done before. It''s a piece of common knowledge among players. That way, the developers would be forced to fix their games.


    It will never be the players'' fault, in his opinion. In fact, he even looked at themselves as some kind of ''Warriors of the Truth'' for exposing those.


    And this time, with the same mindset, Aldrin would show the IDLE Database that if it copied those games, it should also make sure that there are no game-breaking scenarios.


    As the two Shadow Clones entered the Spider Sentinel''s detection range, the eight eggs behind the Spider Sentinel broke open, sticky clear liquid exploded along with its shell.


    From inside those eggs, spider spawns the size of a cat crawled out and instantly charged towards the Shadow Clones aiming for the still-unmoving Spider Sentinel.


    Although they''re small, the spider spawns'' legs were producing some kind of faint whistling sound as they quickly moved, traversing the distance quite easily.


    Even before the Shadow Clones reached halfway inside the supposed ''Combat Area'', the little spawns swarmed the two Shadow Clones.


    Naturally, the two could easily cut the spawns down but with the number of produced spawns per egg, it became inevitable for the two Shadow Clones to be overrun.


    [Level 3 Spider Sentinel Spawn]


    Looking at the information about those little spawns, Aldrin somehow found it unbelievable. With that kind of level, it''s actually stronger than the huge Caterpillars existing in the Lower Dimension.


    With the Shadow Clones distracted by the small spawns who kept on biting them on every part they could jump on, Aldrin watched as the Spider Sentinel made its move.


    It raised its gigantic body before shooting silk webs from its spinneret. The silk it produced was somehow red in color, something he''s seeing for the first time.


    Aldrin tried to command the two Shadow Clones to dodge, however, with the number of spider spawns surrounding them, they became one step too late from dodging.


    Before Aldrin''s eyes, his clones that even tried to use Concept got around the reddish silk along with the spider spawns sticking to their bodies.


    A few seconds later, Aldrin saw how the reddish silk cast a yellow hue and smoke began to be produced from the wrapped-up Shadow Clones.


    Soon afterward, flames rose from the middle. The Shadow Clones along with the spider spawns were burnt to a crisp by the Spider Sentinel.


    As soon as the fire started, the gigantic spider cut the silk from its spinneret.


    In less than 30 seconds, the reddish silk burnt completely and Aldrin''s shadow clone disappeared along with it.


    "¡­ Alright. That''s an interesting silk. My Shadow Clones were kind of incompetent, eh? To be wrapped up by it easily. If one of them managed to dodge, it''s probably possible to free the other one before the Spider Sentinel set it aflame. But still, the Sentinel is using its spawns as a sacrifice, huh?"


    Aldrin completely analyzed that short bout as he watched the Spider Sentinel begin sweeping away the broken eggs before producing more as a replacement.


    The remaining spider spawns that weren''t caught by the burning silk dried up one by one until they also disappeared like ashes in the wind.


    "They''re short-lived. No wonder I haven''t encountered that type of spider outside. Then it''s the unique ability of this Spider. Spawns and Burning Silk. The Guardian Ant also possessed some abilities. The Fatal Shriek and the Furious Stomp which could create holes in the ground despite its legs was that of an insect."


    "Well, now that I analyzed it, it''s time to see if there''s a glitch in this dungeon system created by the IDLE Database."


    The Shadow Clones'' demise was just a small part of the show.


    This time, Aldrin would try to clear the area without receiving any damage.


    As he commanded the three Dimensional Clones to step before the ''Detection Range'', Aldrin soon followed.


    With their bows raised, it all aimed at the Spider Sentinel that had returned to its spot after laying more of its eggs.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    With their huge target not moving from its spot even though they''re just in front of it, the whistling Energy Arrows shot from their bow accurately hit the Spider Sentinel''s head and carapace.


    "Did it work?" Aldrin wondered. By the time the arrow made of energy disappeared, he found out that the Spider Sentinel remained unmoving, its head and a part of its carapace oozing out its insect juices. "Of course, it is!"


    Aldrin almost shouted from that discovery.


    Soon after that, a barrage of arrows rained down the Spider Sentinel. Although it''s moving slightly whenever it would be hit by an arrow, there were no other subsequent actions after that.


    From Aldrin''s analysis, he likened it to someone who got hit by a rock. That someone would look around to search for the culprit only to find out that no one was around him who could have thrown it. In the end, that someone dropped the notion of looking for the culprit before returning to what he set out to do.


    As arrows upon arrows hit the Spider Sentinel, its wounds continued to accumulate but even then, it remained unmoving. Its life was dedicated to standing guard in that position. It was programmed to become this Dungeon''s first Area Boss


    And as a living being, there''s a limit to how many attacks it could take. Even if the arrows couldn''t fully penetrate its carapace, with its head becoming filled with holes, it''s only a matter of time before it drops dead.


    A few moments later, Aldrin stopped flicking the bowstring as a wide grin blossomed from his lips. In front of his eyes, notifications piled up.


    [You defeated the Spider Sentinel]


    [IDLE Points +200]


    [You received Spider Sentinel Core]


    [Spider Sentinel Core has been sent to Idle Storage]


    [Spider Sentinel Corpse has been sent to Idle Storage]


    [The next are has opened]

 Chapter 90 - Another Challenge (1)

    Receiving a new Core was a welcome surprise for Aldrin. If all Area Boss dropped it, by the time he finished raiding all the Dungeons, he could have 14 Extraordinary Rank Rift Monsters or in the IDLE Database terms, Dimensional Creatures


    The problem he would incur was how to summon all of them at once. Well, if he used the 8x furnace booster for 24 hours, that would net him 17,280 Essences. That''s more than enough to summon those 14 creatures.


    However, he had to get enough storage that could store that much Essence first. Otherwise, all is nil.


    With his whole group essentially uninjured, Aldrin continued to the next area that was once again at the same construct as the previous dungeon.


    It''s a straight corridor that leads to the Broodmother''s room.


    "If it''s like this. The Survival Challenge really is the only hard part in this dungeon." Aldrin concluded as he charged towards the Spiders guarding the passage.


    The Grade 2 Sword in his hand finally got swung for the first time!


    Crack! Crack! Crack!


    Before his very eyes, the human-sized Spiders that would normally be something out of a disaster film from the long-lost era got easily sliced by the Winterthorn, fell down and eventually became enclosed in ice starting from where it was cut.


    Moments later, those who were killed disappeared and got sent to the Idle Storage.


    Upon witnessing that, Aldrin was confused.


    "The sword''s description didn''t say anything about freezing its enemies. Is it supposed to do that?"


    He tried it the second time. The same result.


    Third.


    Fourth.


    Fifth.


    And after the eighth try, Aldrin reached the end of the passage.


    "¡­ I guess the ice-element negative status it talked about is ''Freeze''." Aldrin, convinced with his conjecture, nodded a few times before swinging the sword, removing shards of iced spider juices that got stuck on it.


    "Now then, so, it''s you guys who are the equivalent of the Giant Heads."


    Aldrin smirked as he watched the eight giant unmoving spiders at the distance. Behind them, the Broodmother, laying out its eggs from its back.


    [Level 20 Black Long-legged Spider]


    [Level 10 Broodmother]


    -


    -


    [IDLE Points +50] x8


    In less than five minutes, his previously dreaded spiders that were tricky to kill due to their long legs that could flick the enemies approaching it disappeared and got sent to the Idle Storage while encased in ice.


    With the Guardian Ant and Tank taking the brunt of their attacks, Aldrin and the other two Dimensional Clones easily cut the spiders down.


    It once again proved that the Guardian Ant made it too easy for him. Perhaps, if he finally invests IDLE Points on a Metadome, it would be even easier.


    Just that, he would cry rivers if it got destroyed by the Champions. That''s one of the reasons why he''s slightly hesitant about buying an assembled Metadome even if it was just the standard model.


    [You located the Broodmother!]


    [Broodmother used its ability ''A Mother''s Reproach'']


    [The whole cradle will be reconstructed]


    [Kill every Black Spiders that will spawn every 3 minutes and prevent the Ant Statue from being destroyed to finish the Dungeon]


    [New wave of Black Spiders will continue spawning regardless of whether there are remaining Spiders left or not]


    [Can speed up the arrival of the next wave by shouting ''Skip''. Bonus IDLE Points will be awarded based on the remaining time]


    [Death or the destruction of the statue means failure. As a penalty, 2 Idle Adventure runs will be deducted and the Dungeon will reset, raising the level of the monsters by 1]


    "Huh? The challenge is not Timed Survival but a Wave Survival? No, it''s not just a Survival!"


    Upon being welcomed by a different challenge, Aldrin was taken aback. He was already expecting to be cut down by the Spider Champions in the end after all.


    However, upon reading the contents of the challenge, he thanked whoever created the Dungeon for including the ''Bonus Points''.


    Thinking back to the games he played, this challenge was pulled from a casual game.


    Hero Defense.


    Or simply a strategic defense type of game.


    The player''s life hinged on protecting what needed to be protected.


    Although it''s definitely harder than a simple survival challenge, the interval and the set number of enemies per wave lessened the difficulty.


    Moreover, there are also bonus points if he skipped the interval. Although he still hadn''t started playing, his palms were already aching for more IDLE Points.


    While he''s still trying to remember everything he knew about the type of challenge before him, the view in front of him gradually changed.


    Like what the system message said, the whole cradle would be reconstructed. Save from the ground where he was standing, everything twisted and turned as if pieces of a puzzle.


    Before he knew it, a wide area the size of a basketball court opened up.


    From behind him, the ''Ant Statue'' arose. It looked like an Ant Champion hoisting up a head of a Spider Champion by impaling it with its spear.


    "That''s some provocative statue. So that''s the setting, huh? These spiders cannot tolerate the sight of that degrading statue."


    Aldrin snorted. ''As if these spiders could understand its connotations. In the end, they''re still insects. Just gigantified ones.''


    In front of him, he saw the Broodmother at the far end of the ''play area'', still continuously laying its eggs.


    Behind the Broodmother, glowing passages reminiscent of a portal opened. The smaller spiders who were carrying the eggs entered and exited those portals.


    "If I run over to that Broodmother and kill it¡­ will it give me more bonus points? The Ant Queen disappeared at the first dungeon. However, now that I think of it, it just got sent behind those walls. If I enter one of those passages, it''s possible to catch the Ant Queen!"


    A hidden game mechanics!


    That''s the first thing that flashed in his mind upon remembering it¡­


    "Let''s see. If this turns out to be easier than the survival then I''ll aim for that Broodmother."


    After saying that, Aldrin opened his Spatial Pocket and once again equipped the Battlesuits he removed from himself and his three Dimensional Clones.

 Chapter 91 - Another Challenge (2)

    [0:05]


    [0:04]


    [0:03]


    As Aldrin watched the countdown up above indicating the start of the challenge, he fixed the formation of his group.


    The Guardian Ant was at the front to serve as his vanguard.


    Striker and Tank a few steps behind it, serving as finishers.


    And behind the two, Hitter with its composite bow ready to flurry its arrows to any enemies entering its firing range.


    As for Aldrin himself, he remained in the vicinity of the Ant Statue.


    With his arms crossed, his eyes reflected the whole battlefield.


    He''s once again taking up the Support-role.


    "This is the most ideal after all. I can always command them based on the flow of the battle. Besides, I only used Shadow Clones a few times for scouting and trying out the Spider Sentinel. I''m near-full!"


    Aldrin talked to himself. If someone was looking closely, Essence Grenades were clutched within his two hands.


    He created ten of them and Aldrin would use them according to his own judgement.


    [0:02]


    [0:01]


    [0:00]


    [Wave 1/10 ¨C Black Spider Soldier x8]


    As the countdown reached 0, the passage portals glowed as the Black Spider Soldiers appeared from it.


    Even though they''re far away, Aldrin instantly noticed how those Spiders seemingly screamed at the statue behind him.


    His guess about it being the setting was spot on.


    However, by the time those spiders reached the vicinity of the Guardian Ant, its sword swung horizontally, cutting all eight in numerous pieces.


    "Skip!" Aldrin hurriedly shouted.


    [2 minutes and 35 seconds of the remaining wave time has been converted to 155 bonus IDLE Points]


    "One point per one second? I want to say not bad but¡­ it''s too little when the stronger spiders began spawning. Moreover, since there are only 10 waves, that''s too low of a bonus if it doesn''t change." Aldrin instantly computed what he received and what he might receive before shrugging his shoulders. "Well, it''s an added bonus. I guess that''s fair.


    [Wave 2/10 ¨C Black Soldier Spiders x16]


    Although the spiders doubled in numbers, the same scene happened. The spiders that luckily didn''t get caught by the Guardian Ant''s attack were taken care of by Striker, Tank and an arrow from Hitter.


    "Skip!"


    [2 minutes and 32 seconds of the remaining wave time has been converted to 152 bonus IDLE Points]


    [Wave 3/10 ¨C Black Elite Soldier Spiders x8]


    The next wave was just the same kind of spiders, just more durable. Guardian Ant and his Dimensional Clones took care of them easily.


    "Skip!"


    [¡­ converted to 155 bonus IDLE Points]


    [Wave 4/10 ¨C Black Elite Soldier Spiders x16]


    "Skip!"


    [¡­ converted to 150 bonus IDLE Points]


    [Wave 5/10 ¨C Mini Boss: Spider Sentinel x2]


    Since the fourth wave followed the same pattern, Aldrin didn''t face any problem and completed it in less than one minute.


    However, as he had expected, the fifth wave became special.


    Two Spider Sentinel along with their small Spider Sentinel Spawns appeared from the portal.


    Considering he hadn''t received any IDLE Points from those spiders they killed during the first four waves, Aldrin also became pessimistic for a core to drop from the two Sentinels.


    "Guardian Ant, used Fatal Shriek!"


    As soon as the Spider Sentinels reached the vicinity of the Guardian Ant''s skill range, Aldrin didn''t hesitate to use its ability.


    "Shriiieeek!"


    Just like most games, being someone in the same team as him, the shriek of the Guardian Ant was reduced to a mere noise without negative effects on him and the Dimensional Clones.


    However, to the Spider Sentinels and their spawns, it truly became fatal.


    Those leading spawns turned over and curled up before being blown away by the wind.


    They died like that!


    As for the two Spider Sentinels that were the main enemy at the current wave, they stopped in place, stunned from that unexpected skill.


    Well, maybe not unexpected, but they''re insects who were brainless at this point.


    Using that chance, Guardian Ant marked one of the Spider Sentinels as it charged forward with its sword and shield. The remaining Spider Sentinel was marked by Striker and Tank.


    Hitter, on the other hand, kept pulling its composite bow''s bow string while also occasionally activating its skill. Energy Arrow Barrage.


    With that kind of setup, the stunned Spider Sentinels that should''ve given them some challenge soon got destroyed by the Guardian Ant and the Dimensional Clones.


    Aldrin naturally didn''t miss that opportunity, he instantly activated the Guardian Ant''s other ability, dealing serious damage from the start. Although it didn''t die with that one strike and even tried to wrap the Guardian Ant with its Burning Silk Threads, the Guardian Ant and Hitter''s arrows were faster.


    Its carapace broke open and insect juices exploded instantly, showering the Guardian Ant with it. The Guardian Ant just shrugged it before returning to its previous position.


    On the other side, Tank became Striker''s Support. Using the hammer and its Shield Blast skill, Tank held down the Spider Sentinel in place.


    And like a quick assassin who activated a combo skill in an RPG game, Striker made use of its two sabers to deliver devilish cuts along its carapace that it ended up getting skinned.


    With its flesh exposed, the Spider Sentinel became an easy target.


    "Skip!"


    [1 minute and 32 seconds of the remaining wave time has been converted to 460 bonus IDLE Points]


    "Oh! The bonus points jumped were multiplied by five! As expected of the IDLE Database, huh?" Aldrin was overjoyed upon seeing it. In just five waves or less than five minutes of time, he acquired more than 1000 points!


    [Wave 6/10 ¨C Black Soldier Spiders x16, Black Elite Soldier Spiders x8, Black Long-legged Spider x1]


    "And the difficulty went up! Let me try this then."


    As the new wave of spiders appeared from the portals, Aldrin conjured one Shadow Clone.


    "Go, comrade. Make me proud." Aldrin threw one Essence Grenade to the Shadow Clone and commanded it to charge towards the incoming enemies.


    As the Shadow Clone ran past Guardian Ant, the incoming wave of enemies was soon onto its tail.


    By kiting them to one place, the Shadow Clone successfully gathered them in one area.


    "BOOM!" Aldrin smilingly muttered as he watched the colorful rain of insect juices and insect parts after the Essence Grenade from the Shadow Clone grandly exploded.


    Following that, he commanded the Guardian Ant and the Dimensional Clones to finish the survivors.

 Chapter 92 - A Champion Again?!

    With the difficulty rising for a bit, the subsequent waves started posing a challenge to Aldrin.


    However, even if he only used it frugally, the Essence Grenades he prepared and his Shadow Clone that could kite the insects in one place before detonating it lowered that difficulty by a huge margin.


    The Waves 6 to 9 ended in less than two minutes earning him an additional 1500 IDLE points on top of the 1000 points he received during the first five waves.


    And now. After saying skip, Aldrin''s body tensed up all at once.


    [Wave 10/10: 32 Black Soldier Spiders, 16 Black Elite Soldier Spiders, 4 Black Long-legged Spiders, 2 Spider Sentinels and 1 Spider Champion]


    "¡­ A champion. And this time, I have to defeat it. I was initially expecting another spider type stronger than the Sentinel but a Champion was just overboard! This damn game made me feel great with its bonus points! Now it''s going to rob me of that. And my Idle Adventure runs too!"


    As seconds passed, Aldrin watched the spiders coming out from the portal one by one.


    His mind started whirring endlessly as he tried to come up with a strategy to kill a Champion. But no matter what he thought of, he still believed that his current ability was still too far away from killing a Champion. Even if the Guardian Ant was factored into the equation.


    "What choice do I have? Then fight it is!"


    Succumbing to the notion of not having any choice, Aldrin began commanding the Guardian Ant and the Dimensional Clones. Letting them work together in clearing up the mobs first.


    "I used four Essence Grenades. Forget clearing more than one dungeon, If I used this all up here and still fail then I''ll be losing a lot of points. The bonuses I received earlier weren''t even credited. It will vanish as well as it is included with the ''reset'' of the Dungeon. I have to clear this, no matter what!"


    The battle against the last wave of enemies soon rocked the whole place.


    Guardian Ant was still the main contributor while Striker, Tank and Hitter were doing their best to reduce the number of enemies by using their Skills as soon as they become available.


    Ripple, Blast and Barrage are all area-of-effect skills so they''re extremely useful against the eight-legged enemies.


    But as always, without Aldrin''s assistance himself, they''re going to be overwhelmed.


    Furthermore, the Spider Champion hadn''t made its move yet!


    "That''s great. Don''t make a move yet and let me clear your subordinates up!"


    Although he addressed those words to the Spider Champion who also looked like an anthropomorphic form of one. It''s standing on its two legs that are slightly human-like except that it''s covered by a black carapace. Its upper body consisted of a pair of human-like arms and four spider legs that were jutting out from its waist. Behind it was a swelling spider abdomen. As for its head, it''s not human-like like its arms or legs or even its torso, it''s a disgusting spider head with numerous eyes and sharp fangs.


    Like most Black Spiders, it also didn''t possess any weapons. But looking at its thick arms, Aldrin was reminded of Frederic.


    After sending another Shadow Clone to reduce the number of the enemies, Aldrin charged forward to speed up the clearing of the smaller threats.


    To stand a chance against that Spider Champion, Aldrin needed to have no other distraction.


    That way, he could focus on creating a strategy in taking it down.


    Two minutes soon passed and after using another Essence Grenade, Aldrin successfully cleared everything, from Black Soldier Ants to Spider Sentinels and its spawns.


    That last Essence Grenade was delivered by his Shadow Clone to the Spider Champion who was gearing up to charge towards them.


    The suicide bomber succeeded in stalling it. However, once the smoke and dust settled, Aldrin found the Spider Champion almost unscathed. Almost because the spider legs at its left were destroyed by the explosion. Its thick arms, however, only showed a small scratch.


    A single explosion wasn''t enough to crack the carapace protecting its flesh.


    "That''s a Champion for you." Aldrin shook his head and produced another Essence Grenade and Shadow Clone.


    Instead of running forward towards the Champion, Aldrin gave it a different order.


    To stand behind him and wait for an opportunity.


    Zoom!


    Aldrin then saw the Spider Champion make its move. With its legs bent forward, it kicked the ground and charged towards the one nearest to it.


    The Guardian Ant


    Moments later, an extremely loud dull sound rang out as the furious Spider Champion instantly arrived in front of the Guardian Ant. Its speed was so fast that the Guardian Ant only had enough time to raise its shield before it was kicked away.


    And that''s not the end, Striker and Tank standing near the Guardian Ant was also sent away with subsequent punches.


    He had predicted that the Spider Champion would eventually attack. As soon as he cleared the weaker spiders, he commanded them to be on the defensive. Thanks to that, the two Dimensional Clones also survived.


    Moreover, by the time the two Dimensional Clones were sent flying, Hitter, who he commanded to provide cover fire, immediately activated Barrage.


    A rain of Energy Arrows showered over the Spider Champion, keeping it in its place.


    Using that chance, Aldrin kicked the ground as he put his entire focus on attacking the champion. Regardless of whether he could wound it or not.


    As the Spider Champion busily dodged or endured the rain of arrows, a blade of Shadow zoomed in towards its position. It''s Aldrin''s Shadow Blade!


    SLASH!


    The Spider Champion raised its arm to block it and as Aldrin had expected, his Shadow Blade only made a dent on the Spider Champion''s natural armor. However, the Winterthorn''s icy effect was carried over by the Concept.


    A patch of ice began expanding from the dent made by the Shadow Blade, expanding quickly to cover the Spider Champion''s body.


    Regrettably, the ice case didn''t last even a second before it broke down into pieces. From behind the Spider Champion, thick crystal silk was produced by its spinneret.


    As soon as the ice broke, the sharp-looking crystal silk shot towards Aldrin.


    "Eat this!" He threw another Essence Grenade towards it before using Shadow Steps to quickly get away.


    BOOM!


    As the explosion ensued, burning the crystal silk and taking away the Spider Soldier''s eyesight, Aldrin sent a command to the Shadow Clone.


    "Go and circle around the Champion. Send that Broodmother to oblivion!"

 Chapter 93 - Hidden Mechanic

    Using that window of opportunity he created, the Shadow Clone quickly moved and skirted away from where the Spider Champion was standing.


    And to not let it notice the Shadow Clone, Aldrin, along with the Guardian Ant that already returned from where it was sent to, went in towards the smoke from the Essence Grenade.


    From inside, Aldrin saw the crystal silk slowly burning and losing its sharp edge and further from it, the Spider Champion had its arm raised once more, covering its body from the explosion.


    Since the Guardian Ant was faster than him. Aldrin commanded it to use the Fatal Shriek and its other ability.


    The Spider Champion only shuddered slightly from the shriek that could stun even the Spider Sentinel. Due to that, before being hit by the full brunt of the Guardian Ant''s other ability, it had successfully dodged and another crystal silk was spewed out from its spinneret, trying to cut down the Guardian Ant.


    CLANG!


    The Guardian Ant''s shield took another hit but still successfully saved its little life.


    Following up from the Guardian Ant, Aldrin that''s brandishing Winterthorn sent another Shadow Blade and the accompanying Essence Grenade!


    As another explosion ensued, Aldrin who''s sharing the Shadow Clones vision saw that it''s about to reach the Broodmother.


    It''s his suspected hidden mechanics of this Wave Survival.


    Compared to the Ant Queen that completely disappeared from his sight, Aldrin already noticed that despite being at the same place, the Broodmother was being protected by an almost invisible energy barrier. As to what kind of Energy was that, most likely a refined Dimensional Energy.


    That''s the reason why he didn''t go and kill it during the first nine waves.


    However, as soon as the 10th wave started, that barrier protecting the Broodmother silently disappeared.


    If he''s not looking closely or if he hadn''t noticed it during the first time, he would completely miss that detail.


    Right now, with the barrier down, the Broodmother was vulnerable!


    And what better way to kill it instantly without too much of a hassle?


    Explosion.


    A quick and powerful explosion.


    He''s not entirely sure if the Spider Champion would go out of its way to protect the Broodmother if it saw it being targeted. However, without any time to contemplate about it or even try if his theory was correct, he just rolled with it.


    Instead of getting killed by the insanely powerful Spider Champion that clearly outclassed even his summoned Extraordinary Rank Dimensional Creature, he''d gamble on a thin chance that his theory was correct.


    He only has this one chance. Among every type of spider and ants, only the Champions could exhibit intelligence. Perhaps if it''s not something created by the IDLE Database, it could think properly and decide intelligently.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds¡­


    As he began his countdown for the Shadow Clone reaching the Broodmother, the smoke and dust from the explosion created by the Essence Grenade suddenly got blown away, revealing the furious Spider Champion.


    "DIE!"


    Although the voice was extremely grating, Aldrin didn''t hear wrong. It''s truly capable of speech! Nonetheless, that discovery was useless.


    Aldrin instantly noticed that its numerous eyes focused on him. He''s the one who threw those Essence Grenades so¡­ the Champion treated him as the biggest threat and nuisance.


    From those words it said, it already decided to kill him first before the others.


    Upon noticing that, Aldrin was robbed of the time to analyze what the Spider Champion did to clear away the smoke faster than the first one.


    His mind once again whirled nonstop, like a gear running at its maximum output.


    The Shadow Clone was estimated to reach the Broodmother in ten seconds. He already counted to three.


    Unfortunately, seven seconds before that, Aldrin was greeted by the ugly and disgusting mug of the Spider Champion. The crystal silk it produced hummed along with the wind as it aimed at his neck and not only that, if the silk didn''t do the trick, its arm was also more than ready to throw a devastating punch that would Aldrin him point black.


    Naturally, Aldrin still struggled to break away from the situation.


    Shadow Clone!


    Shadow Steps!


    He quickly activated two Concepts successively. He let the Shadow Clone be cut down by the crystal silk and the Shadow Steps to send him away from the Champion''s punch range.


    However, as soon as his feet landed on the ground, Aldrin felt a pang of headache assaulting him.


    "Damn timing! I''m about to run out of refined energy!"


    If he continued using his refined energy, he''d once again collapse after ejecting out of the Idle Adventure.


    "It''s all or nothing!"


    Because of the sudden headache, he became immobilized. Due to that, he could only call on the Guardian Ant and his Dimensional Clones to shield him for the next three seconds.


    Guardian Ant was the first to arrive but like soggy paper because of its extremely weakened state after defending from the two attacks of the Champion, it got ripped apart by the insect, leaving behind a glinting Core that also disappeared instantly.


    [Guardian Ant received critical damage]


    [Guardian Ant has expended its Essence]


    [Recalling the Core]


    [Accumulated Core Experience: 1502/10000]


    Aldrin had no time to read that notification as the Spider Champion once again appeared before him.


    Unfortunately, Hitter was too far away from him while the other two were still lying down somewhere they were sent to.


    Aldrin raised his sword in difficulty and defended against the Champion''s fist.


    But as he expected, the crystal silk instantly followed to cut his head off.


    As if a miracle, he successfully dodged it by pulling his whole body back, letting himself fall down. Even if he wanted to throw another Essence Grenade, his arms broke from trying to defend against the Champion''s fist.


    As the ceiling of the place came into view, it was instantly replaced by the leg of the Spider Champion stomping right onto his face.


    However, instead of despairing, Aldrin began to laugh maniacally.


    "I win." He declared while displaying a wide grin.


    Through the shared vision of the Shadow Clone, Aldrin saw the hideous appearance of the Broodmother closely.


    A split second later, the loud explosion of the Essence Grenade rang out. The leg that was about to stomp his head was replaced by a series of system messages.


    [Congratulations on unearthing a hidden Dungeon mechanic!]


    [You have been awarded a Black Spider Broodmother''s Egg]


    [You completed the Dungeon: Broodmother''s Cradle #3]


    [You received Grade 2 Weapon: Obsidian Blaster]

 Chapter 94 - A Favor

    That night, with only the Guardian Ant cut down by the Spider Champion, Aldrin healed himself and the injured Dimensional Clones as soon as he returned from the now-sealed Dungeon to continue his quest in conquering the Lower Dimension.


    Because of the severity of their wounds or perhaps because of how strong the bodies of the Dimensional Clones became, the former 5 IDLE Points per heal changed to 50 IDLE Points. However, with his overabundance of points after the completion of the first Spider Dungeon, he didn''t think twice to use it. He could earn the same amount in no time, after all.


    Furthermore, with the thought of filling up the Idle Storage with more corpses so he could keep the 8x furnace booster on for 24 hours, every insect he ran into on his way to the second Dungeon for the night weren''t spared.


    Luckily for him, he hadn''t run into another Spider Champion outside. If he did, Aldrin was determined to escape as soon as he was spotted by it.


    He''s still clear about the difference in strength between them. He had more strength before he could challenge it.


    By the time he left the Lower Dimension an hour later, he successfully entered the 2nd Broodmother''s Cradle and killed the first area boss by exploiting the detection range for a second time. That poor Spider Sentinel also became the test spot for him to use the second Grade 2 Weapon he received.


    The Obsidian Blaster.


    It''s a gray pistol that was reminiscent of an old era model called the Desert Eagle.


    Like his current pistol, its ammo was being charged into its magazine through funneling in refined energy or even raw Dimensional Energy.


    Being a Grade 2 Weapon, the Obsidian Blaster offers a longer range as well as higher bullet speed, firing speed and penetrating power.


    One bullet from it was enough to drill a baseball-sized hole into the Spider Sentinel''s body. Due to that kind of firepower, it didn''t take long for him to kill it.


    With that, Aldrin earned more than close to 20,000 IDLE Points in that one run. The highest amount he earned in one run.


    -


    -


    Days quickly passed in the Training Camp and the final day for Metadome Lessons arrived. After leaving the Lower Dimension that night, Aldrin ultimately decided to make the middle-aged man named Carlos a challenge for him to overcome.


    The man failed to recognize him even when he was assigned to be the guest Energy Refiner for their group. And like he had guessed, the man played into his role as a humble, older Energy Refiner that the trainees could even run to for advice after the lessons.


    To make sure that he''s aware of what the man was doing, Aldrin continued to use his Dimensional Clone to spy on him every night. Except for that night where he found out the man''s identity, Carlos never showed any unusual behavior anymore.


    Still, Aldrin couldn''t afford to be careless around the man. He still feared another abrupt opening of a Dimensional Rift.


    Using that lingering threat in his mind to push himself to quickly get stronger through the help of the IDLE Database.


    And now that the last day of the Metadome Lesson arrived, he''s left with two remaining Dungeons to close, lifting the conquest progress to 90%. One from the Royal Ant side and one from the Black Spider side.


    As the lairs and cradles continued to be sealed every time he finished the Dungeon using the hidden mechanics he discovered, the number of ants and spiders dwindled over time.


    Nonetheless, that didn''t lower his IDLE Point gains. Since the hegemony of the two dominant insects weakened, the other insects that were part of the minority left their territories and occupied the territories previously occupied by the ants and spiders.


    They thought they became freed from being oppressed by the two, but Aldrin just turned them into a new source of IDLE Points and corpses to melt into Essences.


    "Ah! Aldrin, good morning!"


    One more thing that changed for him from the past few days, after giving Irina that advice to get a boyfriend to stop Clark from being that obnoxious, the girl actually took up his advice and firmly decided that it was truly the way to go.


    However, she didn''t want to commit to a relationship hastily. That''s why the girl returned to Aldrin to ask for a favor. A favor for him to act as her boyfriend.


    And that led him to this current situation in front of him.


    Irina started waiting in front of his door, her beautiful smile welcoming him every morning.


    "Good morning. But Irina, I told you, you don''t need to do this when Clark isn''t even looking. There''s no reason for us to act."


    At first, Aldrin thought of turning her down.


    First, it''s a hassle. Second, he already thought that he''s doing enough on advising the two as the ''oldest guy'' in their group.


    However, Clark, despite Aldrin faithfully dropping hints and pieces of advice for the guy about what he needed to do to capture the girl''s eyes or heart, continued antagonizing him even to his littlest of blunders.


    Aldrin could be considerate, but naturally, there''s always an end to someone''s patience. It''s never unlimited. He couldn''t just stand idly being ridiculed at every turn.


    And because of that, he accepted Irina''s favor of becoming her ''acting'' boyfriend for the entire duration of the Training Camp.


    Perhaps thinking that her womanly charm wasn''t enough to entice Aldrin, the girl offered him compensation in the form of Federation Credit. It''s a staggering amount that''s enough to pay for half of the needed Credits for the Awakening Procedure for his sister.


    And upon hearing how much the girl has to offer, Aldrin was naturally surprised.


    To think the girl would offer that amount just for being a ''fake lover''. That goes to show how much the girl wanted Clark to stop at what he''s doing¡­


    "I know that. But seeing you being flustered every time cheers me up." Irina giggled before doing what she always does, clinging to Aldrin''s arm.. "You''re my boyfriend until this training camp ends. Isn''t it just fair for me to make use of that chance to try and make you truly fall for me?"

 Chapter 95 - Denied Responsibility

    "Why does your reason change every time? Yesterday, it''s to make use of the money you''ll be spending on me." Aldrin scratched his head on purpose as they began their walk towards the cafeteria.


    Sucks for Clark but judging from Irina''s offer alone, he clearly had no chance to overturn the girl''s view of him. That''s what Aldrin observed.


    Clark could never be Irina''s significant other.


    Perhaps he was put into the friendzone or the girl had just predicted that it would be troublesome for her if she ever accepted him. Just considering how the guy was already acting that annoying even if they''re not in a relationship yet, it''s surely an endless headache for her.


    Either of the two possibilities, Aldrin didn''t care too much. He was clearly more tempted because of the money offered.


    Yes, he could earn that much through IDLE Database but¡­ he still wanted to be discreet in suddenly producing that much money when he''s still a guy that''s supposed to be a guy in training.


    Irina''s family was rich enough to produce that much. And perhaps knowing that he''s not from an Energy Refiner lineage, that''s like offering him another rope to climb on for his career.


    Of course, Aldrin didn''t accept it that easily, either. It''s common sense not to show his greed. He declined the offer at first and made it appear that he''s only accepting it for the sake of the girl and how he wanted to keep their group in line.


    And with that, Aldrin was successfully hired as a ''fake lover'' for the staggering amount of 7.5 million Federation Credits or 75,000 IDLE Points if he converted it. 10,000 credits=100 points.


    The Awakening Procedure costs 15 to 20 million Federation Credits, depending on the person.


    "Isn''t it obvious? You didn''t like the fact that I''m going to pay you. Best not to mention it again. But I know. That money will be enough to give you an edge and progress further in this career. Don''t forget about me once you make a name for yourself in the future. I''ll be sad." Irina acted like an abandoned puppy before laughing as they went to the cafeteria to eat their breakfast along with their group as well as to flaunt their ''blooming relationship'' to Clark.


    For the past few days, it''s been fairly effective. He looked heartbroken and even challenged Aldrin a few times only to end up losing each time. However, with an unexpected assist from Frederic who looked amused at the turn of events where he''s convincing the guy to give up on Irina and just be content at being friends with her, the situation didn''t escalate to the point of Clark leaving the group or threatening Aldrin with his family''s backing.


    -


    -


    Apato Core City. One of the four Core Cities located in the Planet Dualmoon. Generally, it''s the only Core City located in the western region of the planet.


    Although called as Core Cities, the landmass occupied by each of them is smaller than even the smallest Secondary City existing on the planet.


    The reason for the smaller landmass of a Core City was because it''s entirely a Government Body. Even if there were Energy Refiner lineages residing in it, they''re all part of the government not of the Association and certainly not of any titan-class organization.


    Furthermore, apart from a branch of a Refiner''s Association, no other organizations are allowed to set up their branch inside. The only reason for the Association being there was for the registration of Energy Refiners and monitoring of the criminals, terrorists or gray organizations activity that was being relayed from every part of the region.


    Space Elevators could also only be found in every Core City. That''s why, every tourist, returnee or those who would leave the planet had to travel to a Core City to reach the Themis Terminal.


    The governmental seat existing in a Core City is called the Regional Governor. And a politician, not entirely a native of the planet sat on it. Furthermore, every Primary City and Secondary City Mayors are answering to him.


    Naturally, the one above a Regional Governor is the Planet Overseer that the seat of office is located in one of the two moons orbiting the planet.


    At the moment, the Dualmoon Overseer who returned to the surface to stop whatever organization was wreaking havoc on the planet for the past few days was sitting at the highest seat at the Governor''s Hall of the Core City.


    Being a superior of the Regional Governor, the Overseer, Tania Kartov nonchalantly took that seat without any fuss as he listened to the reports being relayed to her.


    In front of her, a brown-haired old man wearing luxurious garb and a black-haired middle-aged man wearing a silver military uniform stood side by side.


    The brown-haired old man was the Regional Governor while the middle-aged man was the highest commanding officer of the region, a Marshall.


    "¡­ it is clear that the main culprit for the recent events is someone from the Stiletto Council. However, even after sending them the evidence we gathered, they''re claiming that the technology used to open the Rifts aren''t theirs." The Regional Governor finished his report and nervously looked at the Overseer.


    Clearly, the woman sitting on his right now looked even younger than his young wife but her strength was unrivaled by anyone on the Planet. She single-handedly resolved the dire situation days ago and even captured some key personnel.


    After handing them the duty to investigate, they''re expected by her to produce results. Hence, the nervousness. His investigation reached a dead end after the Stiletto Council denied any responsibility, claiming that they''re also being wronged by the people they caught.


    "Useless. What about you? Have you rounded up those gray organizations who participated in it? Also, where''s the representative of the Association? Those guys are also lousy."


    "Most of the identified organizations who participated in the attack abandoned their hideouts. The troops I sent are still looking for them. It''s only a matter of time, Overseer. The other regions have also been alerted in case they went over the border." The Marshall also nervously reported, ashamed that he couldn''t show anything to the powerful Overseer.


    Upon hearing that, Tania shook her head disappointedly. Although she judged the report as useless, she''s aware that the crafty Council would not claim responsibility at first unless there''s clear evidence that would point to them.


    Furthermore, there''s one more thing that she wanted to focus on. The existence of those Energy Refiners that could control the Rift Monsters.... ''What are they?''

 Chapter 96 - Last Day Of Metadome Training

    [IDLE Points: 28232/100000]


    [Essence Storage: 2321/5500]


    For the past few days, with the additional income from the Dungeons and bonus points from them, Aldrin not only progressed a lot in energy refining but also in everything IDLE Database-related.


    First, there''s the Idle Adventure.


    Using his earnings, he leveled up the four Dimensional Clones equipment and made it uniform.


    For weapons, everything was leveled up to 5. And for the armor pieces, everything was leveled up to 4 except for Backguard that remained Level 3 due to how costly it was.


    Weapons and a Spear Skill for Poker alone were already 30,000 IDLE Points. But seeing their weapons changed from stone-made to copper one was enough accomplishment and that raised their efficiency in killing the insects.


    Furthermore, the armor pieces also cost a lot, 25,000 to raise everything to Level 4 and 15,000 for the backguards.


    Just for the clones'' equipment, 70,000 points were burned. The multiplier boosts that they always used weren''t even counted there since Aldrin treated that as a necessity for higher efficiency.


    Next on his agenda in Idle Adventure is to Level up their footguards that would unlock a Movement Skill for dodging purposes. He planned on doing that during the next reset. Once that''s done, he listed the fifth Dimensional Clone which will cost him 100,000 IDLE Points as his next objective for Idle Adventure.


    For Idle Shopping, Aldrin finally spared 38,200 IDLE Points to purchase 100 Small Merchants to unlock the next IDLE Points generator.


    [Hire a Hunter to kill Monsters for their Blood Essences or Cores


    Current number of Hunters: 0


    Costs: 100,000 Federation Credits


    Duration: 24 hours


    Production: Blood Essence will be converted to 1 IDLE Point/piece, Monster Cores will be converted to 10 IDLE Points/piece


    Hunting Efficiency: 1 Monster/minute


    Drop Chance: Blood Essence 95%, Monster Core 5%


    Price Scale: Additional 1000 Credits/Hunter


    Next Bonus: x1.5 Income at 10 Hunters]


    Although the idea was kind of the same, the IDLE Point generation was a little different. It''s a Hunter killing monsters and looting it of either Blood Essence or Core.


    Whether they''re real people or not, Aldrin had no idea. However, since there''s a clear stat on how efficient the hunter is, they''re most likely not real. The same for the Small Merchants. Either way, Aldrin being a realist wouldn''t believe that they''re real unless he saw them with his own eyes.


    Going by that efficiency, he already secured a profit of 440 IDLE Points for 1 Hunter even if a Monster Core didn''t show up. But if he accounted for the 5% chance, close to an additional 650 IDLE Points income would be added.


    And by spending enough IDLE points to buy 10 of them, his Idle Shopping income increased to almost more than 20,000 points per day.


    His next objective for that feature was to reach the threshold of 25 Hunters. The first increase in Scale Price increment would start at that point so¡­ he hadn''t planned on buying more than that unless he desperately needed more passive IDLE Points.


    As for the Idle Storage, by making it a habit to use the booster 18 hours a day, he successfully expanded the Essence Storage to 5500. However, that became his current limit.


    With the dwindling number of insects due to the sealed lairs and cradles, the corpses he could acquire for Essences also dwindled. If kept using the booster, he''d be left with no more insects to burn.


    Nonetheless, because of how he focused on clearing the Dungeons, he kept on crafting Essence Grenades and Allcure Elixir earning him a stack of more than 25 pieces for each of them.


    Aldrin didn''t touch the unlocked Upgrades yet for the bonus he''d receive from that was too minimal.


    There''s the Essence Furnace Efficiency that adds 1% more efficiency while costing 1000 Essences right off the bat and the Unit Core Experience Boost that also adds 1% more experience points while costing 1000 Essences.


    Upon clearing 12 Dungeons, he didn''t turn all the Monster Cores into units yet. Two Guardian Ants and two Spider Sentinel were enough for him. That way, he could alternately use them. Guardian Ant on Broodmother''s Cradle and Spider Sentinel on Ant Queen Lair.


    Consequently, he received a Broodmother Egg after clearing the first cradle through the hidden mechanic and an Ant Queen Egg after clearing the first lair through the same hidden mechanic; by killing the Ant Queen that was hidden in one of the passages before the Ant Champions showed themselves.


    Unfortunately, Aldrin had no idea when they would hatch. The two eggs were placed in a Special Zone inside the Idle Storage and through the IDLE Database, he was informed that they''ll be different from the Units he could summon. Those two breeders of their race would be bound to him as soon as they hatched and they''d become a tool for him to use for his further conquest.


    Doubt naturally filled his mind upon reading that. However, with no other avenue to get an explanation, he chose to just wait for the time of their hatching before confirming. If they would be a threat to him, he wouldn''t hesitate to cut them down himself.


    Lastly, there are also the rewards that he received from each dungeon. The first two gave him the Winterthorn and Obsidian Blaster. The next four dungeons gave him four different Grade 2 Weapons that correspond to his four Dimensional Clones, a Saber for Striker, a Shield for Tank, a Bow for Hitter and a Spear for Poker. For the last six, they''re also different kinds of Grade 2 Weapons. There''s a hammer that Tank could use readily and a dagger for Hitter in case an enemy managed to creep closer to it. The other four, Aldrin stored them for future use. Either for his Shadow Clones or new Dimensional Clones.


    And with all of that out of the way, Aldrin''s converted IDLE Points had passed the 100,000-mark after converting 60,000 points for the past 4 days.


    [Total IDLE Points converted: 114,690]


    Upon reaching that, the number of Shadow Clones he could summon simultaneously reached four. However, he''s still a few IDLE Points away from reaching the late Stage 1 Energy Refiner.


    From how he felt his body, he had yet to expand the Energy Channels from his neck up.


    Only after completely expanding them would result in him reaching the late Stage.


    As for reaching peak Stage 1, It would involve him filling up his Energy Quintessence as well as his Energy Channels with refined energy to the brim.


    Aldrin could only estimate the total cost for doing that after reaching late Stage 1.


    Truthfully, his qualitative change that couldn''t deny his current progress of being a middle Stage 1 Energy Refiner had already been noticed by Irina and Janet.


    Irina only managed to catch on to that change because of how she''s always sticking close to him.


    Janet, however, called him out in secret and tested him herself as part of her goal to make him the number 1 Trainee.


    The reason that no one could find him out easily was because of his spherical Energy Quintessence. Just like how it was easy for him to be enlightened with a Concept, his control over the leak of his refined energy was also being aided by it.


    -


    -


    "This is the last day of your Metadome Lessons. I have watched your progress in it and suffice to say, I''m satisfied with the results you''ve shown." Janet stood before them once more inside Block J. "Satisfied is the lowest evaluation in my vocabulary though. And today is your last chance to change that. If you''re successful in changing this evaluation I just gave you, expect something good for the next part of this Training Camp."


    With a wide grin on her lips, Janet successfully stirred the hearts of her trainees, except Aldrin, of course.


    He was already informed by Janet last night about everything after all.


    Compared to the past few days, the white Training Metadomes were already nowhere in sight, in place of it, five large metal containers the size of a Metadome were standing behind Janet.


    With the metal containers showing different emblems of the organizations that they joined in, Aldrin and the other four easily guessed what''s inside those containers.


    "Alright, stop jumping in place, you''re not kids that''s being handed down an ice cream. Caroline, you first."


    Janet calmed them down before calling to the glasses girl who immediately stepped forward, her shoulders moving up and down from excitement.


    Aldrin found that rather amusing. For the past week that they spent as part of the group, Caroline could be considered a quiet girl who seldom gets excited over things. Most of the time she''d just listen to them talking.


    ''That''s the magic of being given a Metadome, huh? Even if their families can buy them one, given that most of them had already amassed some fortune, it''s still a different feeling if it''s from their own efforts.'' Aldrin concluded as he watched the girl receive some kind of key from Janet.


    After pushing a button from it, the left-most container slowly opened, revealing a standard model of a Federation''s Metadome. It still had the emblem of the organization she joined but apart from that, Caroline was more than happy to see that the five-meter tall yellow-painted Metadome was already equipped with a large round shield.


    Being assessed as a Defense-type, that''s what she picked as an additional module for her Metadome according to her contract benefits.


    "Alright. Stop ogling something that''s not yours, here, Frederic. Don''t be too excited, you''ll all get your turn."


    Amused by her trainees'' reactions, Janet reminded them as she called for the next one to be granted his Metadome.

 Chapter 97 - A Proposition

    Two days ago, Janet brought a member of the Refiner''s Association regarding the Metadome that would be granted to Aldrin.


    Curious that he had to be sought for as simple as handing out the specs of his standard model Metadome, Janet was surprised upon reading a part of the clause regarding that on Aldrin''s contract. "Have I been duped by that old man and Aldrin?"


    That''s the first doubt that sprouted in her mind. She was certain that it''s her doing that Aldrin signed on to the Association. However, upon knowing that his contract involved him getting two free additional modules, Janet racked her brains and eventually confronted Aldrin.


    With her usual high and mighty attitude as his ''elder sister'', she had him spit out if he tricked her or not.


    "I have no idea what you''re talking about, elder sister. But it''s true. The Association''s offer was more generous than the other four. When you found me, I was already deliberating whether to take it. It''s not tricking you if you yourself offered to clear the favor, right?" Aldrin answered with a wide grin on his lips.


    Annoyed, Janet put him under her pressure. However, after thinking about it, it was truly her who got so full of herself. "Good. Good, little brother. You''re making this elder sister of yours proud. Grow up soon so it won''t be bullying if I beat you up!"


    Now back to the present, Aldrin and Janet stood side by side as they watched the other four excitedly operate their Metadomes.


    "Why have you stopped? Are you that bored with your special Metadome? Do you want me to pull out the modules first? That way, you''ll be the same as them." Janet pointed at the kneeling Metadome behind Aldrin. He had just jumped out of it after testing it for a few minutes.


    It''s the standard model just like the other four but after having it painted in ash-black color while equipped with a one-handed sword, a blaster and a jet engine on its legs. The weapon was something included with the package, much like how the others got their own weapons equipped; For Caroline, a shield. For Frederic, spiked gloves. For Irina, a pair of curved blades. And for Clark, a spear.


    As for the blaster or specifically a Material Blaster and the jet-engine or a Maneuver Assistance, they''re the two modules he picked.


    The others already ordered new modules to be installed in their Metadomes in preparation for tomorrow. They had the money for it, after all.


    "You must be joking, elder sist¡ªInstructor. I just want to get a better view of their skills. Tomorrow, you''ll send us inside a Rift. I want to grasp the capabilities of their Metadomes, that way, I will have an idea how to lead them." Aldrin answered. Although that''s only half the truth.


    "Is that really it? Or are you trying to be considerate of them? Your progress is unprecedented. You might truly have a chance to outdo that Primary City boy."


    "Perhaps, that''s a part of it. But elder sister, can you come to my room later? I have something to confess." Aldrin changed the subject along with his voice turning serious.


    He might''ve decided to take it as a challenge. However, just in case he failed, he had to at least share what he knew with someone else.


    Nonetheless, he''s not someone who''d just run to his death. That''s why he decided to prepare to catch Carlos.


    "Confess? What the hell?! Aren''t you dating that girl? And what about Renissa?"


    Totally misunderstanding the meaning of his words, Janet took a step back away from him and rubbed her shoulders as if she got the chills from what he said.


    Seeing that, Aldrin''s face didn''t even falter and just answered him just as calmly but still with the hint of seriousness he showed.


    "That''s not the only meaning of confession, elder sister. And you''re aware of the nature of my relationship with Irina."


    "Tsk. As I thought, I don''t particularly like you. Ever since you showed up in the Association, that always calm demeanor you have is too irritating. Why do you always look like you have everything in order?"


    "Oh! Thank you very much."


    "That''s not a compliment, you idiot! Anyway, whatever it is you''re going to confess, it better be worth my time."


    "It sure will. It''s something big, look forward to it, elder sister." Ending it at that, Aldrin put on a smile as he stepped away and turned his focus back on the other four.


    He was already aware that Carlos would also come with them to the maintained-type Dimensional Rift. The middle-aged man who was the trigger to the Southern District disaster would be able to get away after that trip.


    Inside that Dimension, Aldrin chose to enact his plan to catch him by defeating him.


    As to how he would do that, Aldrin hinged it upon the result of his dive into the Small Insect Colony later. If it didn''t go as well as he planned, that''s where Janet would come in.


    -


    -


    After a week of lessons that involved them getting beaten up by the guest Energy Refiners or even by Janet herself, the rest of the bunch naturally found it liberating to have been granted their own Metadomes.


    The hard work they put in for training themselves in it would finally be put to use and sure enough, the things they learned were instantly being applied as they showed off their techniques while also showcasing their completed Concepts.


    It''s the 10th day ever since the start of the camp and the former newbies had long been shaped into becoming a full-fledged Energy Refiner.


    Apart from Aldrin, Frederic had also started showing signs that he''s about to breakthrough from being an early to middle Stage 1.


    Irina somewhat stagnated because of how she always clung to Aldrin. And the same could be said for Clark, he kept on glancing over the girl.


    As for Caroline, she''s steadily improving.


    "Frederic and Irina. Go and spar against each other! Then Clark and Caroline. Try to break each other''s defenses! Don''t hold back. Compared to the Training Metadomes, as long as your Metadomes aren''t scrapped, it can still be repaired."


    Their instructor, Janet commanded while watching from below with her arms crossed. Her long red hair fluttered behind her as she keenly watched them.


    On her side, Aldrin was standing by, still watching and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of her group mates.


    He had a preview of how strong the creatures inside that Rift were. Furthermore, they had also been provided with information accumulated by the Fortress regarding it. Despite years of existing, the truth of the matter was that they had yet to explore the whole Dimension completely.


    Even with Metadomes to assist them, there are just too many creatures inside the Dimension.


    And from the IDLE Database''s scan, Aldrin was aware that there''s something called the Fragment Core. Although it was stated that he could conquer the Dimension if he retrieved that, there''s no precedence to that.


    He''s still as blind to the true nature of the Rifts and the Dimensions where different creatures lived.


    After around two hours, the four from his group stopped their sparring session where no clear winner was determined.


    According to his analysis, Frederic might be the second strongest among their group but Irina''s Concept could lull his rampaging strength.


    The girl had perfected the utilization of her Concept that''s called as simple as Brain Freeze. It sounded like what one would experience if they suddenly drank or ate something extremely cold but it''s different. Her Concept was just the literal meaning of it, it could freeze her target''s thought process. The effectiveness depends on one''s mental strength so it''s not that great to use against those who always had a clear head but for Frederic who''s a battle maniac, it''s highly effective.


    As for Frederic, his Concept, Steel Arms was also in its literal meaning. When he used it on his Metadome, the Metadome''s hardness and durability would be enhanced. Irina''s curved blades could only leave dents to it.


    Being the two Attack-types of their group, if they could complement each other''s abilities then they''d be somewhat invincible.


    Then there''s Clark and Caroline. Caroline could be the main tank, using a gaming term. Her shield and her Concept allowed her to endure a lot of direct hits. Clark couldn''t take the same role. He has his spear and he''s quick in his foot even when using a Metadome. He''s the one most suitable to roam around for scouting or kiting. He could also become a great aid when they''re surrounded.


    After taking note of all of that, Aldrin then took note of his own role. The Support.


    "Elder sister, I have a proposition."


    "What?"


    "Let me spar with all four of them. All at once."


    "¡­ You. Have you gone crazy?"


    "I''m entirely sane. I just want to try something." Aldrin scanned his gaze and sure enough, his group mates heard that. He intentionally made his voice louder after all.


    Frederic''s grin and excitement instantly reappeared as if his current exhaustion suddenly vanished. Irina who''s actually planning to cling to him bit her lips before determination appeared in her eyes. Clark annoyedly clicked his tongue. And Caroline, she''s the only one worried about Aldrin. Nonetheless, knowing that he intentionally let them hear that, she also couldn''t just stand back and take it lying down.


    In essence, Aldrin''s words sounded like he''s looking down at them and he''s entirely confident that he could take them all at once.

 Chapter 98 - One Against Four

    Requesting a spar against the four other trainees in his group, Aldrin was naturally mistaken as an arrogant bastard, especially by Clark.


    As soon as Janet granted his request, Clark produced a real spear ¨C not a byproduct of his Concept ¨C as he lunged towards Aldrin.


    "Just because you won once or twice and hailed as the strongest trainee of ours doesn''t warrant you to be this arrogant! Allow me to remove that smug expression on your face! Also¡­ leave Irina alone!"


    Although his first words were valid points, his real thought still spilled out in the end. The guy was still too obsessed over his childhood friend who was more troubled than flattered by his affection.


    He picked a spear as his weapon and another spear as his Concept. That''s because of the Spear Art he trained from a young age. The Energy Refiner Lineage he hailed from was master of the spear. Picking their Concepts that could aid that certain Spear Art.


    Even if there were the cannons that could be mounted on Metadomes, they''re for a horde of Rift Monsters or those they could easily annihilate. But against experts or those similar in strength, they''d be sitting ducks if everything they knew was to fire some guns and cannons.


    Even those specializing in long-range combat would still train themselves in close combat after all.


    "Am I arrogant? If that''s what you think then so be it¡­ But, isn''t it about time to give up on Irina? She''s my woman now." Aldrin responded in kind and intentionally irked the guy further.


    With the cheapest sword in his hand, Aldrin matched Clark''s movements and met him midway. Using the sword to deflect his spear, Aldrin kicked him right in his stomach, sending him flying away.


    He requested to spar with them but it''s not because of his arrogance. He just wanted to experience it first-hand, his group''s strengths and weaknesses.


    They''re not his Dimensional Clones that were close to him in strength and he knew the dangers inside that maintained-type Dimensional Rift. The Instructors and some guest Energy Refiners would dive with them and observe them along the way but accidents could happen anytime.


    Aldrin wanted to assess everything. That way, he could act accordingly.


    Moreover, the sparring would also extend to their Metadome.


    This was just the start.


    As the other three watched Clark get sent flying in one kick ¨C which was close to a natural event by now ¨C the two women who''s somewhat reluctant at first finally understood why Aldrin requested the match.


    "Please take care of me!" Caroline brought out a small shield and a short sword as her weapon. Like a female warrior going into a war, she charged forward, her refined energy spreading in front of her.


    Unlike Clark who charged carelessly without even making use of his refined energy, Caroline didn''t forget that.


    However, Aldrin was prepared for her. After dodging to the side, he swept her up by her feet, letting her tumble down.


    And without breaking a relaxed stance, Aldrin quickly used Shadow Steps, disappearing from where he was standing.


    "What?! How did you¨C? That''s unfair, Aldrin!" Irina aggrievedly shouted her Concept was expertly dodged by him.


    Instead of answering her, Aldrin approached her from behind and ran her hand from her cheeks to her neck¡­ "Irina, this is one of your flaws. Stop being too emotional when things don''t go your way."


    The woman''s body shuddered from how easily Aldrin sneaked up on her and even touched her like that. She tried to counterattack by twisting her body but Aldrin had anticipated her next move. He already jumped away to meet the Berserker of the group.


    "This is great! This is the extension of our duel!" Frederic enthusiastically shouted as his fist that''s covered with a gauntlet clashed against Aldrin''s sword.


    Among the four, Aldrin''s understanding of Frederic was the highest.


    The guy was like an open book after all. All he had going for him was his unnatural strength and battle instincts that were seemingly unnatural.


    "Nope. This isn''t a duel, Frederic. It''s a group fight. All four of you, against me. If this is all you can show then¡­ We''ll surely fail tomorrow."


    Aldrin raised the volume of his voice, letting all four of them hear it. Following that, he mercilessly threw a punch using his left hand.  It didn''t have that much of a force but Aldrin pushed Frederic back a few steps, giving him breathing space.


    Clark and Caroline had already recovered. Irina was already getting ready to rush at him once more.


    But even when Aldrin landed in the middle of them, none of the four moved. Instead, they all looked at each other.


    Aldrin''s words struck a chord with them. It''s not a one-on-one fight. But what they just did was strike at him one by one. And sure enough, all of them fail to even let him break a sweat.


    Aldrin knew that he''s not an Instructor like Janet who could easily point out their mistakes. That''s why he had to do it this way.


    Furthermore, he decided to firmly take the helm in their group. And most importantly, to showcase something new for their eyes.


    "Great, you all seem to have woken up and understood this situation. Call me arrogant or what but¡­ I am confident that I will beat all four of you. That''s why. I want you to take me down. Take me down as a group!" Aldrin shouted before his refined energy leaked out of his body, following that, from his own shadow, a clone rose. "While all of you are still trying to comprehend your first Concept, I have successfully gained enlightenment to a second one. It''s a simple clone but¡­"


    As his voice trailed. The Shadow Clone moved and targeted Caroline.


    "¡­ it''s half as strong as me." Aldrin ended his sentence and likewise, his body blurred and reappeared in front of Irina.


    "Do you understand what I mean?"


    As he threw that question to the girl in front of him. The Shadow Clone that was now holding the same sword as Aldrin lashed out at Caroline.


    "We understand, dammit!"


    The one who answered that was Frederic. He quickly moved from where he was standing to aid Caroline.


    The woman raised her small shield to block the Shadow Clone while at the same time, utilized her Concept. With that block of barrier, the Shadow Clone was pushed back.


    And with Frederic waiting for his chance, his fist blackened as it hit the unstable Shadow Clone blasting it away with his punch.


    "Not all of you seemed to understand it." Aldrin shook his head, a little disappointed. Because while in that few seconds that Caroline and Frederic successfully coordinated, the woman in front of him remained stuck staring at him. "Irina. Stop being mesmerized. Aren''t you going to become a strong Energy Refiner? Had I attacked you, you''d already been dead with that lapse in judgement. I don''t have your Concept but it looks like you''re the one hit by it."


    It''s the second time that he pulled his fist back against Irina. Perhaps, it was in consideration of their ''fake'' relationship or it was to wake her up through words.


    Fortunately, with that sermon he just gave, the woman blinked her eyes and suddenly paled. That just meant that it finally dawned on her.


    She was about to respond to him when a spear flew from the side and passed by in between their close faces.


    "You! Stay away from her!"


    Aldrin turned his head to the side and sure enough, there''s Clark, running towards him to save the damsel in distress in his eyes.


    He probably thought that Aldrin was about to kiss Irina when in fact, that''s not the case at all.


    "And you, you''re too slow! You should''ve run towards her as soon as possible!" Aldrin once again moved and met him midway. This time, a punch to his abdomen was in order.


    Although he tried to block him, the impact alone was enough to lift him off the ground.


    "It''s fine if you don''t want to play in your role as the defense-type. However, you better hasten your judgement of the situation. Don''t you want to protect her? If it''s not me, Irina would''ve already been dead twice!"


    Aldrin shouted his lesson once more while looking down at the guy.


    A moment later, he dodged the two curved blades that were threatening to slash at him from the back.


    Irina finally regained her senses.


    Just like this, Aldrin fought against the four, pointing out their mistakes and at the same time, forcing them to work together.


    Watching all of those from the side, Janet was actually stopping herself from applause or showing a sign of appreciation. "What the hell is wrong with that guy? I''m their Instructor but he''s more of an Instructor like this than me!" Her inner voice shouted in her mind.


    What she initially thought was a lucky guy who awakened during a disaster turned out to be more of a freak than that lucky girl who brought him in.


    At this point, there''s no way to attribute that to his spherical Energy Quintessence.. What he''d shown this time was something only a veteran on a battlefield could do. "What other surprise will he show within the next two weeks?"

 Chapter 99 - Cooperation

    As seconds passed, the explosion of refined energy, as well as the dust cloud slowly covering the field, brought forth changes in the situation.


    Aldrin, who originally divided the four into two groups using his Shadow Clone Concept, was now face-to-face against them.


    Caroline and Clark took the vanguard position as the two readied themselves to receive Aldrin''s next move. And behind them, Frederic and Irina decided to coordinate their attacks to at least get a clean hit against their seemingly invincible adversary.


    "Mhm¡­ You''re learning but¡­ You shouldn''t have compressed like that!" Aldrin disappeared once more along with his Shadow Clone.


    Caroline and Clark thought he''d blink in front of them. Caroline raised her shield to deflect whatever kind of attack he would throw and Clark instinctively thrust his spear forward.


    Unfortunately, Aldrin''s currently hateful face didn''t show up, instead, it''s the Shadow Clone.


    "Eh?!"


    "Wait! Behind you¡ª!"


    Clark immediately looked behind but his warning came late. Aldrin''s arm hooked around Irina''s neck and the muzzle of his pistol pressed against her temple.


    "Unfortunately, you''re all focused that I will always do frontal attacks. Plus, you all disregard my Shadow Clone. With this, I win once more." Aldrin said as he pulled Irina away from the other three just in case Frederic or Clark thought that they still had a chance to turn the situation around. Furthermore, through their skin contact, he''s disrupting Irina''s refined energy with his own to interrupt the activation of her Concept.


    "That''s enough." Interjected Janet. She clapped her hands once, taking the five''s attention and pulling them out of their current state.


    "That makes this sparring to be three wins in a row in favor of Aldrin. It''s enough chances and I bet you learned a lot from him. Don''t be disheartened though. It''s not that you''re all weak and slow. That guy has just become that strong during the first ten days of this Training Camp. He''s literally bullying all of you in the guise of raising your cooperation."


    Aldrin wryly smiled at that explanation. But he didn''t deny it. He''s approaching the late Stage 1 while the other four were still lying around the early Stage 1. Their current most notable feat was getting the ''Satisfied'' evaluation from the Metadome Lessons as well as completing their first Concept.


    Every day, he''s accumulating experience in a battlefield that''s pitting him against a horde of enemies as well as the near-impossible task to survive against a Champion that, in his estimate, was as strong as a Stage 3 Energy Refiner.


    If not for his cheat that could multiply his prowess by paying IDLE Points, it would only be a miracle if he could last for a few seconds or just enough to run towards either the Broodmother or Ant Queen during the last Wave or the last minute of the Challenges from both types of Dungeons.


    Only when he purchased the next tier of multiplier one time which cost him additional 6000 IDLE Points did he able to barely match against their strengths. And even with that, he had to use his wits and his experience fighting them over and over to overcome that challenge.


    ''In here, I can only bully these guys and those weaker than me¡­ But what I''m aiming to beat is someone at a Stage higher than me. Talk about impossibility¡­'' Aldrin drifted off to his thoughts and lamented.


    His arm that''s holding onto Irina gradually loosened. However, instead of leaving his hold, the woman actually turned the situation into something else. She lowered her arms and let her body weakly lean against Aldrin.


    When Clark saw that, on top of being frustrated from the truth Janet had just uttered, he got another critical blow seeing the woman he''s chasing after for years be that intimate to someone else. In his rage, he stomped his foot on the ground and turned around to prevent himself from witnessing Aldrin and Irina be all over each other.


    Sadly for him, that reaction mostly went unnoticed.


    And seconds later, after gathering near Janet once more, Irina raised a question, something that everyone, including Janet, was probably wondering. "Aldrin, when did you get enlightened to another Concept?"


    As he had already expected that question, he had an answer prepared for it.


    "Can we keep this a secret? I want to make it my trump card¡­ I only showed it to you guys for that purpose; beating you and nailing that point in your heads that we''ve been neglecting cooperation for our adventure into the Dimensional Rift tomorrow."


    "It''s only natural that we have to keep it a secret! I mean, you can even choose not to answer me. Sorry if I tried prying into your secret."


    "Well, I don''t think I have to keep it from you. I bought it the day you confessed to me. And thanks to my spherical Energy Quintessence, I successfully got enlightened to it."


    Aldrin showed the whites of his teeth as he smiled. He got paid millions by the girl, so, aside from getting a reason that could cover up his decision to get another Concept, it''s also his way to deliver his end of the deal. To purge whatever affection Clark has left for Irina and have the guy give up completely.


    "Hmm. Can I interpret that as something you did for me?" Irina''s eyes twinkled in joyous glint, her smile reaching from ear to ear.


    "You can say that. I can use it to protect you if things come down to it."


    "Aldrin, thank you!"


    Whether that''s also an act on her part, Aldrin had no idea.


    However, with that kind of assistance from the woman, Janet and the others from the group had accepted that explanation as to the truth. Even though Janet and Frederic were shuddering from the cringe that they witnessed.


    Caroline whispered ''How nice'' with a twinge of envy while Clark''s gloom darkened further.


    For the following minutes after that where it''s the second round of sparring wherein they''re going to use the Metadome themselves, their cooperation was further polished by Aldrin and Janet''s timely inputs where he lacked.


    And as he had expected, Clark, despite the gloom and hate that''s probably covering his mind, elected to do something to take Aldrin down a peg.

 Chapter 100 - Uncertain Future

    Thirty minutes later, Aldrin finally lost against them by holding back at the last minute. He decided that there''s no point holding someone else as a hostage again or damaging their Metadome heavily just because it could be repaired in time for tomorrow.


    His purpose to spar with them was clear. To gauge their abilities. That way, he could act out his role, if need be, for tomorrow.


    They had certainly improved in the way that Aldrin found it harder to sneak in. Besides, an Energy Refiner''s Concept, after being channeled to the Metadome, couldn''t be fully replicated.


    The fact that it''s considered as a specialized vehicle remained.


    The Shadow Clone of his Metadome was a lump of imperfections. Although it could perform what he intended for it, its overall prowess was only around 50% of its original.


    With Aldrin''s request done, Janet took back the helm as the hailed Instructor of their group.


    She returned to the topic of their evaluation.


    The means to change it was presented to them.


    "It''s great that you got a little bonding time through Aldrin. However, stop forgetting that this is your last day for this lesson. I''ll thoroughly change your perception to how easy you all had it for the past week." declared Janet.


    At every word that she said, the pressure she was radiating increased.


    And by the time her last word reached Aldrin''s ears, he saw a wide Spatial Pocket or rather a Spatial Storage manifesting behind the woman.


    From inside that storage, a crimson-red Metadome was pushed out. It''s not the same as their standard models. From the knowledge Aldrin acquired, the crimson Metadome that''s at least 7-meters tall was part of the Grade 2 Models.


    It''s created by a harder but lighter metal alloy, a sturdier and more efficient engine, and lastly, a wide array of modules that could be installed on it.


    "Hold onto your jaws and keep them in place. I''m not flaunting my ''better'' Metadome. This is a necessary procedure for your final evaluation as Metadome Operators."


    Although she said that, Janet had her chin raised as she was clearly amused at their reactions, especially Aldrin''s.


    "That''s right. I''ll be using this one this time. However, if you''re thinking I will spar against you¡­ You best drop that notion." Janet climbed up in her Metadome and seconds later, the hulking crimson-painted ''specialized vehicle'' woke up and stood tall before them.


    "Just in time¡­ These dividing walls that separated you from the rest of the groups will be removed. Stop dawdling and get back to your Metadomes!"


    Janet''s voice rang out, awakening all five in their sudden stupor.


    From what was listed in the Idle Shopping, that Grade 2 Metadome Model that Janet produced was called AF2-8 or in how it''s commonly called, the ''Armada''. It''s a model specializing in close-ranged combat.


    Although every model was capable of being used in long or closed range, the manufacturers and Metadome Architects would naturally draw up different types of them.


    Despite being considered a ''specialized vehicle'' Metadome was a necessity for every Energy Refiner.


    Naturally, the higher the grade, the better the performance.


    If Janet truly sparred with them using that, they''d be defeated in no time. Janet was already ahead of them in terms of Energy Refiner progress, if a better Metadome was factored in then¡­ that''s game over.


    A while later, the five who once again jumped inside their Metadomes lined up behind Janet''s Armada.


    Following that, they watched as the walls that were put in place lowered, revealing the wide field once more.


    And as Aldrin had expected, the other groups were the same as them. Eyeing the number of standard models that come in different colors, those operating a better model were the Instructors of each group.


    Along with Janet''s lead, they marched off and approached the nearest group. The ones from Block I.


    "¡­ Ugh. Armada, huh? Isn''t this unfair?"


    The voice of the Instructor from that block depressingly asked. His Metadome model was clearly inferior to Janet''s.


    "You should''ve asked your organization for a better pay, you know? Besides, how can you cry unfair when we''re just flaunting what we have." Janet replied in kind, her voice somewhat laced with slight elation.


    As Aldrin heard that exchange from them, he finally guessed what they''re about to do.


    It wouldn''t involve them fighting Janet. Instead, they''re going to test their mettle against the neighboring block''s trainees.


    And sure enough, after a small bantering between Janet and the Block I''s Instructor, Janet called on them as she boasted about their prowess. Likewise, the trainees from the other side were lifted up by that Instructor''s words.


    Following that, the expected naturally happened.


    Aldrin''s decision to polish their cooperation came in handy.


    As it turned out, a lesson about cooperation was intentionally not taught to them.


    The final evaluation was supposed to be the stage for that.


    Pitting the group against another group, they''re expected to learn and polish their cooperation to best their opponents.


    The result easily became obvious.


    With Aldrin''s lead, Block J easily triumphed against Block I whose cooperation was primitive.


    The Block I Instructor called foul but with a simple playing of a recording which showed Aldrin''s request to spar against the four cleared them of that.


    In that way, Block J''s evaluation rose from Satisfied to Excellent. Netting them a fairly useful advantage for tomorrow''s next stage of the Training Camp.


    -


    -


    Later that night, Aldrin returned to his room after sending Irina to hers. The girl began capitalizing on their ''fake'' relationship, using that to get closer to Aldrin.


    In any case, despite Aldrin noticing that, his mind was occupied by a lot of things. Even Renissa, who he couldn''t contact yet, rarely came up in his mind for the past few days.


    There are the last 2 Dungeons, the fate awaiting him after Conquering that Lower Dimension. The middle-aged man Carlos and his plan to take him down. And lastly, the uneasiness in his mind concerning the likeliness of a disaster striking them once more.


    "Really, I stepped foot in this World, hoping to change my life but I feel like I''m being dragged to a deeper hole that I never knew existed¡­ Will I survive all of this?"

 Chapter 101 - Confession (1)

    Essence.


    If at first Aldrin thought that it was just a resource unique to IDLE Database, that''s where he got it wrong.


    Essence or Life Energy is just one of the different variations of the everpresent Dimensional Energy.


    After thousands of years since the migration era where humanity set off to live on different habitable planets, studies regarding the subject ¨C Dimensional Energy ¨C had obviously begun way before the three factions emerged or even the birth of the first Energy Refiners.


    However, along with the river of time that continued to cycle, the discoveries and studies made about it had slowly become a restricted topic for normal civilians.


    What Aldrin learned at school never dwelled on the topic of Dimensional Energy deeper. Letting the masses know that it''s what allowed them to continue existing was proven enough.


    No one raised a question among the normal populace even if there were some curious minds throughout the years, they either became a part of the few who kept the truth away or they disappeared without a trace. As for the common Energy Refiners, with the information provided to them by the Association or the organization they joined in, it''s also rare for someone to dig deeper.


    They''re Energy Refiners, the first thing they wanted to do was to focus on progressing through it. Perhaps only when they encountered said variations of Dimensional Energy would they start to wonder.


    Apart from Essence or Life Energy, there''s also Aether or Cosmic Energy and Void or Nether Energy.


    Despite having different names, their root remained to be the Dimensional Energy or simply ''Mana''.


    Mana became its simplified name because it was the foremost name presented for it. Nonetheless, to the majority of the population, be it a normal civilian or an Energy Refiner, it''s still called Dimensional Energy.


    Or so the book Aldrin bought from Idle Shopping said.


    While waiting for Janet to knock on his door, he thought of efficiently using his free time by buying that book to gain more insight into things that''s normally not available for everyone''s prying eyes.


    The Book was called Life Energy so it only mentioned those other variations or citing of Dimensional Energy in passing while it detailed the Life Energy that every living creature, be it plants or animals including humans and any other sorts of creatures, possessed.


    Reading through the contents of the book that got downloaded in his mind, Aldrin got a clear view of why the corpses could be melted, burned or squeezed into Essence. Even in death, the Life Energy of every living being will remain in their corpses. It also shed light on why the multi-colored energy, which was the visual representation of the Essence, could create a body for the units he could summon.


    There''s also the Essence Grenade and Allcure Elixir that he could craft. The former was the detonation of Life Energy while the latter was the utilization of Life Energy to heal.


    However, it''s still a mystery why he needed Essence to expand the Essence Storage and the Idle Storage dimension. As for the other things listed in the ''Upgrades'', Aldrin somehow understood that Essence could be required for it.


    In any case, he hadn''t finished the book yet. His mind was pulled back to reality by the knocks he was waiting for.


    A while later, Aldrin welcomed his elder sister and Instructor inside his room for the second time. This time, however, he invited her himself rather than being invaded by the woman.


    "Speak, what''s the deal?"


    That''s Janet''s first question as soon as she stepped into his room. She''s still wearing what she wore during the day or during the entirety of her time as their instructor, a stylish non-restrictive suit and skirt that captured her figure quite well.


    Her red flowing hair that was still damp as well as her slightly reddened cheeks told Aldrin that the woman had just taken a shower before coming to his room.


    He had no idea whether it was in preparation to meet him and he didn''t bother to ask. That''s not the reason why he called her after all.


    The woman remained near the door and took her stand there with her chin held high. No matter how Aldrin wrapped his head around it, she''s clearly trying to establish her position while being guarded against him.


    "Hmm? Elder sister, why do you seem so guarded? At least come in and have a seat first. We can''t talk properly if you remain here."


    "Fine¡­ So now what?"


    Janet contemplated for a moment before following his suggestion and took a seat on his bed, at the same place she sat down during her first visit. His room didn''t have any stools or chairs prepared. Not just his, every room was the same.


    "Like I said earlier, I have to confess something." Aldrin started, his voice filled with seriousness.


    And unfortunately, he still failed to notice how fidgety Janet became after hearing the word ''confess''. He somehow interpreted that as Janet trying to find the most comfortable sitting position.


    Janet gulped down and put a hand in front of her. "Hold on for a moment, Aldrin. This confession, why did you have to bring this up, now of all times?"


    ''This guy, is he this fickle? Before the Training Camp started, he''s crazy over Renissa. He''s even getting along well with his fake girlfriend. Now, he wanted to confess to me? Absolutely ridiculous! I''m his Senior, for crying out loud!''


    If only Aldrin had could someone''s mind, he would hear his esteemed elder sister shouting that in her head.


    "Why, huh? Because I believe it''s necessary before the next part of the training tomorrow."


    ''I still believe that she can be some kind of insurance if things don''t go my way. I might look pathetic for trying but still, I can''t just let things slide when he specifically infiltrated this place to kill me. If he recognized me right away, I''d probably be dead by now. I, at least, want to retaliate against him and perhaps be more informed about the mess I got dragged into.''


    Likewise, Aldrin thought to himself, still unaware that his line of thought was pointing in a different direction than Janet''s.


    He had confirmed that Carlos would also be coming with them in the Rift tomorrow. Tarrying just wouldn''t do him any good.


    "It''s improbable to delay this any longer.." Aldrin continued, rendering Janet''s lightly flushed face get a darker shade of red.

 Chapter 102 - Confession (2)

    Nonetheless, Janet recovered immediately, allowing that change in her to escape Aldrin''s notice.


    She then scrutinized the seriousness in his expression and deemed it necessary to hear him out while thinking, ''If it comes down to it, I can just reject him and comfort him right after. He needs to flush that out of his system or it''ll be dangerous for their group tomorrow. I still need him to be the best so the old man will stop giving me this hassle of a job. Who knows how many trainees have the same thoughts as this guy?''


    Janet then coughed twice to calm herself down. "Alright, go ahead, I''m listening."


    With that go signal, Aldrin sprang up on his feet and stepped forward, closer to Janet. He then intentionally locked gazes. "Thank you, elder sister! The truth is¡­ I''m the whistleblower."


    "You know Aldrin, you''re a fine man but I cannot respond to your feelings¡ªWait, come again?"  As if she had a predetermined answer, Janet replied only to be shocked in the end, her jaw dropping in the process. Soon after, embarrassment followed.


    And due to that, Aldrin finally got the gist that they''re not on the same page. ''Oh! This elder sister of mine. She thought I was about to confess to her. How the hell did she arrive at that point?''


    While his thoughts ran wild with that, he also noticed his blunder. He got so occupied that he failed to notice the signs.


    "I guess it''s my fault. It''s not that kind of confession, elder sister. I''m talking about something different. Though I also believe that you''re a fine woman on your own and someone will surely be in luck to date you."


    Aldrin added a save in the end, however, it was all too late. The woman had already been critically hit. Janet reached her boiling point.


    With her whole face flushed crimson, she let her body fall down on his bed and buried her face on its softness, as a way to escape. She thought of knocking Aldrin out, actually. However, it might disturb the whole place and they found out that she''s inside his room. That would be worse than their current situation.


    Aldrin, on the other hand, was reminded of that night upon seeing that unusual womanly reaction from her usually rough Instructor.


    ''No matter how strong or how playful she is, in the end, she''s still a normal human who can be embarrassed. I already apologized so¡­ I better continue on the main topic and spare her the embarrassment. I''ll be relying on her for help and she has already helped me a lot.'' Aldrin shook his head as he thought of that.


    A few seconds later, he took a step back and coughed twice, to clear the air before opening his mouth again.


    "Elder sister, I''ll repeat this then. I''m the whistleblower, the one who provided the audio recording to the Mayor about the true nature behind the disaster in the Southern District. If you have no idea about what it is about, I can explain it to you."


    After saying that, Aldrin stood straight and watched the woman roll around his bed until she returned to normal.


    Soon enough, Janet acted as if nothing happened and Aldrin played along with it, returning the calm in the room.


    A while later, Aldrin found out that Janet was truly unaware of the connotations of what he confessed. So, he narrated to the woman what he witnessed and everything that happened following that until reaching the current day.


    As she got infected with Aldrin''s seriousness, Janet keenly listened to him and even commented a few times.


    Since there''s no more trace of the embarrassment and the awkwardness of the earlier situation, it didn''t take long for Aldrin to finish his narration.


    As he had expected, Janet asked for the evidence that could prove what he''s claiming. With the audio file still on his phone, Janet got access to it easily.


    "Alright, I got the gist of the situation. But let me say this first, Aldrin¡­"


    "Go ahead, elder sister."


    "You big idiot! Do you want to die?! Catch him yourself?! Do you think just because you''re the most promising trainee, you have a chance against someone near late Stage 2? Don''t be so full of yourself! You¡­" Janet continuously lashed out at him until she''s out of breath.


    Although he had expected that kind of reaction from Janet, Aldrin was still overwhelmed. However, amidst those reprehensions from his titled elder sister, he picked out her concern over him. Furthermore, she''s right at everything she said.


    Even if he''s near the late Stage 1 Energy Refiner, that''s an entire stage lower than Carlos. Saying that he wanted to capture him was akin to suicide in an expert''s eyes.


    However, Janet was unaware that he had other means in his arsenal. The Guardian Ants and Spider Sentinels that he could summon using Essence. His Dimensional Clones and if that''s not enough, there''s the Essence Grenade.


    That middle-aged man isn''t a Champion. He''s a lot weaker than one. But since he''s not sure if he could apply the multiplier to himself or even to his Dimensional Clones once he dived inside that Dimensional Rift, he estimated that fighting Carlos was close to fighting a Champion in the Small Insect Colony.


    "I understand the sentiment, elder sister. But I still want to try¡­ I confessed this to you because I don''t plan on dying. If the worst comes to worst, I will be relying on your help."


    "Then why don''t we capture him right here and right now? Don''t bother risking your life. You identified him for how long already? Four days? That''s too stupid, Aldrin. You know? I''m close to disowning you as my little brother." Janet was also adamant. She didn''t believe that Aldrin had any chance at all.


    Unfortunately, Aldrin was also stubborn.


    "It''s foolish, I know. However, elder sister, when I found out that I was close to death once again, a certain emotion welled up inside me. I wanted to retaliate."


    That''s a lie. Of course. He didn''t feel any sort of emotion. For him, it''s a challenge. But Janet didn''t need to know that. As long as he could get her cooperation, Aldrin believed that his chances of emerging victorious would raise.


    That''s why Aldrin grabbed Janet''s hand and leaned closer to her as he stared straight into her eyes. Since he found out that the girl still had that bit of shame, he''s intentionally using it now against her.


    His gamble succeeded. Janet became lost as her eyes focused on her hands that''s fully enclosed inside Aldrin''s palm.


    Janet''s time stopped ever since her brother got trapped inside a Rift. Unexpectedly, the man in front of him that she selfishly took in as his little brother for fun was shaking the belief that her time would only run again upon her brother''s return.


    Aldrin had no idea what''s going on inside Janet''s mind, obviously. He relied on the woman''s minute reactions to determine that it''s effectively working.


    "Y-you stubborn little brother. Tell me your plan, quick! I''ll determine if that''s plausible.. If not, then I will capture that man tonight and be done with this foolishness!" Janet blinked her eyes and shook her head to not let another streak of red run on her face. ''I''m the Tyrant Princess, dammit! Why am I moved by this fool?''

 Chapter 103 - The Last Ant Queen Lair

    "This is¡­"


    Aldrin was flabbergasted. An unbelievable sight lay in front of his eyes upon arriving at the Royal Ant Queen Chamber.


    Not counting the almost human-like breathtaking Royal Ant Queen that was sitting upon a throne made from different insect parts as she laid her eggs down, somewhat magically in front of her, Aldrin was more concerned at what''s blocking her way towards her.


    One. Two. Three. Four. Five.


    Five Ant Champions, each one carried their own uniqueness. The last warriors of the Royal Ant Colony in this particular Lower Dimension.


    Different from the first twelve Dungeons that he successfully conquered and sealed, the last Dungeon of the Royal Ant Colony or specifically, the main lair of the Royal Ant Queen, didn''t send him to a separate Dimension that the IDLE Database prepared.


    He stepped right into its entrance after confirming the contents of the last Dungeon and killed his way to the Royal Ant Queen Chamber.


    Starting from Worker Ants that failed to run, Soldier Ants, Elite Ants, Commander Ants and the enhanced versions of them, Aldrin cut them down and sent them to the Idle Storage.


    Compared to the generated dungeons, the whole lair was wider and had more areas to clear. A bigger number of area bosses too that doesn''t drop anything except IDLE Points and their corpses. Furthermore, there''s no game mechanic to exploit anymore. He had to fight them face to face and win.


    In the end, he once again spent additional 6,000 IDLE Points for the third tier of the multiplier. That way, even when he got surrounded from all sides, ambushed and overwhelmed, he came out almost unscathed.


    With the sheer number of the remaining ants inside this last Dungeon or last lair, he gradually earned back the points he used.


    It was a bitter struggle but from how desperate they became, Aldrin somehow understood that this would be his last battle in this Dimension.


    The four automatic runs that he did during the day didn''t net him a bunch of IDLE Points anymore. Why? Because the population of the Small Insect Colony #111222 has horrifyingly dwindled to the point that the last two strongholds were the main lair and cradle of the Royal Ant Colony and Black Spider Colony ¨C Aldrin''s objective for tonight. He''s prepared to use more than one Idle Adventure run attempt to put a grand end to this first conquest.


    The other insect species either died already or went into hiding in fear of being eaten by the desperate ants and spiders or killed by Aldrin''s Dimensional Clones roaming across the land.


    "No wonder I haven''t run into any one of you. All the Champions are gathered together. Moreover, you''re not a byproduct of the mysterious program. You''re the Champions existing in this Lower Dimension." He spat as he eyed each one of them.


    Aldrin believed that every Champion that he fought and encountered during the Survival and Wave Survival challenges were all generated. Or in a wilder guess, close to his Summoned Units. They''re all generated by Essence.


    These Champions in front of him, however, were different. They''re very much alive. They were born in this dimension, grew up and became what they were today.


    Aldrin had no idea if they were forced by the IDLE Database to guard the queen rather than mix in with the ants that swarmed him earlier to sneak in earlier. If they had done that, Aldrin was far from confident to win against them.


    For Aldrin, that''s an extremely unusual behavior from them. The past few days, he could occasionally read from the status and combat logs of Idle Adventure that his Dimensional Clones encountered different champions. They would escape or if they couldn''t, they''d fight while prioritizing to save at least one to end the run.


    That''s why he suspected the IDLE Database of having a hand in this unusual situation where the supposed strongest warriors waited right at the Royal Chamber.


    "Can''t any of you talk? I recall you are capable of it." Aldrin continued.


    The Ant Champions remained standing in front of him but all of them exuded the pressure of an expert. However, with the 3rd tier of multiplier cast upon himself and his Dimensional Clones, the pressure was lower.


    Unfortunately, Summoned Units wasn''t covered by that multiplier or else, they would be great contenders against the Champions after applying that.


    As the silence reigned, Aldrin once again checked the information of the five.


    [Level 27 Ant Champion Kata (Difficulty: Beyond Impossible)]


    [Level 30 Ant Champion Ahab (Difficulty: Beyond Impossible)]


    [Level 33 Ant Champion Gonsu (Difficulty: Beyond Impossible)]


    [Level 36 Ant Champion Bogya (Difficulty: Beyond Impossible)]


    [Level 39 Ant Champion Sira (Difficulty: Beyond Impossible)]


    ''Their levels are no longer question marks but the Difficulty never changed. It''s still based on my real prowess, disregarding the buff from the multipliers. Moreover¡­ I seem to have misjudged their strengths.''


    Aldrin focused on their levels and made his conjecture. If Level 1-20 corresponds to an Ordinary Rank, then Level 21-40 corresponds to Extraordinary Rank. None of the five, even the most terrifying Ant Champion that he first sighted, was a Rare Rank.


    If anything, the strongest one might be as strong as a peak Stage 2 Energy Refiner. Compared to the generated Champions in the first 12 Dungeons, the five before him are weaker.


    With that line of thought, Aldrin''s confidence swelled up a bit. However, he popped it soon after. ''I don''t need unnecessary confidence. What I need is certainty. Certainty that I will definitely win against them and finish this.''


    "Screeeech! Foul invader. We do not. Talk to enemies. This. Not your place. Leave!"


    The gnarly screech and the broken sentences of the strongest Ant Champion reached Aldrin''s ears.


    Like he had guessed, they''re capable of speech. Nonetheless, even if didn''t connect those broken sentences, Aldrin could easily guess that he wasn''t welcome inside the Chamber.


    Why would he? Even if the ants or any other insects could kill Aldrin''s Dimensional Clones, he kept on coming back to the Lower Dimension to kill them over and over. At first, they could still see the traces of the fights and recover their bodies but now, everything that was cut down by Aldrin and his Dimensional Clones was disappearing.


    One of the two Hegemons of the dimension was reduced to the Royal Ant Queen, the Champions, the few workers and the unhatched eggs.


    "I''m sorry, but that''s not possible. I¡­ am here to conquer."


    As soon as the last word of his sentence dropped, Aldrin made his move.


    A thin anthropomorphic ant wielding what may be categorized as a katana. It''s wearing a ragged silk robe that''s woven unskillfully. That''s Kata, the Level 27.


    An unrealistic aesthetic face of a woman with antennae decked on an ant''s body. It''s not wearing anything but there''s another ragged piece of clothing draped over its insect shoulder. In its more than four insect hands, daggers glowing in oceanic blue aura or perhaps a manifestation of refined energy or Concept. Whether they''re special or not, it needs confirmation. That''s Ahab, the Level 30.


    A scorched black bulky anthropomorphic ant wielding nothing was glowing in a deep orange aura. It kept on stomping one of its ant feet that it already made a hollow on the ground. That''s Gonsu, the Level 33.


    An anthropomorphic ant with white hair growing from its head wielding a fragile-looking fan and wearing another ragged robe tied by a blade of grass on its waist. Around it, the wind rumbles violently as small lightning flashes every time it would wave its fan. That''s Bogya, the Level 36.


    And lastly, an almost human-like Ant, slightly similar to the gorgeous queen on its throne. Its body was covered by an armor seemingly made from different parts of different insects. By its side, what may be deemed as a great sword was impaled on the ground. There were no special effects around it. However, just by the pressure oozing out from its body or its level, it''s the strongest Ant Champion. Sira, the Level 39.


    After making the first move, Aldrin''s mind focused entirely on the battle. He''s once again wearing the Dark Warrior Battlesuit, making him look like a black streak dashing through the earth.


    The effects of the Battlesuit might be minimal for some, however, even a slight enhancement from channeling his refined energy to it was a welcome addition. It''s a full-body armor and an ability enhancer, only idiots would forgo equipping it.


    Pulling his mind back to reality, Aldrin eyed his target.


    As a proven strategy, he aimed at the weakest. Bringing down his enemies'' numbers was always a winning element.


    With Essence Grenade clutched in his hand, Aldrin threw it to the Level 27 Kata. The swordsman, looking Ant Champion.


    He didn''t underestimate it. He just chose to do a preemptive strike since the Ant Champions weren''t moving.


    The Essence Grenade was definitely faster than Aldrin, it''s lighter and he threw it with definite force.


    However, the Ant Champion, Kata, stood still, seemingly inhaling a long breath before holding it in.


    Moments later, Kata drew its katana in one swift motion. With the sound of the wind being slashed by something, the incoming Essence Grenade in half.


    Due to that, a premature explosion ensued, not hitting anyone.


    Before that flash of explosion Aldrin saw Kata sheathing his katana back and it stopped holding its breath.


    "Oh. Isn''t that overconfidence?" Aldrin grinned because he didn''t throw only one Essence Grenade.


    Before his voice could even reach them, another explosion bloomed and this time, it was followed by a horrified shriek.


    "That''s overconfidence, I tell you," Aldrin muttered with a smirk.. His entire focus trained towards his target.

 Chapter 104 - Against The Ant Champions

    Without hesitation, Aldrin''s refined energy churned and oozed out of his feet before it took an almost colorless hue.


    Shadow Steps!


    Using that Concept, Aldrin charged through the blossoming Life Energy explosion, ignoring the fact the four other Ant Champions were all put a target on his back, keen on preventing him from doing what he planned.


    They got careless, or rather, they hadn''t expected that Aldrin could be that crafty. Like he said, the Ant Champions who was like the pinnacle of strength among their Colony was confident that Aldrin wouldn''t be able to get past them.


    Despite the third tier of the multiplier, his own estimated strength was only around early Stage 2 Energy Refiner or a little above it. He could solo a Guardian Ant or a Spider Sentinel without the help of his Dimensional Clones or using an Essence Grenade.


    Those two were only Level 21. 6 levels lower than the weakest Ant Champion. He could certainly fight against Ant Champion Kata and defeat it along with his Dimensional Clones, however, the other Ant Champions were a different matter.


    That''s why Aldrin had to stick to his plan of reducing their numbers. And the only chance to do it was at the beginning of their battle.


    He was relieved that they didn''t attack him right away and just imposingly stood before him.


    So, to thank them for that chance¡­


    "Let me send one of you to a nice place!"


    At the same time as Aldrin shouted that, the three Dimensional Clones and the four Summoned Units; comprising of two Guardian Ants and two Spider Sentinels received their orders from him.


    ''Prevent the Champions from disrupting my kill!''


    The Spider Sentinels'' eggs that they laid when they entered this Royal Ant Queen Chamber all cracked open.


    The Spider Sentinel Spawns that Aldrin somehow dreaded to face by himself crawled towards one of the Champions. The Level 30 Ant Champion Ahab.


    Its eerie head that of a woman with antennae shriek in disgust as the spawns started climbing her insect body, halting her movements to stop Aldrin.


    They''re weak, true. However, their purpose was only for distraction. And they''re the best suited for it.


    Ahab flailed with its many daggers to cut away the spawns. However, they''re all ordered to just cover the Champion''s body. Since they''re only alive for a limited time, there''s also no reason for them to fear for their life.


    Although not the same scene, the Dimensional Clones wielding Grade 2 Weapons and Guardian Ants marked the other two Ant Champions and successfully deterred them from aiding the ant that was blasted by an Essence Grenade.


    That''s three out of four.


    The last one that they failed to keep in check was actually, the strongest. The Level 39 Ant Champion Sira!


    It showcased a speed even faster than Aldrin''s Shadow Steps. That''s even when it dragged the thick and heavy greatsword with it.


    Aldrin''s sight was still blocked by billowing smoke or the hungry fire generated by the Life Energy explosion when he felt the presence suddenly appearing in front of him.


    And along with it, the extreme sense of danger coming from his side.


    "Already?!"


    That''s all he could mutter when he hurriedly twisted his body, partly abandoning his plan to locate Kata through the IDLE Database''s information bar that showed its information as well as its pained screeching.


    "Invader. Die. You."


    At the same time as he felt his back being slashed open by a thick blade, that screeching voice of the Ant Champion Sira rang in his ears once more.


    The Dark Warrior Battlesuit had been slashed away but at least, it protected the supposed vitals of the Dimensional Clone that he''s controlling. And luckily for him, he unequipped the sixth piece gifted by Janet or else, that attack by Sira could destroy it.


    He had learned his lesson during the first Dungeon, after all. Champions were no joke. He could earn back the IDLE Points he used to buy the set of Battlesuit so it''s fine for him even if it broke and became a useless piece of junk but for the sixth piece, it''s unobtainable through the Idle Shopping.


    Nonetheless, even if he didn''t die from that attack, the pain receptor was also at 100%. Aldrin gulped down a scream of pain as vividly felt the large wound on his back that at the moment might be proven fatal due to how severe the warning began flashing in front of him.


    "No! I will not die just like this! I will finish this dungeon and conquer this Dimension!"


    Whether that was what''s truly in his mind or not, Aldrin deliriously shouted in slight frustration as he pulled something out.


    The Allcure Elixir.


    He had to survive or else¡­ the Dungeon Raid would end without him and he had no idea if he could win on his next attempt.


    Before crashing on the ground because of lost balance, Aldrin threw it in his mouth.


    [You consumed an Allcure Elixir]


    [Essence transformed into particles to accelerate regeneration to its maximum limit]


    [Consuming another Allcure Elixir within 30 minutes will cause no effect]


    Along with that notification, Aldrin felt an extreme heat burning his innards even if it was Poker''s body. Moments later, the pain and the feeling of the open wound at his back gradually disappeared.


    By the time he felt his knees crashing on the ground, Aldrin''s head hurriedly moved to locate his target.


    As soon as his eyes caught sight of the writhing ant along with the information bar showing its name and level, Aldrin pulled out another weapon from his Spatial Pocket.


    The Obsidian Blaster.


    With his accuracy near perfect when using it, Aldrin aimed the gun and unhesitatingly pulled the trigger, shooting Kata before it could even think of struggling onto its insect feet.


    Not only that, Aldrin once again used Shadow Steps, racing along the bullet shot by Obsidian Blaster to reach the blasted ant. And by using the Winterthorn, a crescent blade of shadow slashed its body.


    And if that''s not enough or he''s just hurrying himself before Sira could notice that he survived, Aldrin also used Ripple, activating an unknown source of power from the Dimensional Clone he''s possessing.


    The angle of his body changed as the Winterthorn quickly changed into a downward slash, breaking into different branches as it snaked through anything it hits.


    Before Aldrin''s eyes, the effect of Winterthorn took effect as soon as the Shadow Blade slashed open its insect carapace.


    Soon after, the crisp sound of shattering ice reverberated. The bullet from Obsidian Blaster broke through its body.


    Even if Kata tried to desperately stand up and get away from where he was lying down after the blast, Aldrin''s ruthless triple attacks robbed it of that chance.


    By the time the Ripple Skill reached the poor Ant Champion, two notifications quickly blocked Aldrin''s eyesight.


    [IDLE Points +500]


    [Ant Champion Kata''s corpse has been transferred to Idle Storage]


    A lot has happened however, all of that took only a few seconds of time.


    As the corpse of the Ant Champion disappeared from his sight, Aldrin had no time to rejoice from his success.


    "INVADER!"


    Aldrin had no idea if it was a mournful shriek from Sira or not. However, one thing was definite, he better get out and retreat before the intense killing intent from the Ant Champion reached him and put an end to his goal.


    He''s in no condition to counter, dodge or even block its attack. His back was still searing with pain. The Allcure Elixir still hadn''t completely fixed his body!


    "I told you! That''s overconfidence!" Aldrin replied in kind as he dashed away.


    Taking up his place were three Shadow Clones.


    Without looking back to the fate of his three Shadow Clones, Aldrin continuously used Shadow Steps to reach the vicinity of the Spider Sentinels.


    The two huge eight-legged freaks were just starting to weave their reddish silk towards the second weakest Ant Champion.


    However, right as Aldrin cast his eye on it, a strong surge of water suddenly appeared as it swirled around it.


    And by doing so, the small Spider Spawns were washed and plucked away from its body, revealing the incensed womanly face of the Ant Champion.


    Its eyes glared at one of the Spider Sentinels before throwing the four oceanic blue daggers from its insect hands.


    Although the daggers aren''t as quick as Aldrin''s bullet, the surge of water that suddenly appeared actually originated from them.


    As they flew through the air, those swirling surges of water akin to a whirlpool shot towards the first Spider Sentinel.


    "K-KRILL!" The Ant Champion Ahab shrieked.


    Upon seeing that, Aldrin immediately backed away and sent a hurried command to the targeted Spider Sentinel.


    Unfortunately, that''s all too late.


    Because of its huge body, the four daggers homed towards its swelling abdomen.


    Without any chance to scream. The Spider Sentinel reverted back to a Core before disappearing.


    "Is that a Concept? These Champions can really use a Concept?"


    Although Aldrin was bitter about losing the Spider Sentinel, that was overtaken by his surprise from what he witnessed.


    Even if it''s not truly a Concept and just utilization of Dimensional Energy, Aldrin feared for his completion of the Dungeon.


    Reducing their numbers seemed effective at first but if every single Champion left behind could do the same thing as Ahab, they would be picked off one by one.


    "Screw this! How do you expect me to win here if they''re all monsters out of my league!" Aldrin frustratingly shouted above.. Hoping it would reach whoever bestowed him the IDLE Database.

 Chapter 105 - Failure

    Aldrin''s shout was, expectedly, left unanswered.


    He was bewildered upon seeing a manifestation of a Concept from Ahab, however, from the known history, it''s the Rift Monsters or Dimensional Creatures who were the only ones able to utilize the Dimensional Energy inside their bodies. It was also theorized that the said Energy allowed the creatures to evolve, thrive and become what they are.


    Furthermore, the concept of an Energy Refiner was envisioned from observing and studying the monsters and creatures terrorizing humanity''s settlements. Humanity couldn''t only rely on technology in defending themselves against the unexpected Rifts opening up in every planet or even in the wide cosmos.


    That''s why Aldrin''s bewilderment passed quickly after remembering those details.


    Humanity or even the strongest Energy Refiners weren''t the strongest in all dimensions, it''s the Dimensional Creatures that had an inherent ability to utilize the everpresent energy.


    Besides, Concept was just a way for Energy Refiners to utilize the energy they refined. If they could do it, there''s no reason for the Dimensional Creatures not to.


    "I was surprised. And I probably got too complacent after days of massacring the insects in this Dimension. That''s a huge blunder on my part." Aldrin defeatedly admitted to himself.


    He was fairly ecstatic when he managed to kill the first one and that made him err in his judgement. Had he properly commanded the Summoned Units, the Spider Sentinel wouldn''t die that easily. Or so he thought. But the difference in abilities and strength was the biggest factor.


    Concepts, Skills and different types of abilities are shown by the ants and spiders. They might sound and appear different but they all came from the same root.


    Dimensional Energy or Mana or whatever the other factions call it.


    "This is definitely a losing battle right at the start. I also don''t have a spare 60,000 IDLE Points for the next tier of the multiplier. That''s why I can only be real here and gamble with what''s left." Aldrin exhaled out the tension he was feeling before emptying his head of any unnecessary thoughts.


    As he surveyed the surroundings, the Level 39 Sira was the first thing he noticed. His Shadow Clones were still alive but it''s only a matter of seconds before they freed that monster.


    Ahab who had just obliterated the Spider Sentinel cast its eerie human-like eyes to the last eight-legged creature.


    Gonsu, the scorched black Ant Champion was being held down by the two Guardian Ants but like Ahab, it''s finally showing its capability on utilizing energy. Despite the huge stature of the Guardian Ants, they''re like a dwarf when it comes to the terrorizing ability of it. That one could utilize fire with the same color as its insect carapace.


    Lastly, Bogya, the second strongest among the bunch was... having a hard time


    "... Oh. They''re doing great on their own." Aldrin smiled in delight as he watched the three Dimensional Clones working together to take the Ant Champion down. Although they''re still far from it, it''s not impossible.


    The Dimensional Clones were as strong as Aldrin. They all possessed his qualities except they''re not as flexible as him. That''s the reason why he was taking the role of a Support to perfectly utilize all of their abilities whenever he''s with them.


    This time, however, that one command was enough.


    From the countless hours of them diving in the lower dimension, Aldrin finally recognized that even without his supervision, they''re capable of doing wonderful things.


    "That''s about right. Otherwise, they wouldn''t earn me that much IDLE points every day."


    After taking in the current situation of the battlefield, Aldrin decided on his next move.


    Moments later, he clenched his sword and jumped over to the location of his Dimensional Clones.


    Shadow Steps! Shadow Blade!


    Killing the first Ant Champion shattered the enemies'' overconfidence so what he had to overcome this time was the difference in strength.


    Furthermore, in a group fight where the enemies were superior to his own group, fighting as a group would only lead to one outcome. Loss.


    That''s why the current situation where they still held the numerical advantage and the superior enemies couldn''t work with each other, Aldrin just had to make sure that everything would go the way he wanted to.


    "I have to kill this one next before Sira could come to its aid. Or if that''s not plausible, I have to at least incapacitate this one and let the clones finish the job. I don''t have a lot of time."


    At that point, Aldrin already lost his shared eyesight with his Shadow Clones.


    Before long, Sira''s killing intent once again radiated towards him, putting him under immense pressure.


    But ignoring that point, Aldrin marched on to deal an incapacitating blow to the only Champion with hair as he coordinated with his Dimensional Clones.


    His Shadow Steps immediately brought him near them and the Shadow Blade that could be ejected just by simply swinging his sword swiftly approached Bogya.


    -


    -


    10 minutes later...


    [You died]


    [Dungeon clearing failed]


    [As it is the Royal Ant Queen''s Lair, the Dungeon will not reset and no Idle Adventure runs will be deducted]


    [50% of IDLE Points earned during the run will be lost]


    Aldrin''s consciousness was ejected and returned to his body. As he looked at the notification covering the phone screen, he bitterly smiled.


    "In the end, I still lost."


    He followed through with his plan. The Level 36 Ant Champion was incapacitated as he intended.


    However, the strongest Ant Champion was just too strong for him. Despite the multipliers, equipment and any clever tricks he prepared, they''re all proven useless


    "Is it its strongest ability or just its raw strength? I couldn''t see it clearly. I got cut down helplessly."


    As he recalled the details of the fight, Aldrin tried to analyze what the Ant Champion did that made him lose.


    He was about to face it along with Tank and Hitter. His Essence Grenade ready to be thrown, his Shadow Clones ready to deter it for a second time.


    However, the armored Ant Champion blasted them all away with one swing.


    His vision blackened and before he knew it, his consciousness returned to his body.


    "I still have four chances but I doubt I can win against that one yet. Not without any Summoned Units. I used up the Essences I stored by summoning those four and even if I set the Idle Adventure there, there are not enough insects to kill... Then, there''s no other choice. I have to postpone this goal of clearing it until we return from the Rift."


    Aldrin accessed the IDLE Database once more and changed the Idle Adventure''s target Dimension.


    Drawyz Domain #5.


    The name of the maintained-type Dimensional Rift that they''re also going to dive in tomorrow.


    "I will be stronger when I return as long as nothing goes wrong in this expedition. Or the challenge I planned to face. By then... Ant Champion or Spider Champion will just become another challenge for me that I can certainly overcome."


    Aldrin muttered at the same time as he started the 2nd run. The monsters there were definitely stronger than the ones in the Small Insect Colony but compared to the trial run he did once, he had grown even stronger than before.


    That''s why he''s fairly confident that they could now properly hunt there.


    Unless, they got mistaken for another type of creature by the Energy Refiners inside.


    -


    -


    As the morning arrives, Aldrin was once again waited by Irina at his door. Taking the route towards the cafeteria, he noticed that everyone they passed by was on edge. Including the woman hugging his arm.


    "What''s wrong, nervous for what''s about to come?"


    "Uh. Obviously. You''re the weird one, Aldrin. Why do you look so calm?"


    "... It''s not that I''m calm. I just prepared myself mentally last night."


    Aldrin lied. He''s calm because he knew what to expect inside it. Not that he could tell her that.


    Moreover, since everyone was on edge and nervous, he decided to just create an excuse for his behavior.


    "No wonder you''re the best trainee." Irina sighed defeatedly before also copying Aldrin''s calm demeanor.


    After their quick breakfast, the supposed leader of the Training Camp once again gathered every trainee on the wide field. Next to them, their Metadomes were all lined up.


    "It''s time for the next stage of this Training Camp! We gave you Concepts, trained your physical capabilities and taught you how to operate your Metadome. This time, however, we''re going to send you to a real battlefield. A battlefield that every Energy Refiner would have to go through."


    "Now, I know a lot of you are nervous. That''s normal. But never let it be the reason why you die. That''s just too disgraceful, you know? If you have the time to be nervous, first look at your comrades. We grouped you up so that you could depend on each other. You could trust each other''s backs. And together, you could pass this part of the Training."


    With his voice reverberating on the field, the gloomy faces of the other trainees slowly lit up as the nervousness turned to excitement.


    However, none of them knew that what awaited them would be a week of a nightmare.

 Chapter 106 - Change

    Ten minutes of long speech later, the leading Instructor from the City Hall finally finished before the raised morale of every trainee went back down because of too tedious a task to listen to him. He was very roundabout with his words that most of its contents were fillers. If not for that, everyone would be delighted to hear more.


    Janet and the other Instructors were all standing in front of their respective trainees. As for the five guest Energy Refiners, they''re standing behind the leader of the Training Camp.


    Since Irina and the others were a little confused after that speech, Aldrin summarized it for them along with some of the information leaked by Janet.


    Janet didn''t mind it. In fact, she allowed him to do so before she left his room last night. She still has that goal to make Aldrin the top trainee after all. As for the result of their talk last night, given that Carlos was among the five guest Energy Refiners, it went well.


    The Expedition to the Dimensional Rift will serve as the last part of the Training Camp.


    They will stay there for a total of 20 days; Concept and Metadome Training took 10 days.


    However, those 20 days will be divided into four different parts.


    For the first part. They called it Base Building.


    Giving them five days of time, the Lonewind City Trainees will not be divided into groups yet. Instead, they''ll be sent to a set destination where they have to build their base of operations inside that Dimension. They''ll be given the necessary construction materials to build it of course. But they have to carry it with them. So it would be the whole camp''s effort to finish that task.


    Even if they failed or they hadn''t finished the construction in five days, the second part would start as soon as the sixth day started.


    They will be given a target area infested with Rift Monsters to clear with the use of their Metadomes. Whether they work as a whole camp or just as a group it doesn''t matter.


    The Camp organizer will place a system that counts each trainee''s contribution points. As to what every contribution point entails or what they can get from ranking high in points, it will be revealed when it starts.


    The second part, also called Area Clearing, would also last for five days.


    Next, the third part, also called Race to the Top, would be the start of their competition against the trainees from two other cities; Paleheart City and Inkdragon City. As for the specifics, that would be provided based on the result of the second part. Given that it''s called Race to the Top, Aldrin has a few guesses on what they''re going to do.


    The fourth part, however, can be skipped. It will be allocated to be the trainee''s free time or rather, their chance to be given a taste of freedom as an ordinary Energy Refiner not bound by anything.


    The first three parts or the fifteen out of the twenty days left for the Training Camp would be observed and regulated by the Instructors and the guest Energy Refiners. The last five days, it would depend on the trainees whether they wanted to stay and try hunting for a living inside it.


    That''s what it meant to be given freedom.


    Apparently, entering and hunting inside that maintained-type Dimensional Rift isn''t free. There''s an entry fee and there''s even a tax being collected by the Fortress or the government.


    After those 20 days, whatever result they achieved inside, they''re going to return and graduate from the training camp.


    By then, they''ll stop being a trainee instead, they''ll be a full-fledged Energy Refiner of their organizations. Perhaps, they''ll be sent home or they''ll receive their first job orders.


    "That''s it. I don''t think it''s too complicated or I overly simplified it. Either way, we''re at least going to rely on each other for the most part. There''s a Best Group Award, am I right?" Aldrin finished his summarization and addressed Janet who scowled at his question.


    "It''s not Best Group but the Most Outstanding Group of Trainees!"


    ''Isn''t that the same?'' Aldrin and the other four thought in concert.


    "Oh. I understand! If we become the Most Outstanding Group, Instructor Janet will also get recognition." Irina said as she raised her hand to put out a guess.


    And she''s not wrong. Because Janet acknowledged with a pat on Irina''s head. "That''s right¡­ I will also not come home empty-handed. Show them the might of Tyrant Princess'' trainees."


    As simple as she was, Janet was still a renowned Energy Refiner with her own title. Her current Stage was unknown, however, since the current Training Camp was the first time in five years where she showed herself once more.


    Aldrin had noticed her popularity for the last 10 days in the Camp. More often, even during their Daily Trainings, Instructors from the other groups would come and ask her for advice. Some men were even inviting her out for dinner.


    Irina and the other three also noticed it. That''s why they''re more eager to learn under her.


    Just that, Aldrin also noticed that she''s not as efficient as a trainer. Sometimes she would leave out a detail. Only when one of them pointed it out would she remember it. Instead of being embarrassed, she''s laughing it off to oblivion.


    A while later, the time to leave the camp arrived.


    They were all ushered to ride their Metadomes as they wouldn''t be able to enter the Rift on foot.


    According to the information provided to them, the act of entering the Rift consists of breaking through some kind of Dimensional Energy barrier. Humans aren''t as tough as Rift Monsters.


    Energy Refiners of low stages would get their bodies crushed by the pressure of that barrier. By using a Metadome, even a normal soldier could be protected from that crushing pressure.


    When Aldrin heard that, he was further amazed by the IDLE Database. His Dimensional Clones were being sent to different Dimensions without experiencing any pressure. It could be because they''re not made of flesh and blood but still, it''s unthinkable how the mysterious program was doing it.


    Even at the moment, his Dimensional Clones sent by Idle Adventure were inside it, hunting the creatures for IDLE Points.


    He just had no idea what would happen once he entered that Dimension. Will they persist or will they disappear?


    -


    -


    While Aldrin and the rest of the Training Camp were on the way to the Dimensional Rift, the Drawyz Domain #5 was experiencing a change. A change that has yet to happen ever since the start of the Federation''s possession of it.


    Deep inside the Drawyz Domain #5, in the middle of the Dimension where a tall dormant volcano was located, a stone the size of a basketball rose from its mouth.


    It shined in deep crimson color before the Dimensional Energy in the surrounding roared like a storm surge.


    As the light of the stone grew brighter and brighter, the blue sky was gradually painted red.


    The Dimensional Creatures living inside the Drawyz Domain #5 all looked up at the sky whether they''re eating, running or fighting an invader from a Higher Dimension.


    Some of them immediately flee and hide. Some of them howled or screamed loudly while some grew furious as the once-quiet parts of the Dimension became chaotic.


    Moments later, the sky returned to its natural color as if nothing ominous happened.


    However, for the Energy Refiners who were present when that happened, panic and fear rose in their hearts.


    "What''s that? I''ve been in and out of here for two years and that never happened once." One Energy Refiner asked through his opened communication channel to his other companions.


    They''re a group of four Energy Refiners dashing through the woods using their Metadomes, following a marked destination on the map drawn for the explored areas of the Dimension.


    On their left and right, the previously timid and scared creatures were now running towards them, Dimensional Energy rumbled through their bodies.


    "Why are you asking me? That''s also the first time I''m seeing it. More than that. Those Forest Gremlins started chasing after us! They''re peaceful Extraordinary Rank creatures!" said one of them. He''s second to the last and the one nearest to those he pointed out.


    "Not just them! Look! Those Tree Sprites as well! We have to go back." said another. He''s the one taking their rear. The Tree Sprites he pointed out were dropping down from the branches above. They''re winged creatures that were originally green in color and fairly peaceful. But in his eyes, that green was now tinged in black.


    "What?! We can outrun them. Don''t be such a pussy We''re after the Cavernclaws just past these woods. That''s where we get our Credits and maybe a Core might drop too! These guys never this part so they''re not going to--"


    The one leading them and supposed to be the leader objected. However, even before he finished his sentence, a 7-meter-tall bear-like creature that''s even taller than his Metadome suddenly appeared in front of him, raised its arm and swung its arms with long sharp claws.


    It''s the Cavernclaw he''s just talking about.


    Because it''s too sudden, he failed to put a brake and just crashed into it. Dodging also became impossible as the claws dug onto his Metadome like a soft piece of metal, slicing him to death.


    There''s no chance for him to scream.


    And upon realizing what just happened, the other three speeding Metadomes quickly maneuvered to turn around.


    Alas, the Tree Sprites and Forest Gremlins blocked their way out. They tried fighting back but not even two minutes later, their screams resounded on that part of the forest.


    Similarly, the same occurrences happened at the other parts of the Dimension where the crimson sky was witnessed.


    Something changed but no one knows it yet as everyone who witnessed the crimson sky wouldn''t be able to return anymore.

 Chapter 107 - Drawyz Domain #5

    Janet continued briefing Aldrin and the others on what they needed to watch out for inside the Rift. According to her, they had to consider it as her last lesson as their Instructor. Because as soon as they stepped inside that Dimension that could never be found in the vast territory that the human race controlled, they''d be left to their own devices. Janet''s role would switch to an observer that could only move during emergencies.


    While listening to her voice that he got used to for the past ten days, Aldrin, to monitor the changes that might happen to IDLE Database once he entered the Dimensional Rift, placed his phone right in front of him.


    However, just like what happened when he tried to leave his room with his phone, IDLE Database got transferred or rather, got mysteriously installed to the Metadome''s operating system. The same icon popped up at the lower right corner of its holographic interface.


    A bit unperturbed as he somehow predicted it to happen sooner or later, Aldrin checked it and confirmed that it''s the same IDLE Database installed in his PC and his phone, giving him access to its features all the same.


    The mystery of how it happened still bogged his mind but after two instances, Aldrin''s realistic approach to it surrendered. If someone could explain to him how the godly system truly works, he believed that only its creator that he hadn''t seen yet could.


    Moving on from that, he welcomed the change. Relying on his pocket-sized phone to access it when he would be busy operating the Metadome gradually became tedious. Not just once did Janet or the others from his group called him out for being a phone addict because of how often he brought it out whenever he''s checking the status of Idle Adventure and Idle Storage.


    With the mysterious software that was responsible for his rapid growth also attached itself to the vehicle he was going to use for the next twenty days, Aldrin found it reassuring.


    The NQL module linked him to the Metadome and due to that, he could use his brainwaves to navigate through its interface.


    While they''re still moving towards the location of the Dimensional Rift, Aldrin accessed Idle Adventure to check on its current progress.


    [Run 2/4]


    [Current Run''s Duration: 4 hours 23 minutes]


    [Current Run''s Earned IDLE Points: 3250]


    [Total IDLE Points earned: 7550]


    [Total IDLE Points used: 1750]


    ''As expected. The earning isn''t as abundant as in the Small Insect Colony. Moreover, it''s taking too long for the clones to find creatures to kill. Drawyz Domain is huge and most of the Dimensional Creatures living there aren''t capable of mass propagation. None of them are Colony-types like the Royal Ants and Black Spiders.''


    He''s somewhat disappointed but that''s a lot better than letting them wander the almost empty Small Insect Colony. Perhaps 20 days later, they would flourish once more, giving him IDLE Points to harvest before completely conquering it.


    "Huh, what''s this?"


    He was about to close the interface to put his focus back on Janet''s voice when he found a daunting warning that suddenly flashed in the IDLE Database''s interface.


    It''s a crimson red warning that just by seeing it gave an ominous premonition to Aldrin.


    [Drawyz Domain #5 had undergone a change. The Fragment Core resonated with another Fragment Core that coincidentally passed by its stable Dimensional Coordinates. The Dimensional Creatures residing in the Drawyz Domain #5 got enhanced and turned bloodthirsty. The previously hidden creatures resurfaced and a great upheaval was underway.]


    [Because of this change. IDLE Points gained through Idle Adventure will be tripled]


    [Host is advised not to enter the Dimension during the time period. However, if Host chose to do so, IDLE Database will provide a benefit to boost your Survivability in exchange for IDLE Points]


    As he read the content of that warning, Aldrin focused on the first one.


    Hidden Creatures and a Great Upheaval.


    He gulped down and hurriedly opened a private communication to his elder sister that was about to finish her moralizing reminders.


    Just in time, they also arrived at the vicinity of the Dimensional Rift and started lining up before the tall door protecting that enormous rift in space.


    "What''s wrong? You seemed hurried."


    "Elder sister, is the Dimensional Rift safe?" As he couldn''t find words to warn her, that''s the only question he could utter.


    "What''s this? Having cold feet? If you want, you can still give up and go home." Janet scoffed at him in a teasing way, thinking that Aldrin was spouting out a joke at her.


    Upon seeing that reaction, Aldrin''s face fell. He understood. Informing Janet about the changes caught by the IDLE Database would just be treated as him being afraid at the last minute.


    Even if he told her about it, there''s no way for him to explain why he knew.


    Furthermore, after scanning his surroundings and eyeing the soldiers managing the maintained Dimensional Rift, all of them were acting normally. It''s as if the changes inside it hadn''t been reported yet.


    ''No. The IDLE Database caught it because of its mysterious nature. That doesn''t mean the soldiers or the Energy Refiners stationed inside it will immediately notice the change¡­'' Aldrin easily reached a conclusion but that just raised his anxiety.


    The Training Camp would definitely continue. It wouldn''t stop just because of a warning from him. He''s a trainee, not even treated as a full-fledged Energy Refiner yet.


    There''s already the matter of Carlos and what''s happening on the other side of the planet. Adding this to it, Aldrin''s heart couldn''t help but race.


    A lot of things were changing and he''s convinced that he''s continuously being pulled to the center of it the more he thinks about it.


    Either way, he needed to come up with a decision soon. Those in front of them had begun their descent to the Drawyz Domain #5. Furthermore, Irina and the other three were all geared up to start their first expedition beyond a Dimensional Rift.


    "Elder sister. Treat this as me being paranoid. But I have a bad feeling about this Dimensional Rift. I know you will see this as me having cold feet or being scared. But if something happened inside, recommend evacuation right away."


    In the end, he could only say it like that.


    "Huh? You''re being weird, Aldrin. Just say it. Will you come or not? Stop dilly-dallying there as it''s our turn next."


    "Of course, I will." With burning resolve occupying his eyes, Aldrin nodded.


    He couldn''t warn them. And even if he did, it''s all too late. There''s also no guarantee that if he stepped away, he wouldn''t get caught in another incident. At least, inside the Dimensional Rift, he knew what he needed to watch out for.


    Starting from Janet, the soldiers guarding the glaring Dimensional Rift in front of them began checking their identity one by one.


    Once cleared, Janet led them as she willed her Armada Metadome to step inside the Dimensional Rift.


    Moments later, Aldrin''s turn arrived.


    -


    -


    [You have entered Drawyz Domain #5]


    [Idle Adventure Mode has been locked in this Dimension]


    [Active Run has been forcefully stopped. (IDLE Points earned has been credited)]


    [The limit of five runs per day has been locked]


    [Dimensional Clones can be summoned anytime using IDLE Points. IDLE Points will also be consumed to resummon them]


    [Multipliers'' cost will now be deducted every six hours]


    [Damage, Speed and Armor multipliers can also be applied to your body at the expense of preset IDLE Points]


    [The same as the Dimensional Clones, killing a Dimensional Creature will also grant you IDLE Points]


    [A minimap has been generated. It''s based on your own knowledge and can be complemented by information from other sources]


    [The location of the Fragment Core has been marked on the minimap. Obtain it and become the owner of this Dimensional Plane]


    [Unlike Small Insect Colony #111222 that is just one patch of countless small Dimensional Planes, Drawyz Domain #5 is a part of an enormous Dimensional Plane]


    As Aldrin passed through the Dimensional Rift, the whole holographic interface became filled with numerous messages from the IDLE Database.


    After reading through those, question marks naturally filled his mind. But he soon cleared it and looked for the lifeline the mysterious program provided him. That''s the first thing he wanted to check first


    [Activate Multipliers: 3000 IDLE Points per day]


    ''It''s cheap if I consider having the same strength as a middle Stage 2 Energy Refiner. I''ve somehow taken it for granted when I thought it''s just an elaborate game. But the truth has been laid bare in front of me long before. This mysterious system can make anyone invincible as long as the Dimensional Planes have been calibrated and listed in it¡­'' Aldrin sighed in amazement.


    Before continuing to analyze the information that flashed in front of him, Aldrin operated his Metadome to follow Janet, rejoining the others from the same camp.


    After getting a quick view of his surroundings wherein, Aldrin didn''t look as amazed as the others. What he saw in the Small Insect Colony wherein everything was somewhat enlarged gathered more of his awe. In here, it''s comparable to an undeveloped land where sparse forest and plains could be seen in the distance.


    Nonetheless, compared to the location of the Fortress, Aldrin found themselves in a huge clearing enclosed by another wall. Although it''s not as tall as the walls of the fortress, it''s probably just a countermeasure to not let them wander off.


    Further into the distance was the walled base camp that''s close to a city due to the hustle and bustle he could spy from the distance. Metadomes were patrolling its vicinity and airspace.


    That''s the extension of the Plainsteed Fortress that they built in this place to safeguard the Rift behind and also, obviously, to regulate everyone entering and leaving the dimension.

 Chapter 108 - Change Of Plans

    Still clueless. No unusual reports and everything went on as business for the Energy Refiners staying in the camp or inside the Dimension.


    That''s what Aldrin first thought upon noticing the lack of activity among the various organizations and Energy Refiners stationed there. Even the patrolling Metadomes operated by soldiers on land and air of the Plainsteed Base Camp were clearly acting normally.


    ''¡­ This is alarming but I also cannot baselessly claim that I know something when it''s the first time I set foot in here.''


    After gathering once more where they finally met the trainees from the other two cities, the gate of the Base Camp opened, letting them in temporarily.


    The camp was wide enough to have hangars for Metadomes, huge spaces for various establishments and even lodgings for the Energy Refiners resting from venturing out to the still partially explored Dimension.


    The normal Energy Refiners who were making a living inside the Dimension all eyed them like little lambs up for slaughter.


    Some of them even hollered that only half of them would be able to come back alive in fifteen days.


    Janet and the other Instructors told them not to believe them as they always tried to scare fledgelings like them. As long as there were no accidents or carelessness done on their part, they''re all bound to survive.


    Before sending them out to the wilds where they''re going to start the first part of their training in the Dimension, they were commanded by the soldiers of the Base Camp to leave their Metadomes for inspection first.


    Due to that, all 150+ trainees from three cities got their six hours of free time where they could explore the Base Camp or do whatever they wanted as long as they returned to the hangar six hours later for their departure.


    Irina tried inviting Aldrin for a walk along with the others from the group but he refused, instead, he told her that he''ll catch up to them an hour later.


    Without uttering any other excuses, he slipped away from the trainees as he tried to find someplace in the camp where he could sit down and do nothing.


    Naturally, he wouldn''t let himself appear suspicious. The Base Camp might be lacking in surveillance but he''s positive that he couldn''t just act suspiciously inside.


    It''s considered the bastion of humanity in this Dimension. If someone stupid wanted to make trouble, they''d definitely be kicked out.


    Fortunately, after passing by various business establishments that catered towards the Energy Refiners staying in the Dimension, he found a quiet caf¨¦ that offered private rooms to any customers that wanted a quiet place to relax. It''s not a hotel since it''s just a place for resting while drinking a nice brew of coffee or tea.


    After entering it, despite being his first time there, the woman at the counter that was undoubtedly another Energy Refiner welcomed him, complete with the amiable smile that''s common for any other employee working in a service industry.


    "Welcome to Serenitea. A room for one?"


    "Yes, please. But, how can one pay for services here"


    Aldrin couldn''t help but ask. Since it''s in another Dimension, he doubted whether dimnet was available inside.


    "You''re a trainee, am I right? You can use the Federation Bank just fine. They have a branch here that regularly syncs their database outside the Dimension."


    "I see. Then an hour, please." Aldrin nodded to her question and used his card to pay. The amount of Federation Credits he has in it is constantly rising due to how there''s always a few hundred or thousand credits left whenever he''s renewing his IDLE Points generators.


    Although he was surprised at the 10,000 credits charged to him for an hour of stay, he soon accepted that. As an establishment in this otherworldly dimension, it''s expected for comfort commodities to be expensive.


    After being led to a private room where the employee assured him that he would be undisturbed for an hour except for when his ordered tea would be brought, Aldrin pulled out his phone and started analyzing the changed features of Idle Adventure.


    Because of the changes in the Dimension that the IDLE Database warned him about, he pushed down checking out those prominent Trainees from the other cities on his list of priorities.


    [IDLE Points: 14780/100000]


    [Essence Storage: 1436/5500]


    First, Aldrin looked at the minimap provided by the mysterious program. He could definitely pinpoint his location but the revealed area was only the places he''d walk into. Unless he got the current drawn map of the Dimension, it''s only useful for not losing his way.


    He then moved to the Dimensional Clones and everything that changed with it.


    ''1000 IDLE Points per Dimensional Clone. And there''s no indicated increment for it. The only time an Increment will be added is when it dies and I resummon it.''


    ''Then for the initial cost, 4000+3000+660. For only 7660 IDLE Points, I''ll be as strong as an early or perhaps middle Stage 2 Energy Refiner and have four Dimensional Clones with the same strength as well. They also didn''t need a Shadow Clone in here. IDLE Database will create their bodies.''


    ''Fortunately, I can summon them remotely as long as the place was brightened on the minimap. I have to get my hands on a map. Janet said that they''ll provide us that before leaving so¡­ I can postpone summoning them.''


    After finalizing what his approach will be when it comes to IDLE Database, his mind was then geared towards his plan of action as himself.


    Because of the multiplier that could elevate his strength, the challenge for himself which involved that middle-aged man Carlos somehow lost its meaning.


    His original plan was to expose himself as the one who sent the audio recording and create an opportunity for that middle-aged man to attack him. That''s the only reason why he infiltrated the fortress after all.


    Aldrin wanted to test his limit as a Metadome operator and an Energy Refiner against him.


    Naturally, he knew he wouldn''t win against the man and dying wasn''t in his plan.


    Janet would actually save the day for him along with other Instructors and Energy Refiners she informed.


    His elder sister already notified him about that this morning before they left the camp. Along with it, he was also informed of Carlos'' affiliation.


    A member of the Three Axe Gang, a gray organization operating in the eastern region of the Planet Dualmoon. It was spilled by the spies caught by Commander Yun''s people before they could escape. One of those was the very same spy that allowed Carlos to become a guest Energy Refiner and abandoned him that night when his Dimensional Clone eavesdropped on their conversation.


    Since he exposed himself, he was given the privilege to know some confidential information, such as that man''s affiliation, who they were working for and their connection to what happened in the western region where a Primary City was destroyed.


    Aldrin was surprised by the scale of things. But he was somewhat thankful to know that the recording he sent became somewhat useful in pinpointing the culprits.


    Anyway, although being saved was kind of shameful for most, Aldrin only wanted to at least get back at the fright he felt for his life during that disaster.


    It''s a challenge to overcome his fear.


    In the case that Carlos escaped after being surrounded by Janet and the others, only then would Aldrin let his Dimensional Clones pursue the middle-aged man. Capturing him or killing him were his two options. Since his Dimensional Clones would pursue without using a Metadome, he had to be meticulous about it.


    ''With the changes in this Dimension and the multiplier that could lift my strength to his level, I¡­ I don''t feel like doing it anymore. That''s unless I enact the plan as soon as possible¡­ I better talk to elder sister about this. That way I only have to prepare on how the changes in this Dimension will affect the Training Camp. Less headache.''


    -


    -


    After sorting out his mind and everything he needed to sort out, Aldrin left the caf¨¦ and met up with Janet.


    "What changed your mind?" Janet folded her arms and creased her eyebrows.


    "Like I said, I''m having a bad feeling in this Dimension, elder sister. I can''t explain it well but I feel like something big is going to happen."


    "Huh. Are you sure you''re not just scared of being in a foreign Dimension?"


    "I have no proof but I''m sure it''s not me being scared."


    "¡­ Alright, I''ll inform them. You go back to your group."


    Janet stared at Aldrin, checking his current state. She recalled that just last night, Aldrin was full of confidence in himself while presenting that absurd plan of his to fight against a Stage 2 Energy Refiner.


    That''s why she also couldn''t wrap her head around that sudden change.


    While staring at Aldrin''s back that''s slowly disappearing from her sight, she remembered her brother, her lost brother.. "It can''t be the same, right? This Rift is well-maintained, unlike the one my brother entered in. However, what happened back then was also a sudden change that locked them in that Dimension¡­ What should I do?"

 Chapter 109 - Straightening Their Agreement (1)

    "That''s her. The strongest trainee from the Paleheart City." Irina pointed at a green-haired girl that''s more or less the same age as her. She''s wearing a uniform slightly similar to what they''re wearing. A Trainee Uniform of sorts that was being used to identify them.


    Although it couldn''t be said that she''s walking alone, none of the Trainees from the same city was approaching her. It''s like she was put up on a pedestal where they could only look up at her.


    Aldrin eyed her and the green-haired girl coincidentally looked in his direction after one of those following her whispered something while pointing at him.


    Her eyes narrowed as she scanned Aldrin but seconds later, she averted her gaze after giving him a scornful look. She then walked away with her followers trudging after her.


    "Wha?! That''s rude!"


    Irina was the one who reacted after seeing that. She seethed as the desire to call her out arose from her. It''s great and all to feel proud of one''s accomplishment but to throw a scornful look without any reason somehow crossed her boundary.


    Her steps gradually became hurried but Aldrin stopped her even before she could drag him with her and start something that didn''t need to happen.


    "Let her be. Aren''t we going on a date? There are two hours left before we leave."


    Well, the girl already dragged him away from the others in their group. After meeting up with them, she once again acted on their agreement. Perhaps, capitalizing on the fact that this was their last free time where they didn''t have to worry about anything. It''s also her way to escape from Clark who once again tried to make a move when Aldrin was away.


    Really, the persistence he kept on showing actually led her to be pushed towards Aldrin more and more. And there''s no repairing it anymore. His only path was to move on from Irina who clearly had no interest in him.


    "Ugh. Why are you nonchalant about it?"


    "What can happen if I react to it? Should I also throw her a scornful look? That''s just gonna sour the mood for us. You don''t want that, I reckon."


    "¡­ Of course, I don''t."


    Aldrin had no time to waste on pettiness. Even if that girl from the Paleheart City or the guy in the Inkdragon City grew to late Stage 1 Energy Refiner quicker than him, they''re still going to be inferior to him when the multiplier applied to him. Not that he''s planning to trample on them with an unfair advantage.


    Besides, he didn''t even know if the planned activity for them in this Dimension would be finished. If the changes of the Dimension reached this place, the Camp would most likely be shelved or worse, they''d be asked to join the efforts to maintain control of this resource-filled world.


    "This shop here. Let''s go in!"


    With their walk resumed, Irina soon brought him to different shops. Mostly souvenir ones. Although it''s not supposed to be a tourist destination, shops like those would always pop out and there would always be customers.


    Now that he spent the last few days acting as Irina''s boyfriend, he somehow understood that, like any other woman, the girl was clearly someone from a well-off family. She''s slightly selfish on the inside. Nonetheless, her selfishness was, before he knew it, also applied to him. Even though there''s no admittance from her, the girl had started acting as if he''s her real boyfriend. Especially today wherein they had free time instead of constantly training at the camp.


    Aldrin still accommodated her, however. But his mind lies elsewhere. In the end, Aldrin brought her to the same caf¨¦ he spent the first hour earlier.


    As it was a private room, Aldrin saw the extent of how far could Irina go with their pretend relationship. He deliberately brought her there so that they could talk about their agreement.


    "Alright. You win, Aldrin. Did I look foolish to you?" Irina raised her hand in surrender as she edged away from him. She sighed and sipped the tea brought to their room.


    Aldrin shook his head and gave her a head pat. "If you''re foolish then I''m the same. I took your offer, after all. And I admit, I liked it when you''re sticking close to me."


    Any man would. Feeling the softness and the elasticity pressing on him, only those without carnal desire or adeptly focused on something would be indifferent with it.


    "¡­ Pervert. Honestly, I''m probably only getting carried away. You kept on offering advice to us when you didn''t really need to. That''s why I''ve taken the chance when you told me that it might be effective in making him give up. By the way, am I not attractive to you?"


    "Well, you''re attractive enough for me. I like your golden hair, your bright enthusiastic eyes, your pink succulent lips and your spotless skin. I really wonder why you only have Clark as your suitor." Aldrin answered honestly. He couldn''t deny that.


    "There''s a lot of them, actually. You''re only aware of Clark since he''s the closest. I really don''t know why you seem indifferent even if I''m being too obvious with my growing interest in you."


    Irina sighed once more and this time, drank half of her tea. Nonetheless, she did that without losing some of her grace.


    Seeing that it''s her second sigh of the day, Aldrin edged closer to her, restoring their close distance. And for the first time since he took up the role as her fake boyfriend, Aldrin slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him. "Mhm. It''s not that I''m indifferent. You employed me and paid me up front. I''m just acting around the basis of our agreement. But if you order me now to act as a real boyfriend to you until the duration of the camp then I will act accordingly. Just like this.." Aldrin slightly tightened her grip, his finger digging onto her soft sides.

 Chapter 110 - Straightening Their Agreement (2)

    Gone are the days where he''s wallowing alone in his room after failing his exam. The days where he felt too useless to continue striving since he knew that the path in front of him was a dead end.


    The IDLE Database delivered its promise as it successfully changed his average worthless life into something else. That''s why his previous confidence in himself also gradually returned.


    Aldrin was never dense. He''s just someone who lost confidence in himself.


    Although there were a lot of things lined up in front of him; his plan to fight Carlos and whatever''s waiting for them in this Dimension, he somehow considered this to be the best time to deal with what''s going on with this fake relationship he has with Irina, before he also got carried away and think differently.


    Irina flinched slightly from what he did but then she only stared at his hand for a moment. Silently, she allowed his hand to rest on her slender waist as a slight smile peeked from her lips. "I see. So that''s it. You got bound with that payment. You won''t act beyond what we agreed upon. Will you believe me if I tell you that I''m not acting with how I want to get closer to you?"


    "Like you said, it''s painfully obvious by now, Irina. I''m not blind. Do you seriously like me? I''m just your ordinary guy and we''ve only known each other for less than two weeks. I don''t see any reason why¡­"


    "If you still see yourself as someone ordinary then you''re right for calling yourself foolish, Aldrin. But let''s see. I probably like you in a certain sense that you''re our dependable leader. Also, I know I can trust my back on you. I said that I didn''t want to enter a relationship yet. However, if it''s with you, I''m not seeing it as a bad idea. After this Training Camp, we can work together. Even if we''re from different organizations, we can travel to different cities or visit places like this Dimension. We''re going to progress step by step as an Energy Refiner and maybe create our own lineage." While listing all those, Irina''s slight smile turned to a sheepish one as she leaned her head on Aldrin''s shoulder. At the moment, with Aldrin''s arm on her waist, they definitely looked like a real couple.


    And upon hearing all of that, Aldrin somehow imagined that life. However, if he considered the mysterious program that seemed to be pulling or guiding him to an unexplored abyss, that life might become short-lived.


    "Dependable¡­ I''m the oldest among you. Although it might come off as rude, I am actually treating all of you as my juniors."


    He intentionally didn''t comment on the latter half of what Irina said.


    And noticing that, Irina''s smile turned bitter. She recovered seconds later and snorted at his words. "Do you think that''s not apparent? You''re acting like an old man with a lot of wisdom. You kept on giving advice to everyone. Even to Clark. Anyway, I get it now. The reason why you brought me here. Are you uncomfortable with how I acted?"


    With everything laid bare, she decided to go all out and also straighten up their current situation. She''s clearly aware that Aldrin wasn''t that keen on acting as her boyfriend at first. She suddenly came up to him with that offer after all. But now that he showed that he could make a move if he wanted to, despite him ignoring that fantasy she uttered, her hope was ignited.


    Aldrin''s next words blew that off though.


    "Not really. I told you, I liked it. But, Irina, isn''t it better if we both know where we stand?"


    "You''re right. Then¡­ since it''s in our agreement. I want you to be my fake boyfriend until the end of the camp."


    "Noted."


    "And I like you, Aldrin. I''m going to confess to you again after this agreement of ours expires." She reached for Aldrin''s cheek and endearingly caressed it. She''s going all out in trying to appeal to him. And seeing that he''s at least reacting to it, the fire of hopes burned once more.


    On the other hand, Aldrin shook his head inwardly, ''Doesn''t this count as a confession, already? It''s not like I will forget her words easily.''


    While putting on a difficult expression, he placed his hand over Irina''s hand on his cheek, "Really, you''re putting me in a bind, Irina."


    Irina giggled at his words. "Blame that on yourself. Duh! You can choose not to answer anyway. Like I told you, I also want to see how high you can reach. I might be prideful or selfish but I''m not petty enough to drag someone down. I consider myself your friend. Closest friend, in this case."


    And that''s her true feelings. Their only interaction was only at the camp where they eat and train together. That''s why she''s clearly aware that Aldrin might not feel the same way. She saw him as the busybody who''s always staring at his phone with a serious expression. She''s aware that his whole person was somehow wrapped in a thick veil of mystery. Especially his exceedingly quick progress that already left her behind.


    Aldrin, on the other hand, was slightly conflicted. There''s Renissa, after all. And most of his time was actually relegated to the IDLE Database. He did bring Irina to clear up things between them so he expected an outcome close to this.


    "Mhm. Thank you for being honest with me, Irina. I''m also your friend, of course."


    "No. You''re my boyfriend. Also, you mister have been holding me this close. Won''t you kiss me already?"


    "Now, you''re teasing me. Don''t mind if I do, then." Aldrin smirked, grabbed her chin between his fingers and raised Irina''s head.


    Upon seeing how Aldrin gradually lowered his lips to hers, Irina swiftly closed her eyes and twisted her head to the side. "Wait, I''m joking!"


    An hour later, with the red-faced Irina in tow, Aldrin regrouped with Frederic and the others before joining the others from the same camp.


    On their way back to the hangar where they left their Metadomes for inspection, their group intersected with the ones from the Inkdragon City and the Paleheart City.


    The green-haired girl from Paleheart once again looked at Aldrin, her eyes burning with challenge. And although he hadn''t met the ''genius'' from Inkheart, he easily spotted him because of his unique demeanor. Or arrogance for that matter. He''s a long-haired guy with sword-like eyebrows. His chin was angled upwards and his arms crossed haughtily.


    ''Will he still be able to raise his head like that after seeing what''s awaiting us here?'' Aldrin mused.

 Chapter 111 - Draw Out Your Weapon

    As the three groups of trainees gathered, a standoff quickly happened.


    They were informed that at some point in their training that they''re going to compete against each other. Due to that, the trainees began sizing each other up. Some sneered, some frowned, some became nervous and some remained indifferent. Among those, Aldrin was among the fourth category.


    ''What''s the use of being so worked up? It''s not like they''re going to a brawl right away.'' He shrugged. However, even though he''s indifferent, that''s clearly not the case for others in his group or specifically Frederic.


    The brute''s whites of his teeth were in full display as a wide grin was plastered on his face. His slightly bulky body trembled in excitement. "Hey, Aldrin. Isn''t this great? We can test them out before the actual thing."


    "You musclehead! Will you even have a day where you don''t think about training or fighting?" Irina scolded him while Caroline silently agreed.


    Frederic cupped his fist. "None. Win or lose, the experiences I built up in fighting will become building blocks for my progress."


    "Just say you''re a battle maniac, man. But I doubt we''ll be allowed to brawl here. Want to be dragged away by the soldiers?"


    Aldrin tried looking for the Instructors to see if they''re going to do something in the scene unfolding before them. However, most of them were just standing at a distance, amusement apparent in their expressions.


    Upon seeing that, Aldrin could infer that the bored Instructors anticipated what''s going to happen. Janet wasn''t among them though. So was Carlos. Out of Aldrin''s sight, his elder sister had started preparing the stage.


    A while later, the sparking conflict became further convoluted. The three groups spread out, creating a triangle.


    Frederic stood in front of their group since Aldrin wasn''t that enthusiastic about it. He still stood behind the battle maniac though.


    On the side of Inkdragon City, the long-haired guy with sword-like eyebrows haughtily harrumphed. Without saying anything, those behind him praised him as if he''s a Son of Heaven personified.


    And obviously, it''s the green-haired girl who''s standing in front of those from Paleheart City. She had a thin rapier held by a belt hung around her waist.


    Aldrin could clearly feel that the two were no ordinary trainees and instead of Frederic, they''re both watching his movement.


    The green-haired girl might look cold on the surface but what he''s picking up from her iconic glare was the eerie feeling of being stared at by a venomous snake.


    As time passed, some Energy Refiners that were passing by the area also stopped from their walk and stared in interest. Worse, Aldrin began hearing some of them placing their bets on who would win in the current standoff.


    A while later, Frederic stepped back and turned to Aldrin, "On a second thought, you''re best suited in this position."


    And with those words, echoes of agreement could be heard from the others, pushing Aldrin up.


    He sighed and shook his head. Even if he remained indifferent, what''s happening wasn''t going to resolve itself.


    "I should''ve stayed with Irina for another hour in that caf¨¦."


    Although he said that as some kind of lamentation for his decision to regroup, that caused the girl he mentioned to flash a coy smile.


    Nonetheless, with Aldrin finally stepping up, unofficially or officially hailed as the leader of the Lonewind City Training Camp, the clamor from the other trainees soon skyrocketed.


    "Uncle, don''t you think you''re too old for this?"


    A while later, the long-haired guy addressed Aldrin broke the silence between the three of them.


    Calling Aldrin ''uncle'' right off the bat. Those who were behind him sang praises of him. Meanwhile, those behind Aldrin gritted their teeth and tried to defend him.


    Aldrin raised his hand, stopping them. Without any change in his expression, he replied, "You know, you''re right. Why don''t we stop this farce and get on with our business?"


    Being called ''uncle'' wasn''t new for him. He was called worse before. Through voice chats from the games that he played before.


    Perhaps taken as his sign of cowardice, ''Boos'' rang out from the other two groups.


    At that point, the green-haired girl gracefully stepped forward, pulling her thin rapier out of its scabbard. It''s glinting with the same color as her hair.


    She then raised it in front of her not-so-bountiful chest, taking a stance.


    Aldrin eyed her rapier. It looked special. However, he had no actual ability to appraise it. Perhaps it''s just a high-class Grade 1 Rapier or it could be a Grade 2. Unless his Winterthorn clashed against it, he would have no idea.


    "Draw out your weapons." The green-haired girl succinctly said, her soft, melodic and slightly authoritative voice rendered most of the young men in a daze.


    However, Aldrin just shrugged once more while the long-haired guy snorted his slender arms stretching to his side. Moments later, Spatial Pocket opened as he pulled out a curved sword, close to a falchion. It''s red and black in color. It seemed to be scalding hot as heat haze could be seen around it.


    "An uncle and a little girl who''s overarching herself. This is the standard of a Secondary City." The long-haired guy shook his head disappointedly. He swung his weapon and a red tint seemed to be left behind from where it slashed.


    Upon seeing that, Aldrin inadvertently looked at Clark. Compared to the arrogance the long-haired guy from a Primary City was showing, Clark''s attitude back then came off as tame.


    Now that the two brought out their weapons, Aldrin pulled out a basic sword. His Winterthorn hadn''t made a public appearance yet, after all. And compared to the two, he would have no way to explain where he got that.


    When the crowd saw his sword, it drew out non-stop laughter and mockery.


    "Is he dirt poor?"


    "He''s definitely one of those who luckily awakened. No wonder he can''t buy himself a better sword."


    "He''s supposed to be the strongest in their camp, right?"


    Those from his group tried defending him but knowing his background, they knew that it''s just useless so after a while, someone else couldn''t stand it anymore and shouted, "Take this, Aldrin!"


    From behind, a sword flew through the air, a better kind of sword than the Black Steel Sword that anyone could buy for a few thousand Federation Credits.


    "Is that the Refined Crystalline Sword? That''s the most expensive Grade 1 Sword! That guy''s parents must be rich."


    "A silver spoon, I tell you."


    Although the laughter and mockery stopped, it now sparked another type of discussion.


    "Thank you." Aldrin turned around and thanked the young man who threw it. One of the eight finalists during the one-on-one duels. They couldn''t use weapons back then but Aldrin recognized him since he''s someone who tasted a swift defeat against him.


    "I''m not giving that to you! Give it back to me after beating them!"


    And that drew another kind of laughter from their group.


    When that laughter died down, silence once again reigned as the green-haired girl and the long-haired guy took another step forward.


    ''¡­ In the end, these hot-headed youths still stirred the situation to this point. Anyway, at least it didn''t become a full-on riot. I should just play with these two.''


    "Alright. Come then. Let this uncle check if you''ve eaten your meals well."


    Helpless, Aldrin eventually took up a stance, his entire person entering the same state as it was when he''s fighting against the insects of the Small Insect Colony#111222

 Chapter 112 - Minor Aura Veil

    The first to make her move was the green-haired girl. Her refined energy created a miniature whirlwind launching her off towards Aldrin.


    Her glaring eyes seemed to bore a hole in his person.


    From what he heard from the information leaked by Janet, the girl is called Mila Raison. Someone from a prestigious lineage in their city. Although prestigious might be exaggerated, it was at the standard of every Secondary City on the planet.


    She''s known to be a bonafide expert when it comes to rapiers. However, until now, she only showed her skills in that regard during the sparring against guest Energy Refiners. And only this time did she draw her rapier out.


    Which meant, she considered Aldrin and the long-haired guy as worthy opponents.


    The girl left afterimages behind her as she instantly arrived before Aldrin, aiming to stab him with the thin blade of her rapier.


    Aldrin wasn''t that keen on fighting them and he could be said to be forced by the situation. However, he wouldn''t just stand there to be beaten up.


    Aldrin raised the basic sword in his hand, deflecting her rapier. Despite being given another sword, he wasn''t given the time to put away the basic Black Steel Sword.


    However, that wasn''t a hindrance for Aldrin. Striker could dual-wield sabers. Dual-wielding was something he could also do. Besides, even if he had no set sword style, the experience he acquired fighting day to day polished his own style.


    Just that, if it was seen by true experts, they''d definitely facepalmed and spit at him disappointedly.


    Sparks were instantly created from the friction of the two bladed weapons. However, Aldrin clearly felt that the sword he used was inferior. He heard a faint hissing sound from it. From the point where Mila''s rapier clashed and slid against the sword, black spots could be seen which quickly turned to rust and eventually chipped the sharp edge of the sword.


    "A Grade 2 Rapier? Talk about being overgeared in a friendly duel." Aldrin lowered the Black Steel Sword and counterattacked with the Refined Crystalline Sword.


    "Kuh! Who says this is friendly?!" Mila grimaced as she twisted her body to evade Aldrin''s sword. Slightly furious that instead of getting the upper hand because of her preemptive strike, she''s the one who was pushed to dodging.


    "You''re a fine girl. You know. Stop frowning like that or you''ll get wrinkles in your 20''s." Aldrin intentionally used words to dissuade the girl.


    Ironically, it produced the opposite effect.


    With veins popping at her temple, Mila''s surroundings rumbled as her refined energy covered her whole body, making herself glow in green.


    "Minor Aura Veil! She''s already a late Stage 1!" someone from the crowd pointed out.


    Aldrin was aware of that. With the expansion of an Energy Refiner''s Energy Channels, the flow of refined energy would be quick and smooth sailing, allowing for a thin veil of refined energy to cover one''s body.


    It''s called Minor because there''s apparently a higher version of it in the subsequent stages.


    The Minor Aura Veil not only provides additional protection against physical or energy attacks but also enhances one''s overall offensive ability. Furthermore, it could extend to one''s weapon, Battlesuit, or even a Metadome. The last one was limited though. Either way, it''s a great achievement for someone as young as Mila.


    ''Too bad, I''m still a middle Stage 1. My total converted IDLE Points is close to 125,000. It''s only short of a few hundred after the 10,000 I converted last night. It''s probably the threshold considering there are only a few Channels left that aren''t expanded yet. Hopefully, it''s the five times increment again rather than twenty-five like I first theorized.'' Aldrin lamented and sighed.


    When the onlookers saw him sighing, they began suspecting that he lost the will to fight. Due to that, those from his group, specifically Irina began cheering and encouraging him to dodge Mila''s enraged and seemingly enhanced attack that was about to reach him.


    "Aldrin! You can do it!"


    It''s a simple cheer that was instantly echoed by the others.


    "Let''s see if you can deflect this!" the green-haired girl once again disappeared from where she''s standing, leaving behind green afterimages of herself clad in that Minor Aura Veil.


    Another stab. However, Aldrin minutely dodged to the side, letting her stab through the air.


    Still with the momentum on her side, she pulled her arm back and stabbed it once more.


    Aldrin deflected using the chipped Black Steel Sword again. Compared to earlier, he''s now beginning to use his refined energy. It would be arrogant of him if he faced her with only his physical ability.


    Although he could boast about his rich experience fighting against ants and even Champion-level insects, that''s not a reason for him to take his opponent lightly.


    As the Black Steel Sword got chipped once more, a Shadow Clone rose behind the girl. Before Mila could stop the third time, the Shadow Clone''s arms slipped from her underarms, restraining her.


    Although Mila reacted quickly by kicking behind, her momentum already broke. And that gave Aldrin the opportunity. Using the hilt of the Refined Crystalline Sword, he mercilessly hit her exposed delicate navel, breaking through her Minor Aura Veil and whatever else protecting her innards.


    "Gwak!" Mila''s expression blackened as extreme pain coursed from the point of impact.


    The force Aldrin used was naturally not normal. If he wanted to, he could stab her in the brief weakness provided by the Shadow Clone. However, he deemed it too early to be that vicious. The girl was like Frederic, a battle maniac. That''s clearly apparent ever since seeing her for the first time.


    As the girl almost regurgitated her stomach acids, Aldrin switched his attention to another direction.


    "Oh! You noticed me? Not bad, uncle. Unlike that little girl who lost it in anger." The long-haired guy haughtily grinned while throwing more stones at the girl.


    Anyway, he''s walking step by step and he''s not concealing his presence that was filled with overwhelming confidence, how could Aldrin not notice?


    The red and black falchion in the long-haired guy''s hand was floating and spinning in front of him. Looking closely, there''s a string of refined energy tied to it. Whether it was just a simple manipulation of refined energy or something produced by his Concept, Aldrin had no idea.


    One thing he knew, however, was that he''s in for another troublesome opponent.


    ''If I recall correctly this guy is called Yulong Xin. Someone born in a Primary City. He''s from another prestigious family. And since it''s a Lineage from that kind of city, it''s on another level as Mila''s Lineage.'' Aldrin pulled out his information that Janet provided before focusing on how he could deal with him.


    "How old are you?"


    "17."


    "Isn''t it rude to call someone an uncle? I''m only 23!"


    "Five years is enough for me to treat someone as an uncle, Uncle. Are you confident to just stand there? Are you looking down on me?"


    "Of course not. Isn''t that the other way around?"


    "Oh. True. Then kneel!"


    As if it''s a matter of fact, Yulong Xin yelled in an authoritative tone. His refined energy burst from his body to put pressure on Aldrin.


    It''s overwhelming, true. However¡­


    "Sorry. I''ve endured worse," Aldrin answered before he disappeared from where he''s standing. The Refined Crystalline Sword in his hand was thrown forward, disrupting the spin of the falchion.


    While the onlookers had just started to inhale a great deal of air for their sighs of amazement, Aldrin reappeared behind Yulong Xin, three clones jumping from behind him.

 Chapter 113 - Who Won?

    "Yulong!"


    Worried cries filled the place as those from the same city as the long-haired guy thought he already lost against Aldrin when those three Shadow Clones suddenly lunged at him.


    However, the lauded praises Aldrin heard about him weren''t unfounded.


    "Uncle, do you like stabbing someone in the back?" Yulong Xin effortlessly spun. His arm drew the momentum from that spin to deliver a horizontal slash.


    One of the three Shadow Clones got hit by it, cut down into two halves while the other two barely evaded thanks to Aldrin''s split-second decision to forgo the attack.


    Like Aldrin first guessed, that falchion was too hot. It instantly sizzled and the bisected clone to flames starting from where it was cut.


    Moments later, it turned into energy particles and disappeared.


    Those crying for his loss abruptly stopped before it immediately switched to cheers. Applauding that seemingly godly maneuver for amateurs like them.


    Aldrin didn''t pay attention to those reactions, instead, his eyes gauged what should be his next action while humoring Yulong Xin. "Maybe? I''m older than the two of you but I''m not as strong as you. What do you want me to do, fight you head-on?"


    "That''s fair. You won''t win that way, however."


    Yunlong Xin chased after Aldrin, his Minor Aura Veil causing him to glow in orange. The same as his red and black falchion, heat haze seemed to occur around her, making him look like a human torch.


    Aldrin began thinking that he''d be a great companion in exploring dark dungeons. He wouldn''t need to look for any other light source. He''d make Yunlong Xin glow like a torch and send him ahead to light their way.


    "Did you just think of something rude, uncle?"


    "Huh? Are you reading my mind?"


    "It''s written in your face!" Enraged even though he had no idea what Aldrin was thinking, Yulong Xin''s speed went up a notch to catch up with him. His refined energy coated his falchion as he activated his Concept.


    Along with his long, lustrous hair fluttering behind him, Yulong Xin''s outstretched arm seemingly transformed into a dragon''s head. It roared towards Aldrin, its imposing aura drowning any other sounds.


    Not only that, aside from the incoming Yulong Xin, the green-haired girl who he rendered immobile had recovered and stood up. Her Minor Aura Veil covered her whole body again as she joined the fray, racing against Yulong Xin on who could take Aldrin down.


    Seeing that he became the sole target of the two instead of it being a three-way duel, Aldrin stopped retreating and recalled the two Shadow Clones back to his side. He also resummoned another clone before splitting to face his incoming adversaries.


    Along with his clones, Aldrin utilized Shadow Steps, surprising the two young late Stage 1 Energy Refiners.


    Mila widened her eyes in surprise, stabbing the first clone but getting kicked away by the second. It didn''t break her Minor Aura Veil but that''s enough to give Aldrin the space to not worry about being stabbed by her while he''s dealing with Yulong Xin.


    ''Am I that much of a threat? No. It''s probably because I''m performing beyond the data they gained about me.''


    He''s supposed to be the weakest among them when it comes to progress in Energy Refining. However, not only did he easily manage to dodge and immobilize Mila in as little as two or three exchanges but he also seemed at ease when it came to confronting Yulong Xin.


    If Aldrin could focus his hearing on what the Instructors, onlookers and their fellow trainees were discussing while watching their fight, he''d surely hear his name countless times.


    Unfortunately, he had to put his entire focus to at least come out unscathed against the two.


    After letting go of the Black Steel Sword that''s about to crack in two, he pulled out his mostly unused handgun, the Stag Mk.1.


    He fired once in Yulong''s direction, forcing the long-haired guy to dodge. Following that, the third Shadow Clone lunged at him to tackle him down, further disrupting the momentum he built up.


    Upon seeing the imposing dragon''s head lost most of its grace, Aldrin jumped, his Shadow Steps propelling him further upwards,


    "You''re strong so¡­ don''t hate me for this."


    Aldrin once again aimed his gun at Yulong Xin who had already stopped in his tracks.


    At the same time as Aldrin fired his gun, the long-haired guy slashed upwards, his Concept furiously roaring at him.


    ''It''s just like any other projectile-shooting Concept. But with the addition of that sword of his, it turned it into a fire dragon¡­''


    After firing thrice which passed through the dragon''s head and hit Yulong Xin down below, Aldrin faced it by doing a downward slash.


    The flames instantly engulfed the sword followed by his whole body. From the eyes of those watching the battle, Aldrin had been bitten by the fire dragon.


    However, moments later, the glinting Refined Crystalline Sword reemerged. Aldrin, whose body was still aflame, plunged downwards to the dumbstruck Yulong Xin.


    The long-haired guy, who was hit by the weakened energy bullets in both arms, raised his falchion in difficulty to defend himself against Aldrin. His orange Minor Aura Veil flared in more intensity.


    CRACK!


    With the force amplified by the gravity that pulled Aldrin downwards, the ground where Yulong Xin was standing cracked as soon as their swords clashed.


    "This! I can''t lose against someone from a Secondary City!" the long-haired guy desperately yelled. Perhaps pushing himself to the limit, his refined energy manifested another Concept. Instead of another dragon head, a clawed arm emerged from his back. It''s a dragon''s clawed arm that instantly stretched out, hitting Aldrin''s arm.


    Before Yulong Xin kneeled completely from the overwhelming force of Aldrin''s downward slash, Aldrin retreated, his face grimacing from the pain on his arm.


    "Incredible exchange!"


    "What happened? Who won?"


    "Are you blind? No one won."


    Amidst the clamor that boomed after the audience digested what just happened, Aldrin, Yulong and Mila stood up once again.


    With considerable distance from each other, none of them moved to attack again.


    Among the three, Mila had the ugliest expression on her doll-like face. She didn''t achieve anything. She''s the one who started the duel but Aldrin and Yulong Xin took the spotlight from her.


    "Isn''t this enough? You two got what you wanted." Aldrin started as he covered his arm that now had faint claw marks. Although he got hit, it didn''t break his skin as it was a desperate attempt by Yulong Xin.


    "I''m not satisfied!" Mila objected as she gripped her rapier tightly.


    "Now, now. We''re not here to duel each other. Is there even a reason to contend like this? No, right? You two just wanted to flex your strengths and compare."


    "¡­ I admit. I underestimated you, Uncle." Yulong Xin joined the conversation but he''s not looking at the two. He''s ashamed. After mocking Aldrin, he almost lost against him. To save himself from further disgrace, he''d rather not look at him or them. He then turned around and began walking back. His group parted, making way for him, leaving Aldrin and the indignant Mila in the middle.


    The onlookers were still waiting if something else would happen. Unfortunately, it''s over. With Yulong Xin''s exit, Aldrin also began walking back to his group.


    As for Mila, Aldrin gave her one last glance and met her eyes that were still burning with the desire to redeem herself.


    "Don''t take it too seriously. You''re strong. I''m just¡­ crafty, I guess?"


    After leaving those words that''s partly comforting and partly bragging, Aldrin continued on his steps.


    Mila gritted her teeth, angered and embarrassed from that. If someone looked closely, tears started to well up in her eyes. Before that burst, she ran away and disappeared into her group, leaving behind the greenish aura that dissipated seconds later.


    With the three main characters out of the stage, the three groups soon split up, ending that little event.


    Although it ended without a clear winner, it''s too clear who turned out superior among the three.


    Even though Aldrin isn''t a late Stage 1 Energy Refiner yet, he faced the two with ease, even clearly beating Mila.


    He did say it''s his craftiness that allowed it. However, in the eyes of those who witnessed everything, it''s more than that. The two lacked the experience of fighting strong opponents or those at the same level as them while Aldrin was fighting opponents sufficiently stronger than him for six consecutive days.


    "There you are. It''s done. He''s going to stick with your group on the way to the first site. Prepare to leak your identity. Don''t make it too obvious that you''re baiting him."


    Janet showed up soon after and whispered that to him.. The plan to ensnare Carlos will commence on the way to the area where Base Building will be conducted.

 Chapter 114 - Throwing The Bait

    [The minimap has been updated]


    "Nice."


    Aldrin remarked after seeing the foggy map provided by the mysterious program cleared up before his eyes


    Starting from the bottom where the Plainsteed Base Camp was located, the brightened area extended in all directions, clearing away the fog and revealing the terrain surrounding the camp.


    That process took only a few seconds. However, after seeing what it amounted to, Aldrin''s face crumpled into an unsatisfied frown.


    "From how much the soldiers and Energy Refiner regulars here brag about their years of exploration, I was expecting at least half of the Dimension to be mapped. That''s not even twenty percent of this Dimension¡­"


    On the minimap at the top right of his Metadome''s holographic interface, unless he zoomed in, Aldrin could only see a small circle or square which was the surface area of the Plainsteed Base Camp.


    Then to the five different directions, about twenty to thirty kilometers away from the Base Camp, stood smaller Relief Bases. They''re highlighted thanks to the IDLE Database also copying the landmarks and notes on the map provided to them. Apparently, it''s the latest issue, even marking what kind of Dimensional Creatures to expect on certain places as well as categorizing them based on how dangerous an area is.


    Relief Bases are just like its name. It''s more of a rest area where Energy Refiners who ventured off to the explored and unexplored areas alike take a breather and rest. It''s built like a fortress. However, its construction was perpetually underway or rather, perpetually under repair. That''s because of how many times in a year it was being sieged by Rift Monsters or Dimensional Creatures. From what he heard, even if they regularly cleared the area, there would always be a refill of Dimensional Creatures in a matter of one week.


    It''s considered a mystery where they''re coming from. Some theorized that the Dimension itself were creating them while some just think that they''re from the unexplored regions.


    Some Energy Refiners tried camping near their spawn point to verify it but as if it''s fated to be that way, they still couldn''t figure out whether they''re appearing out of nowhere or there''s a place where they''re coming from.


    Either way, with that kind of setting, most Energy Refiners that were afraid of venturing further mostly stayed in Relief Bases. And instead of fighting the Dimensional Creatures using their Metadomes, they''re going on foot. That way they could get an intact corpse that would fetch a higher price than the ones chopped and blasted by Metadome cannons or stronger attacks.


    Apart from the five Relief Bases, there were other smaller dots. Those were unofficial camps. Some were built by previous trainees while some were built by different groups of Energy Refiners setting camp in that place to hunt specific Dimensional Creatures.


    That explained why the exploration of the Dimension stagnated a lot. As time passed, fewer Energy Refiners would set out to unexplored areas. The danger most definitely far outweighs the rewards. They''d rather risk it on explored places than go in blindly in the off chance that they could earn more. Only those adventurous ones would set off to unexplored areas, contributing their progress, if there were any.


    "Well, this is better than none. I can now summon my Dimensional Clones."


    It has been thirty minutes since that duel. Aldrin and the trainees from the three cities reclaimed their Metadomes and once again separated from one another.


    They were given the location where they''re going to build their Base Camp. To prevent the same conflict from happening, or it''s just what''s truly planned, Lonewind City would leave from the Western Gate, Paleheart City would leave from the Eastern Gate and lastly, Inkdragon City would leave from the Northern Gate.


    At the moment, along with the more than 50 trainees of the Lonewind Training Camp left the confines of the Plainsteed Base Camp. Each one of them carrying construction materials that they''re going to use to build their own Base Camp a few kilometers away.


    Most of the Instructors and guest Energy Refiners already went ahead to scout the place, clearing obstacles and Dimensional Creatures that might block their way. That''s the only time the stronger Instructors and guest Energy Refiners were going to help them since all of the trainees were carrying heavy loads.


    Those who remained with the trainees were like escorts who would protect them from any unforeseen danger.


    Aldrin was elected as the leader for Base Building. He tried declining but after what they witnessed, even though it''s a different skill than ''leadership'', they insisted for him to take that. Helpless, he accepted but the first order he sent down was to appoint five assistants, lightening the load off his shoulders.


    A while later, the IDLE Database that was now integrated to the Metadome''s operating system brought up a small frame which showed him that his Dimensional Clones arrived at the location he selected. Naturally, they''re made from his hair. Fortunately, as he progressed as an Energy Refiner, the number of hair strands needed gradually lessened, sparing him from his fear of turning bald.


    Following that, Aldrin activated the Tier 2 of the multipliers while holding off on also applying it to himself.


    Compared to when Aldrin''s physical body and the Dimensional Clones were in different dimensions, he could now feel the connection he had with them. However, sharing the senses or sending his consciousness in one of them became impossible.


    After commanding the Dimensional Clones to hunt for IDLE Points first while slowly moving to a designated spot, he turned his focus back to what''s in front of him.


    They''re still traveling at a relative pace. To his left and right, There''s Janet and¡­ the target of his challenge, the middle-aged man Carlos.


    With their communication channel opened, Aldrin joined the somewhat excited discussion of his group.


    "Even though we''ll probably still compete with each other for contribution points, I hope you all protect yourselves. When the same disaster strikes our city, it will be our turn to protect those who have no means to fight. Honestly, I awakened that day and even though I became an Energy Refiner, I was hopeless against the tide of Rift Monsters. Even more so, when I found out that it''s not your normal instance-type Dimensional Rift." Aldrin solemnly said. Mentioning about the disaster and his experience with it was naturally intentional.


    He dropped three hints for Carlos.


    His presence in the Southern District Disaster.


    The fact that he awakened that very same day.


    And lastly, that it''s not a normal Rift.


    The trainees who were somewhat moved by his words all expressed their agreement with him. Then there were some who got curious with his last sentence.


    Aldrin maintained his silence for a while, acting as if he''s waiting until their voices died down before answering.


    But in truth, he''s naturally waiting for the fish he''s trying to bait to bite at it.


    Because Carlos deemed his target to be not present among the trainees, he was trying to act normally without drawing any suspicion to himself. That way, he could escape without being caught once the camp ended.


    And by dropping those hints, Aldrin will also use it as another proof for his claim that the man infiltrated the camp to silence him.


    Perhaps Janet and those she asked for support were also listening at the moment.


    "Trainee, what do you mean by not your normal instance-type? Did you see anything that day?"


    And as he expected, it only took a minute before Carlos who was silent throughout the whole conversation took the bait and asked his confirming questions.

 Chapter 115 - Catching The Fish

    With the fish caught in the bait that Aldrin had carefully thrown, the next part would be how his game could be lured to act.


    Furthermore, he had to avoid the Metadome fight. He had spares of Basic Refiner Battlesuits but if his Metadome got destroyed in the process, it would be hard to procure a new one in a matter of hours.


    A standard model that had limited modules against a specialized one. Not only is he disadvantaged with his current level but also his Metadome is many times inferior to his opponent. That will not be a challenging fight anymore but a show of an idiot trying to bash his head on a concrete wall.


    Although he''d surely be hailed as once in a lifetime talent if his Metadome could come out unscathed battling against it. Obviously, that was impossible.


    "What does elder sister think? Is that proof enough?" Aldrin asked soon after he gave away most of the information that was enough to identify him as the whistleblower.


    And sure enough, the middle-aged man Carlos suddenly changed his tone. If he was kind of indifferent before. He began talking to Aldrin and even tried to give him useful advice.


    Aldrin rode on it and acted normally by thanking the man and responding enthusiastically. He needed to establish a connection to him for their plan.


    "I believe you, in the first place. But with this, those who will help restrain him are convinced. Once we reach our destination, go about your duty as their leader first before making an excuse to leave."


    "Alright. Thank you for allowing this reckless decision of mine, elder sister. I''ll owe you a favor for this."


    "Enough with the favor. He''s a criminal. Just make sure not to overestimate yourself. A Stage 2 Energy Refiner is entirely different from those two brats from the other cities. You''d do best not to underestimate him."


    "I understand."


    After that, the private channel between them was cut off and their journey to the designated area to build their Base Camp continued.


    Around an hour later, the over fifty Metadomes stopped moving and began unloading what they were carrying on their shoulders.


    They finally arrived at their destination.


    Aldrin scanned their surroundings and they''re definitely situated on top of a rather steep hill. The ground was kind of dry due to the lack of vegetation. However, below the hill, a sea of trees sprawled as far as their eyes could see. The trees weren''t that tall and weren''t that lush either, however. Some grew fruits of an unknown kind while some just provided shade from the heat. Whether there were Dimensional Creatures living and roaming there, it was indicated by the map provided for them.


    From on top of the hill, everyone could also see at least four cleared paths, one of which, their way back to the Plainsteed Base Camp. The other three were paths created by explorers. At some point, those paths would end and venturing further than that would bring them to unexplored territory.


    There were traces of ruined structures that were possibly brought down by sheer overwhelming force just recently. The place was definitely a former campsite. It got destroyed, perhaps from a siege of Dimensional Creatures or those who occupied it to turn it back to being a site for trainees to set up a base camp.


    Clearing it would take a while. Nonetheless, with the trainees excited about this part of their training, they immediately moved to clear it even without Aldrin commanding them.


    But for efficiency''s sake, Aldrin eventually stood in the middle along with his five appointed assistants. They delegated duties to everyone which sped up the clearing and the construction began.


    Setting up the foundation of the Base Camp took most of their time. By the time pillars and the initial walls were built, the sky of the Drawyz Domain had already darkened. And became blanketed with a single crescent moon and numerous stars. Whether they''re real or not, no one knows. Someone already reached the edge of the Dimension so they''re aware that this place wasn''t a planet at all but only a suspended land in a seemingly unending Dimensional Space.


    "Base Building sounds like the easiest part. We finished securing ourselves inside these walls." Irina commented while they''re eating dinner around a bonfire.


    Since they still hadn''t created the living quarters and other essential structures for the base camp, every trainee would be sleeping in tents they brought with them. And although they have tools and devices that could provide them the necessary heat and light to battle the cold of the night, Aldrin thought of letting everyone get to know each other by creating a big bonfire in the middle.


    Even though they spent ten days in the Training Camp in the fortress, most of them were still unfamiliar to each other given that they were separated by groups.


    Their Metadomes were all lined up around the wall. They could reach it easily in case they get attacked. There were some of them who volunteered to become a sentry but Janet along with the other Instructors and guest Energy Refiners, who should only be observing them, showed up, telling them that they could relax for the night.


    The designated area for them wasn''t particularly dangerous but still, the Instructors knew that not everyone would be able to adjust easily in a foreign environment.


    "Easiest, you say? I say we''re lucky today. Even with the noises we made, none of the Rift Monsters found their way to us." A woman from a different group said.


    "Or they''re cleaned up by the Instructors that''s why no Rift Monsters showed up." Another one entered the conversation.


    "That''s true as well. They''re all strong. Honestly, even with Metadome, I''m not confident to face a horde of them just like that time with the Iron Bulls." And someone expressed what''s in his mind.


    Just like that, the dinner that started somewhat restrained eventually became a time for them to discuss things that they would probably not be able to in the following days.


    "Great job kickstarting the conversation." Aldrin praised Irina for what she did. The girl accepted the praise by feeding him herself.


    With his duty as the camp''s leader done for the day, Aldrin''s mind already drifted off to what''s going to happen later.


    There''s already an excuse prepared for him to leave the camp. However, he knew that Carlos was still deliberating whether or not to make a move against him.


    He already missed the chance to kill Aldrin and leave without being suspected after all. He definitely wouldn''t be able to do it in this Dimension. Even if he finally found his target, escaping was clearly out of the question when there''s only one way out.


    Nonetheless, even if he didn''t make a move, Janet and Aldrin''s plan involved forcing him to do so¡­


    Once the dinner ended and everyone retreated to their own tents to sleep and prepare for tomorrow, Aldrin who could still feel the connection with Dimensional Clones paused their IDLE Point hunting and moved them.


    Following that, he slipped out of his tent and went outside the walls where Carlos was already waiting for him. His Metadome is nowhere in sight.


    Taking advantage of the middle-aged man''s attempt to get close to him after the reveal of his experience in the Southern District, Aldrin asked for pointers from Carlos. He initially declined, of course.


    However, Aldrin acted like someone who finally found a master he could learn from and insisted. Perhaps flattered or he had a plan of his own, he eventually folded. That''s the reason. why they had this late-night rendezvous.


    Aldrin observed Carlos and he noticed that he had an amiable smile on his face as if he''s someone who wouldn''t lay a hand on someone weaker than him. No one would think that he''s kind of prideful and wouldn''t hesitate to kill anyone for his goals.


    "Did you wait, instructor?"


    "I''m not your instructor, kid. I will teach you because I am keen on your future. That''s all." The middle-aged man succinctly said.


    He''s wearing thick clothes and so is Aldrin. The night in the Dimension was chilly cold as if winter was about to arrive. Nonetheless, that''s not the only reason why they''re wearing it.


    It''s to make them hard to notice.


    In Carlos'' knowledge, the other Instructors and guest Energy Refiners were scattered below the hill where the Trainee''s Base Camp was located. However, the true situation was far from that. Janet had already informed Aldrin that they could sneak out without any of the Instructors disturbing them.


    As this was the night to catch him and squeeze him out of information, almost every Instructor was on it. Furthermore, Aldrin brought a tracker with him that would constantly send his location to Janet and those participating in subduing the man.


    "Honestly, I''m flattered to even catch your eye and learn from you. I''d definitely use what I will earn to become the number 1 Trainee. In the future, I will repay this debt of gratitude." Aldrin enthusiastically said. In his mind, however, he''s already simulating what could happen in their fight.


    He''s prepared to lose but that doesn''t mean he''s not going to try. He''s going to translate the experience he accumulated fighting those Ant and Spider Champions.


    Obviously, the risk this time was his own life. He could die. It wouldn''t be a pseudo-death that would only send his consciousness back to his real body. One wrong move and everything would end for him.


    Even so, Aldrin believed that he had to experience something like this or his mindset wouldn''t evolve.

 Chapter 116 - Sneak Attack

    Having found his target, Carlos was remarkably conflicted. He searched and checked every trainee during the first day but turned out nothing.


    He gave up and thought of bailing out but he then got abandoned. Who would''ve thought that it''s the most promising trainee?


    It''s clearly a blunder he made for not broadening his estimation. The punk who dared to record him and send it to the authorities rose to middle Stage 1 in less than a month! Although not impossible, it''s a rare feat especially for someone from a Secondary City!


    Even Carlos who hailed from an Energy Refiner lineage took a few months to rise from early to middle Stage 1. And the subsequent stages took even longer than that.


    He was enlivened, for sure. It''s his organization''s order and something he went through great lengths to come and join the Training Camp as a guest Energy Refiner. However, now that they''re inside a maintained-type Dimensional Rift, killing him was out of the question. That''s unless he wanted to get trapped inside, never to return. There''s a way where he could let it look like an accident, but with the Training Camp still underway and the punk considered the most promising trainee, he''d be in close observation.


    That''s why he thought of another idea. Instead of taking care of Aldrin right away, he''d get close to him. Close enough that he''d be treated as a close associate.


    Once they returned from the Dimension and the Training Camp ended, that''s the time he would strike and vanish completely.


    And that''s how the current situation unfolded.


    Carlos was sporting a smirk as he led the punk through the sea of trees and arrived at a fairly wide space, only a few minutes away from the supposed campsite.


    The surrounding Rift Monsters were already cleared by them earlier so there''s little to no chance for them to be attacked or even risk the punk to get killed.


    Even at this moment, there''s someone who followed them, watching closely.


    He didn''t have any plan to make a move anyway so he''s fairly confident at his act. He only needed to give some pointers to Aldrin and that would deepen their connection.


    Carlos then turned around to face Aldrin, sporting his most amiable smile as possible. But in his mind, he''s already simulating how best to kill the punk who brought him headache-inducing trouble.


    He should be relaxing somewhere peaceful and waiting for his next assignment. But because of Aldrin, that was cut short.


    "Here is fine. It''s dangerous to venture further. We can''t have the most promising trainee get into an accident, can we?" He said to Aldrin while spreading his arms, showcasing his fake benevolence towards him.


    -


    -


    "Here is fine. It''s dangerous to venture further. We can''t have the most promising trainee get into an accident, can we?"


    Looking at how the middle-aged man acted like a benevolent saint in front of him, Aldrin couldn''t help but feel a sense of disgust.


    He''s someone who wouldn''t hesitate to cause a disaster and kill off witnesses. If he''s a saint, no one would be a sinner in all of humanity.


    Nonetheless, just like Carlos, he had to act properly.


    The Dimensional Clones were further inside the sea of trees and away from the detection range of Janet and the other Instructors surrounding the place.


    He had a simple but dangerous plan. It''s fairly stupid even. But he had to go through with it. The sense of danger in the Lower Dimension was somewhat existent. He could feel fear and pain from dying. However, with his mind settled on the fact that he''s not actually the one dying, he had no idea if those fights could be considered life-and-death situations.


    He could think back to how he lost, true, but he wasn''t as desperate as when he and Renissa fought the Rift Monster or when Carlos was close to killing him.


    That''s why even if it''s a stupid request, upon seeing Aldrin''s determination to go through with it, Janet gave in to allow him the chance to fight the middle-aged man despite the power gap.


    And Aldrin was extremely thankful for that.


    "I thank Instructor for your evaluation but really, I don''t dare claim that I''m the most promising. But I certainly will aim for that number 1 spot." Aldrin scratched his head.


    "Is that so? Then let''s start. You''re only a middle Stage 1 and those two late Stage 1 brats from the other cities were toyed by you. I must say, that''s already impressive. However, your fighting style is too rough."


    Carlos stretched his arms to the side, opening his Spatial Pocket. From inside, he pulled out a short sword around 40 centimeters in length and 5 centimeters in width.


    Thanks to the moon illuminating the place, Aldrin could see that the blade took on a turquoise color while the hilt was a deep blue. Although Carlos was holding the sword steady, Aldrin could faintly hear a faint buzzing sound coming from it. It''s as if the sword was constantly vibrating.


    It''s most likely a Grade 2 or above weapon. Thankfully, he prepared to use Winterthorn against him. He''s certain that Janet and the others wouldn''t pry about its origin. And even if they did, Aldrin could make the excuse of purchasing it with the money given by Irina.


    "You''re adept at using a sword, am I right?" Carlos asked while taking a stance with his short sword. In less than a second, Aldrin felt a change in the air around the middle-aged man. The sword stance he took replaced his aura from calm to a sharp one.


    Upon seeing that, Aldrin couldn''t help but applaud the man''s commitment. He''s really going to teach him something about properly wielding a sword. Not that he truly needed guidance to it. His fighting style might be rough but it already developed to the point that he only needed to polish it and make it his own unique style.


    He''s aware of different weapon and martial arts. However, with the existence of different destructive weapons and Metadomes, they''re not as prominent as they were during the old era.


    There were dojos teaching them, true. However, being a former normal civilian, those available to the public populace were too limited. Althea, Aldrin''s sister, had enrolled in those dojos but Aldrin himself had no time to do so.


    That''s why he believed that Carlos'' demonstration this time was just to show him what he could do to improve his own style. It would be like a dance that connects every move into a set of motions.


    "Yes." He answered curtly as he waited to see what Carlos would do.


    However, at this point, he''s already preparing to launch himself against the middle-aged man. He''s only waiting for his elder sister''s signal to begin.


    They''re going to leave the vicinity for a while. Make it look like they stopped their surveillance, when in fact, they''re going to block all his paths to escape.


    When Aldrin tapped out, they''d all charge at Carlos before he could even think of escaping.


    That''s why to give himself a bit of an edge against the man, Aldrin would employ a dishonorable tactic. A sneak attack.


    As Carlos displayed a set of sword moves for Aldrin to observe, Janet''s voice rang in his ears. "You may begin."


    With that as a signal, Aldrin clapped and tried to mimic what Carlos did.


    Sword move after sword move. He slowly inched closer to the middle-aged man.


    Although he intentionally moved clumsily, Carlos only thought that it''s natural. Seeing his sword move once and remembering it all was deemed impossible.


    Soon enough, Carlos already put the turquoise short sword back to his Spatial Pocket to personally correct Aldrin''s posture.


    He slowly stepped forward towards Aldrin. However, it was at this point that Aldrin made his move.


    As soon as he deemed it the perfect chance to launch his sneak attack, Aldrin didn''t hesitate.


    The Winterthorn swiftly made an arc, slashing towards Carlos and along with it, a question. "Instructor, how does it feel like to silence a witness?"


    "¡ªHuh?!" Carlos was dumbfounded.


    Aldrin''s strike didn''t have any killing intent. His sneak attack wasn''t aimed to kill him after all.


    As Carlos looked down below, the thick clothing he''s wearing broke open and a diagonal cut gradually became visible followed by the assault of extreme coldness brought about by the Winterthorn''s effect.

 Chapter 117 - Aldrins Foolish Challenge (1)

    Aldrin unhesitatingly slashed his sword at the unsuspecting Carlos. And like always, the effect of his Grade 2 weapon immediately activated.


    A layer of ice instantly formed covered Carlos'' wound. Little by little, it gradually spread throughout his body.


    Normally, the weaker ants and spiders hit by it would be encased in ice in a few seconds. But to someone stronger like Carlos, the progress was too slow.


    Furthermore, being a middle Stage 2 Energy Refiner, the middle-aged man''s brain quickly processed the situation he was in. With a vein popping out from his temple, his blood furiously boiled followed by the churning of his refined energy, enough to make his surroundings vibrate.


    Moments later, a hazy projection conjured behind Carlos.


    Before Aldrin''s eyes, it appeared to be a wooden structure, a tiered tower to be exact. However, it''s still incomplete or rather, still under construction. The first two floors were already complete with emerald-green brilliance spilling from its seams. The third floor was only halfway done and the brilliant light present from the first two floors was nonexistent.


    Aldrin was aware of what the projection of a tiered tower means. That''s the unique signature of a Stage 2 Energy Refiner. The Radiant Tower.


    Upon reaching the peak Stage 1 wherein an Energy Refiner''s Energy Channels would be overflowing with his or her refined energy, that excess would go towards constructing or crafting one''s unique Radiant Tower. It would exist just above the Energy Quintessence. The Tower could house more refined energy; an extended storage of sorts. However, that''s not its only function, each completed floor had a unique effect on an Energy Refiner.


    It''s something Aldrin would surely experience when he reached that point. Today, however, he could only revel at Carlos'' attainment.


    At this moment, the first floor of Carlos'' Radiant Tower burst open and its emerald-green brilliance draped over him before quietly disappearing.


    Visually, that looked simple but Aldrin''s chest tightened as if his instinct told him of the danger that he was currently in.


    His wish to fight someone like Carlos was extremely foolish. Janet reiterated that point to him many times. And like he expected, the fear of death loomed over his head, totally different to what he felt when he''s up against the absurdly strong Ant and Spider Champions.


    When the hazy image of his Radiant Tower disappeared, Carlos'' green-colored refined energy rampaged around him. The silent night that was only filled with the rustling of leaves and their voices gradually turned chaotic.


    And in a split second, the ice that threatened to cover his body shattered in an instant. The resulting surge of energy blew Aldrin away despite his attempt to bank his feet deep on the ground.


    "You little punk! You''ve done it now!" Carlos furiously roared. His arm extended towards the blown-away Aldrin.


    Sensing the incoming attack from the middle-aged man, Aldrin rolled to the side.


    He then looked to the side and saw his previous position explode as if an Essence Grenade was thrown at it.


    "Is it that bad to ask a question, Instructor? Oh. I''m sorry for wounding you, it''s a slip of my arm. There''s no need to get this angry, right?"


    Even with the trickle of sweat forming from his forehead, Aldrin maintained his calm as he played dumb.


    Obviously, even a child wouldn''t believe that. Its purpose was to further irk Carlos which was successful.


    There''s no need for him to state the obvious. Sneaking an attack and successfully wounding Carlos revealed that the middle-aged man''s identity had been exposed. But with the sudden rage filling his mind, he hadn''t processed everything yet.


    At the moment, he''s focused on the point that someone like Aldrin dared to trick and attack him.


    That''s like asking for death in the World of Energy Refiners. Even if there were crazy ones who could jump ranks, those instances were supplemented by the superiority of Metadome or Battlesuit.


    This time, neither of the two was present. So, in a normal sense, Aldrin would have no chance to wound him again apart from that initial sneak attack. That''s why Carlos was puzzled about where Aldrin''s confidence was coming from.


    "You got the gall to say that, you punk. Have you gone insane? No. Even if you''re not, you won''t be seeing the light of the day again!"


    "I said I''m sorry. And here I thought you, instructor, is truly benevolent."


    While shaking his head, Aldrin used Shadow Steps, just barely dodging another explosion.


    This time, he saw the attack coming from Carlos'' outstretched arm. It''s a Concept that turned his refined energy into a compressed ball of air that exploded on impact. If he was hit by it, he might not die from it but that''s enough to end the battle.


    When he reappeared, a little closer to the middle-aged man, Aldrin launched himself along with his four Shadow Clones almost instantly.


    He didn''t have that much of a time after all. In the scheme of things, he''s truly not needed to catch the man. Janet only indulged him in his selfishness to challenge Carlos.


    ''Once he realized that I''m just the first arrow shot from a trap that he set his foot into, my role would quickly end. I better step up my game.''


    With that in thought, he pulled out another weapon, wielding it on his left. It''s his other Grade 2 Weapon, the Obsidian Blaster.


    At the same time as his clones were effortlessly kicked and punched away by Carlos, Aldrin aimed the gun and fired towards his opponent.


    BANG!


    The bullet loudly whistled, threatening to break the sound barrier.


    Even if Carlos saw it coming, there''s just not enough time for him to dodge. Besides, he''s fairly confident that whatever Aldrin threw at him wouldn''t be enough to hurt him.


    His body was already covered with his Minor Aura Veil and his Radiant Tower''s enhancement bolstered his defense further.


    Instead of dodging it, Aldrin saw Carlos charging towards him, right in line with the Obsidian Blaster''s bullet''s trajectory.. With a blade in hand that glowed in a brighter green along with the wind whirling around it, he brandished it towards the bullet in hopes to deflect it.

 Chapter 118 - Aldrins Foolish Challenge (2)

    "What the--?!"


    Much to Carlos'' surprise, instead of being deflected, the bullet exploded on impact.


    Aldrin drew a wide grin upon seeing that confident mug of Carlos shattering in an instant. The middle-aged man''s Minor Aura Veil was effectively ripped away as he was the one that got deflected instead. Not only that, his arm bent at an irregular angle resulting in his face twisting in unimaginable pain.


    Carlos quickly stabilized himself, the ground where he landed crushed by the storm-like refined energy he''s exuding. Following that, the hazy projection of his Radiant Tower appeared again and the second-floor burst open, wrapping him in a thicker emerald-green brilliance.


    A moment later, his bent arm returned to normal, his expression filled with murderous glint.


    Aldrin fired another bullet from Obsidian Blaster but having learned his lesson, Carlos simply dodged from it along with fully unleashing a barrage of attacks towards Aldrin.


    Sharp blades of wind, explosive spheres of compressed air and rampaging cyclones all homed in towards Aldrin.


    "You''re an idiot, Aldrin! If you found out about my identity, you should''ve quietly reported it and let those stronger than you deal with me. What are you? Have you grown arrogant because of being called the most promising trainee? Don''t make me laugh! You''re still a hatchling who hasn''t broken your shell yet!"


    At this point, Aldrin was finally subjected to the full extent of Carlos'' strength. Apart from firing the Obsidian Blaster that required a higher than normal refined energy for its bullet, it became impossible for him to close the distance.


    If not blown away by the strength of each wind blade and the blast of wind, his Shadow Clones were being ripped apart forcefully before they could even launch their attacks at him. Using Shadow Steps also became useless as Carlos could easily sense where he would reappear.


    In less than a minute, wounds began appearing on his body and the thick clothes covering him from the chilling wind of the night gradually became tattered.


    He''s hoping to end his challenge by injuring Carlos fair and square but without anything special in his pocket, it''s impossible.


    Essence Grenade could offset Carlos'' offensive but he knew that it wouldn''t be enough to turn the tables around.


    His arsenal of skills was truly lacking in a battle against a stronger Energy Refiner.


    He had the Dimensional Clones on standby but if he used that then that''s just the same as relying on the IDLE Database.


    This challenge was his way to gauge his current strength without the help of that mysterious program. Evidently, he would never be able to bridge that gap, no matter what kind of tricks he pulled out of his sleeves.


    "You''re right, instructor. I''m an idiot and perhaps arrogant as well. But thank you for this chance¡­ I got a good grasp of how lacking and narrow-minded I am. That''s why¡­"


    Accepting that he wouldn''t be able to do anything anymore, he fired the Obsidian Blaster upwards. Once it reached a certain height, it exploded in a flash of dazzling brilliance.


    A signal flare for Janet and the other Instructors.


    Upon seeing that and understanding what it meant, Carlos'' expression fell. He threw a murderous glare at Aldrin.


    A moment later, at the same time as the obvious sounds of approaching Metadomes, he disappeared from his position.


    "Do you think you''re going to survive tonight?"


    Hearing the source of the voice coming from behind him along with the greater sense of danger, Aldrin quickly pooled his remaining refined energy to erect a barrier. It''s not born from a Concept but it took on a darkish hue, similar to the color his refined energy was taking on whenever he''s activating his Concepts. He also raised his arm holding the Winterthorn and aimed his gun towards it.


    However, against someone overwhelmingly stronger than him, that was simply not enough.


    The barrier broke, his sword was deflected and the Obsidian Blaster was kicked out of his hand before he could pull the trigger.


    Before he could even register Carlos'' grinning visage in his mind, Aldrin''s vision wavered into unconsciousness. On his chest, he felt a chilling breeze before a sharp and thin object sunk in the thick of his clothes before effortlessly stabbing into his body.


    "Aldrin!"


    Janet''s voice rang in his ears but he had no strength to respond to it.


    He then felt a foot kicking his chest sending him away with his blood spraying from where he was stabbed.


    When his body landed on the ground, Aldrin weakly looked down at his chest. "I am really an idiot." He muttered before coughing out another mouthful of blood.


    If there''s someone to blame for the fate he suffered, there''s none other than himself.


    What challenging himself? Without the IDLE Database, he''s just an upstart Energy Refiner. Janet continuously warned him but he pushed through with his plan. If that''s not suicidal then what is?


    Nonetheless, he had no plans to die early. Even if it''s difficult and his consciousness was already hazy from the loss of blood, he reached into his pocket and pulled out what he prepared for this scenario.


    The Allcure Elixir.


    Even though he could now only faintly hear the sounds of battle that ensued from Janet and the other Instructors'' arrival, he pushed himself to pop the elixir in his mouth.


    He had tried its effect in the Lower Dimension, however, he had no idea that it would be a fatal wound. He could only pray for it to work or he''s really going to die.


    As the warm sensation of the elixir spread in his body, Aldrin''s eyes shut closed and he fainted on the spot.


    If he had held onto his consciousness a bit longer, he''d probably see someone running towards him and hear the question she uttered, "Is it worth risking your life over a simple challenge?"


    No matter how one looks at it. Aldrin''s attempt is extremely foolish and there''s clearly no point in doing that unless one wanted a hell of pain accompanying it.


    But amidst the foolishness, Janet somehow admired that bravery and determination.. If she was put in the same shoes, she would never risk it.

 Chapter 119 - Waking Up

    He didn''t know how long he was unconscious but when he opened his eyes, Aldrin found himself back inside his tent, his top was naked and the part where he was stabbed was bandaged.


    His weapons, the Winterthorn and Obsidian Blaster were placed at his left. On his right, Irina was soundly sleeping.


    It''s not hard to guess that the girl was the one who bandaged him up and even looked after him.


    As for who sent him back, he could only guess that''s either Janet or the other Instructors she employed to catch Carlos. The last thing he remembered was his struggle to pop the Allcure Elixir in his mouth. If he was late in doing that, his life would''ve ended prematurely.


    All of that just because of his wish to challenge someone a whole Stage stronger than him¡­ His foolishness almost cost him his life. But with that experience, Aldrin learned his lesson not to overextend himself. A huge part of his strength was provided to him by the IDLE Database.


    Without it, he''s just a fairly average newly-awakened Energy Refiner with a somewhat rich combat experience. Nothing more. Nothing less.


    His true talent wouldn''t match up to those of Mila from Paleheart City and Yunlong Xin from Inkdragon City. He''s also far from Renissa''s talent level. That girl awakened by herself or rather, invoked by the near-death situation she fell into.


    Compared to those three, Aldrin was a cheat who relied on IDLE Database''s feature of directly absorbing Dimensional Energy and that elevated him to his current level.


    ''That''s it. That will be the first and last time I will try this stunt. It''s truly not worth it. But still, upon experiencing that, my mind was blank when it happened. No flashbacks of how my life unfolded. The only thing I glimpsed from it was the cold darkness and the solitary nothingness.''


    Aldrin heavily sighed. He sighed and then accepted his own weakness. He had no time to be depressed. He asked for it so he had to live through that choice and face forward to the present.


    "Thank you." He turned his head to the girl lying down beside him, gently patted her head and whispered his words of gratitude.


    There were more people he had to give his gratitude to but at the moment, he had more important things to do.


    That one Allcure Elixir saved his life but it failed to completely heal him. Nonetheless, that''s enough. He could just consume another one to bring him back to perfect condition. He stored more than ten pieces of the elixir. It''s another cheat item that''s even more potent than the other elixirs provided to him by the Association. If it was revealed to the public, it would surely create a stir if.


    Ignoring the slight pain from his chest, he willed his refined energy to his fingertips to open his Spatial Pocket. From there, he pulled out his phone and one more Allcure elixir. He unhesitatingly popped it like he planned before accessing the mysterious program.


    Looking at the current time that''s still synced in their own Dimensional Plane, it''s way past midnight. Hours already passed ever since he left with Carlos.


    Given that he couldn''t hear any activity outside his tent, they''re either still chasing after him or he was already caught and brought away.


    He didn''t want to disturb Irina''s sleep so he decided to ask her later.


    For now, his attention focused on IDLE Database.


    The first thing that registered in his eyes was his current IDLE Points and Essence.


    [IDLE Points: 49840/100000]


    [Essence Storage: 2438/5500]


    The income from the Small Merchants and Hunters were already credited. Furthermore, with Idle Adventure currently locked in the Dimension, every IDLE Point gained by his Dimensional Clones was being credited to his total.


    Aldrin hurriedly renewed those two IDLE Points generators, converting 12,300 points to Federation Credits to buy 50 Small Merchants and 10 Hunters, leaving him with more than 30,000 IDLE Points for his use.


    With Brown Feline and others at a similar level being the weakest Dimensional Creature in the Drawyz Domain, he''s earning 150 IDLE Points at each one they kill. That''s thanks to the tripled income brought about by the sudden changes in the Dimension.


    A few seconds later, another notification popped up concerning his Dimensional Clones defeating another creature.


    ''I left them on standby nearby, thinking I could also send them to chase after Carlos. Unfortunately, they ended up camping there without further orders from me.'' Aldrin shook his head, checked their status by bringing up Idle Adventure and confirmed that they''re still standing where he ordered them to wait.


    Fortunately, they weren''t discovered by Janet and the others but the nearby Dimensional Creatures would attack them as soon as they were seen, resulting in a rather stable income.


    The insect corpses stored at the Idle Storage had already dwindled to a few hundred while Brown Felines and other creatures that could be found in the Drawyz Domain slowly took up the storage space.


    Most of those had intact corpses and would surely fetch a high price if he brought them to the Plainsteed Base Camp instead of burning them in the furnace to squeeze for their Essence. However, that''s impossible for his current identity as a trainee.


    ''This is a welcome surprise¡­''


    On the inventory list, apart from the creature corpses, he also found a few Monster Cores.


    [2x Brown Feline Core]


    [1x Feathered Reptile Core]


    [1x Marsh Hound Core]


    Although they''re all from Level 20 Creatures, a level away from being an Extraordinary Rank like the Guardian Ant and Spider Sentinel, it''s a great surprise to find more cores. Those insects, even if he already killed thousands of them, only those Area Boss in the dungeons dropped them.


    From what he read about Monster Cores, Ordinary Rank creatures have almost close to zero chance of crystalizing a core¡­ It''s not impossible but it''s also too rare to even get them.


    It''s not even a day since the Dimensional Clones started hunting but they already found four¡­


    ''Is it because of the IDLE Database?'' He could only suspect as such.


    "Eh? You''re awake, Aldrin!"


    Perhaps because he''s moving a lot, the girl beside him woke up. And upon seeing him fiddling with his phone, as usual, her face immediately brightened. However, as if she recalled something, she fell into confusion.


    "Wait, how are you awake? It''s a grave wound¡­ Are you still human?!" Irina exclaimed as she hurriedly raised her body to check on him properly.

 Chapter 120 - Looking Ahead

    After her initial surprise upon seeing Aldrin already close to recovering in just a few hours, Irina had no choice but to accept that reality even if it was a bit incomprehensible. The most important thing was that he woke up fine.


    She gave up on checking him and just stared at him straight, hoping to get an answer from him. "You. I heard from our Instructor. How did you even decide to fight someone like that? You''re lucky you came out alive."


    "Perhaps it''s because I have a higher-than-normal survival instinct." Aldrin joked an answer.


    Irina dismissed that with a shrug though before giving him a piece of her mind. She''s at least worried about him when she saw him tattered like that. "Yeah, right. If everyone can survive a mortal wound with one''s survival instinct, doctors won''t be a neat profession anymore."


    "I''ll tell you about it but can I first ask what happened while I''m unconscious?"


    Naturally, he''s aware that it wouldn''t be able to trick the girl. But at the moment ¨C since she already woke up ¨C he wanted to get a good grasp of what transpired while he was unconscious.


    After sizing him up for a few seconds, Irina raised her hand in defeat and agreed to his request. She then narrated what led up to him waking up inside her tent.


    Yes. Since they were all provided the same kind of temporary shelter, he failed to recognize that he''s inside Irina''s tent rather than his own.


    Upon knowing that, he quickly apologized and even tried to get up but the girl stopped him. A while later, she began filling up the details that he missed.


    According to her, the camp was woken by and alerted when explosions sprouted up nearby along with the mechanical creaking of the Metadomes.


    ''That place wasn''t that far away from here. So, I expected that to happen. The way they announced that we should rest for the night was also part of the plan. To not let them wander outside. Aside from Carlos, most Instructors and guest Energy Refiners were in on it.'' Aldrin thought as he began analyzing Irina''s narration of the events.


    Continuing on, Irina first thought that they were being attacked by Rift Monsters. However, it quickly died down. Following that, the voice of one of the Instructors encompassed their camp, informing them that there''s no need to panic and they should continue their rest.


    When the commotion died down and they went back to rest in their tents, Janet showed up inside Irina''s tent, Aldrin was on her back.


    Janet then informed her of his foolish endeavor, she was owed that kind of explanation at least and it''s in light of her accepting to keep her mouth shut about what she just learned.


    Given that Janet was aware of their close ties even with their fake relationship, she picked Irina for that and perhaps believing that he wouldn''t wake up that quickly, she was reminded to utter an excuse for his sudden absence. Something like he took up an important mission as the leader of the camp.


    That''s fairly useless now when the Aldrin in front of him wouldn''t be suspected of being mortally wounded just a few hours ago. The stab wound that she spied when she''s bandaging Aldrin up had already closed and even the scar was close to disappearing.


    Janet was aware of the Allcure Elixir ¨C it''s one of the reasons why she agreed to his foolish plan in the first place; although she''s not quite sure how potent it was. The only thing she knew was that it could save him from certain death. Fortunately, he was stabbed and not beheaded.


    "Instructor Janet didn''t return again and the nearby commotion died down¡­"


    And that''s the extent of what Irina could fill him in, she fell asleep soon after Janet left and she bandaged him up. Since Janet hadn''t returned yet, she couldn''t tell him any update on Carlos'' state, whether they caught him or not or what kind of information they managed to squeeze from him.


    "I see. I understand¡­ I guess I should thank you for taking care of me."


    "You''re still my boyfriend. I don''t need that." Though she said that, her lips curved up. Clearly happy hearing him say that. A while later, she crossed her arms and egged him. "Now, tell me what made you decide that and what led to that point¡­ I get that Carlos is the one responsible for the Southern District disaster but why challenge him? And what''s with your monstrous recovery rate? If Instructor Janet returned and saw you well and fine, she''d also be in for a not-so-pleasant surprise!"


    -


    -


    After owning up to the gratitude he owed her by telling Irina details she was curious about and getting scolded by her because of how foolish it was, Aldrin escaped and returned to his tent just before the sky brightened.


    He also had no choice but to wait for Janet to update him. He somehow wished to be the one to catch him by relying on the Dimensional Clones,


    In the meantime, he sent his Dimensional Clones to move and look for traces of the battle as well as look for clues about the changes in this Dimension.


    Apart from noticing how aggressive the Dimensional Creatures became when he observed them what''s happening on his phone screen for a while, the warning IDLE Database flashed before him still couldn''t be felt.


    And due to that, the training camp continued on its course.


    When everyone woke up and gathered again for the second day, Aldrin, as the leader, took up the supervising position again for the continued construction of their Base Camp.


    While doing so, he''d occasionally leave the confines of the wall just to check if Janet or any other Instructors would show up.


    However, he couldn''t see any of them anymore.


    That''s how it should be after all. Last night was the first and last time they would be protected, in accordance to entrapping a criminal like Carlos and to letting the trainees adjust to their new environment.


    As soon as the 2nd day dawned on them, the Base Building activity was now underway and they''re expected to produce results three days later or they''d most likely suffer for the next part of their 20 days inside the Dimension.


    ''¡­ I should start focusing on this then. She will update me if there''s progress, hopefully.''


    Having decided that, he dropped the matter of Carlos. It''s just one man against that many, he trusted in their abilities. Although he hoped to see the aftermath with his own eyes, he''s clearly unqualified for it.


    What he could do for now was to get their Base Camp in order and let his Dimensional Clones investigate the changes in the Dimension while also racking up IDLE Points for him.


    After returning inside, Troy and Lizette, two of the five assistants he appointed, ran up to him. The former was assigned to manage their construction supplies while the latter was assigned to supervise sentry points for their Base Camp.


    "Leader, we finished building the foundations of the important facilities. However, I think we should get more materials from our surroundings and reinforce the walls."


    "Leader, someone spotted a group of Green-dotted Hyenas making a beeline to our hill. Send the two combat groups to take care of them. I believe the Instructors have already stopped babying us. It''s about time we pull our weight"


    "Alright. Call Yasuto, Frederic and Faye. Let''s do this right." Aldrin nodded at the two and named the other three assistants he appointed.


    There''s a lot going on around him but after recognizing his weakness, foolishness and any other negative traits of him, he could put on more hard work to fix them.


    Furthermore, he couldn''t be tied to only one issue. All these fellow trainees and even his Dimensional Clones were doing their own share of work, he better work on what''s in front of his eyes as well.


    Whatever''s going to happen in the following days, Aldrin could only prepare himself for it.

 Chapter 121 - Chase And Changes

    At the same time as Aldrin and the other trainees from Lonewind City began with their base construction, deep inside the sea of trees that sprawled as far as the eye could see from where the hill stood, a chase consisting of several Metadomes was underway.


    At the forefront, a slender green construct standing at six meters tall was winding through the gaps between the trees. Despite its supposed weight that should be able to at least break the ground beneath it, it appeared as if it was effortlessly gliding on an even ground. If one would look closely, beneath the heels of the green Metadome, emerald-green refined energy swirled around like a mini cyclone.


    Behind it, the other chasing Metadomes was led by a crimson feminine-figured Metadome. Compared to the green one, it''s mowing down the short trees on its path to remain at its target''s tail. It was also launching rockets occasionally to stop the green Metadome from diverging off its path and slowing it down for them to catch up.


    That''s all they could do since their Metadomes weren''t built especially for mobility. Whether they could surround him or not, that depends on when the operator of the green Metadome grew exhausted from using too much refined energy.


    "We had him surrounded, how come you let him take his Metadome?!" The operator of the crimson Metadome, the Armada, yelled angrily at her companions.


    Truthfully, it''s already her 10th time asking the same question. At each subsequent time, her companions gradually found it hard to continue answering her what they already told her.


    "Janet. That one was a sly fox. He pretended to surrender but he had a remote module for his Metadome. When we''re about to take him to custody, his Metadome almost killed Thereo!"


    At least, there''s still one soul who answered her question. It''s a repeat so there''s no more energy in it.


    It''s been hours since they started the chase. Some of them even began to blame the trainee for taking on the foolishness to fight against Carlos. If he didn''t do that, the troubling chase wouldn''t even happen.


    However, they couldn''t voice that out or they would receive the Tyrant Princess'' ire. She''s the one who recruited them, in the name of the Association. Simply put, they were hired by her to catch the criminal who was responsible for the Southern District disaster.


    "Incompetent bastards." She clicked her tongue. The faces of those connected to her communication instantly soured. But then they''re aware of how the Tyrant Princess acted.


    Even though she''s inactive for five years, they at least heard the story of her rise in strength. Most of them were late Stage 2 Energy Refiner but five years ago, Janet already reached that. They had no idea if she already reached Stage 3 or she got stuck at peak Stage 2.


    Without her leading the pack of chasers, Carlos would be successful in escaping from them long ago.


    "Theron and Julius, take the others and veer off to the left and right. That man wouldn''t be courageous enough to continue venturing into unexplored areas. He''s bound to turn around soon enough." Janet eventually commanded after her head cooled down.


    After shouts of compliance, at least six Metadomes of different models separated from them, following what she ordered.


    Time quickly passed and the chase still continued. However, they finally entered an unexplored area. The map affixed to their holographic screens switched to mapping mode to supplement the current exploration progress of the dimension.


    "Huh? Aren''t those Tree Sprites? Why are they aggressive now?" One of them commented after sweeping away the creature off his Metadome.


    "That''s not all. Every Rift Monsters we chanced upon were all turning aggressive. And don''t you feel it? I felt like we''re being spied on by something grim and dangerous¡­ Janet, should we really continue this chase? We''re in uncharted territory by now."


    Inside the crimson Metadome, Janet whose eyes were still fixed to the green Metadome a few hundred meters away from them heard all those. She''s aware. If they continued chasing, the risk of running into dangerous unrecorded Rift Monsters that could threaten even her would be heightened. Also, it didn''t escape her notice that every single Rift Monster was aggressively attacking them, even those deemed ''harmless unless attacked''. With her mind occupied with the chase, she couldn''t spare to think of a reason for it.


    But even so, she''s indignant at letting Carlos escape. Not after seeing his blade mercilessly impaled Aldrin.


    ''No. It''s that idiot little brother''s fault. Too cocky to even think of fighting someone who can kill him easily in normal circumstances. He better not die or I''ll stomp on his grave!'' She cursed at Aldrin inwardly.


    "Alright. Ten minutes. Give me ten minutes. If I failed to catch him by then. We''re giving up."


    In the end, she could also not risk the lives of others just for her slightly selfish intention. Either way, Carlos was doomed from the onset. Unless he could change his appearance, he wouldn''t be able to leave the Dimension.


    -


    -


    "Why are you here? Shouldn''t you be directing the camp?" Through their open communication channel, Frederic spoke to Aldrin.


    They''re now outside their base camp, anticipating the arrival of the pack of Green-dotted Hyenas to show up. At first, they saw a small pack that numbered around ten. However, when they left the camp, Aldrin was informed by the sentries that there were more packs homing in towards their hill. The two combat groups led by Frederic and Faye, a battle-hardened woman from another group, would be hard-pressed at defending against them.


    The battle would mark their first real combat experience while using their Metadomes. If they got careless in that kind of situation, casualties might occur as early as their 2nd day in the Dimension.


    That''s why Aldrin, as the camp leader, left the supervision to the two assistants remaining in the camp before selecting more trainees to reinforce the two groups.


    "Hmm? Don''t you need more hands here? I brought the gang." Aldrin smirked as the faces of Irina, Caroline and Clark popped up on the screen, joining their communication channel. "Anyway, can I take command?"


    "Suit yourself. You''re the better one at that job. You know me. I only want to smash things and brute force my way on everything."


    "Great! Remember our training. Also, Chel, Emerson, and Rex, you don''t mind, right?"


    "No complaints, leader!" The three he addressed answered in chorus.


    Aldrin smiled at them as he began spreading them into a formation. Naturally, he placed himself behind them, fully settling in his role as the commander and Support-type Energy Refiner.


    Seconds later, his eyes focused on the map and watched as red dots indicated the Dimensional Creatures closing in on them.


    ''¡­ This is unusual. Extremely unusual. Is this also brought about by the change in this Dimension?'' He mused. ''I better move my Dimensional Clones here and just in case¡­ I better be ready to also give me the multiplier. Even if I''m a late Stage 1 by now, Minor Aura Veil won''t cut it if we find ourselves in a dire situation.''


    "They''re here! I''ll go on ahead!" Frederic excitedly shouted, his Metadome charging forward to the first Green-spotted hyena that appeared from the dense sea of trees.

 Chapter 122 - Combat Experience

    [IDLE Points +150]


    [IDLE Points +150]


    [IDLE Points +150]


    Aldrin watched as he racked up IDLE points on the current battlefield where he''s only providing support fire using his Metadome''s firearms. Even if it wasn''t a direct kill, points would still be credited to him once anyone in his group finished the creature.


    Once he realized that he found another exploit for points even with minimum effort on his part, Aldrin would always fire once to the creatures or even throw a rock or anything he could use as a projectile to injure the hyenas.


    And even if his aim was only to put in even a little damage on the hyenas, he''s timing it so that it would look like he''s assisting them to prevent any injury.


    Despite being a Level 20, a peak Ordinary Rank creature or something clearly stronger even against a peak Stage 1 Energy Refiner, the green-spotted hyenas provided little challenge against Aldrin and the group of trainees operating their Metadomes.


    Compared to the five-meter-tall Metadomes, the hyenas weren''t even taller than a human. They might be bigger than the normal hyenas that could be only be found now in ancient era''s books but against the giant mechanical constructs that were powered by Dimensional Energy, it would be hard for them to take down one unless a whole pack focused on one to bite through the thick resilient alloy used to forge a Metadome.


    Through this battle, Aldrin and the others confirmed the fact that Metadomes became the cheat of humanity against their threat, and that led the migrated population to prosper for years to come.


    Nonetheless, mysteries about Dimensional Rifts remained unanswered. At least for the uninformed majority.


    Twenty minutes later, the last of the green-spotted hyena had its head blown by Aldrin''s blaster.


    Thankfully, the automatic transference to the Idle Storage wasn''t applied to him or it would puzzle everyone with him to explain where the corpses disappeared to.


    "We''re finished! Oh boy¡­ I almost froze when I got jumped by three of them. Thank you for the assist, leader!"


    With the threat on their side controlled and the tension of their first battle released, almost everyone breathed out a sigh of relief.


    The one who spoke those words was Emerson. He''s someone that''s fairly similar to Frederic. Instead of using a blaster or any long-range firearms from their Metadomes, he liked being at the forefront, slugging it out.


    But because the hyenas were agile and smaller than the Metadomes, more often than not, those creatures could jump and land an attack on him.


    Surely, if they''re fighting with only their battlesuits, the battle would be over quickly. As for the result, it would be their loss.


    "No problem. Take a rest and use a kit to repair your Metadome. Chel and Rex, you two take a rest as well. Once you''re done, gather the corpses and return to our camp. Keep your communication line open so that the sentry can alert you if there''s danger. Don''t risk it."


    "U-understood! What about you, leader? Are you going back?"


    "You can still hear it, right? Faye''s group is still in combat. I''ll bring Frederic and the others to provide aid. Or do any of you want to rest first?" Aldrin answered and then addressed the four he mentioned.


    He observed their complexions. Apart from how Irina and Frederic appeared excited about two different things, the four weren''t as tired as the three. They did remember what Aldrin drilled into them two days ago after all.


    From that recent battle, Frederic took the vanguard position by charging right in the middle of them, his Metadome that had slightly bulkier limbs thanks to the module he installed to it brought about a qualitative improvement in his melee combat. Further, he didn''t go too far out, allowing Caroline to eventually catch up to him, protecting both his front and back with either her yellow-painted Metadome with its large round shield or her Barrier Concept.


    Irina, who''s operating her purple-colored Metadome, picked out the hyenas that had their backs turned to her using her curved swords. The module she added on her Metadome was the same as what Aldrin picked; the Maneuver Assistance. It allowed her to freely run around the battlefield. Clark, who surprisingly still stuck to their group despite the heartbreak he''s experiencing, assisted Irina. Using his spear as well as his Spear Concept, he''s preventing the hyena''s snuck up behind her.


    ''They can definitely survive by themselves even when I''m not here directing them.'' Aldrin judged after recalling it. ''Although I also cannot dismiss that the other groups knew teamwork. The other three were from different groups. They just volunteered to be in the combat group for the duration of the Base Building where we have to work together.''


    "Let''s go quickly! I''m still pumped up!" Frederic almost howled in excitement. His berserker trait was always prevailing.


    "I don''t mind. I can''t leave you alone, can I?" Irina winked while still flashing her pleasant smile. Even though everyone can see that gesture through their holographic monitors, it''s easily understood that it''s directed to Aldrin.


    Clark scowled at that and didn''t answer while Caroline just nodded while fixing her glasses.


    "Alright then, let''s get moving."


    -


    -


    If they defended the left side of the hill, the other group was on the right side. Despite coming from different directions, they''re all the same species.


    It would take them around ten minutes to reach it. That''s why while they''re on the way, Aldrin gathered and reorganized his thoughts.


    The hyenas that showed up were a lot higher than the sentries estimated. Fortunately, their group was efficient with their teamwork. But if they got a higher number of enemies, there''s also a possibility that the same happened to the other group.


    Aldrin was worried, true. But he believed that with Metadomes, that kind of threat wasn''t enough to defeat them. That''s unless they got scared.


    Like them, that should be the other trainees'' first battle.


    ''Hopefully, I''m wrong and they''re just not as efficient as us.''


    Following that, he then evaluated himself.


    ''After the 17,000 earlier. I''m way past 125,000 converted IDLE Points placing me at late Stage 1¡­ I can certainly feel that if I willed it, a Minor Aura Veil would cover me. But that''s enough to overcome someone as strong as Carlos¡­ If I went with the trend, reaching the peak Stage 1 needed at least 625,000. That''s a huge difference from 1000 to awaken as an Energy Refiner¡­''


    Despite advancing quietly once more, not only he was not satisfied because of his recent loss, but he also got depressed thinking about how many IDLE Points he needed to earn next.


    Nonetheless, if someone heard his thoughts and saw his expression, for example, Janet, he''d be beaten by her for being too cocky.


    He achieved what some could deem an impossible feat after all¡­ Mila and Yunlong Xin were like most other trainees, they awakened as an Energy Refiner for more than a month, or months already. For them to reach late Stage 1, it''s fairly acceptable.


    What about Aldrin? Counting the days that passed, it''s not even one month yet!


    Perhaps once the training camp finished, his feared attention would surely drop on his head. His only saving grace was his spherical Energy Quintessence.. That could somehow mask his current attainment but against monsters like the Association Head or Commander Yun, he''d probably be seen through if they fixed their eyes on him.

 Chapter 123 - Dreadgnaw

    Green-spotted Hyenas have quite a notorious reputation inside the Plainsteed Rift; apparently, that''s what the Planet Dualmoon''s highest-ranking officials from the Federation decided to call the maintained-type Dimensional Rift. The beasts always travel in packs and they always attack during the night. The green spots on fur could release some kind of paralyzing toxic gas, allowing them to ambush unsuspecting prey or even Energy Refiners.


    It''s considered a peak Ordinary Rank that even a Stage 2 Energy Refiner could only run away if one encountered them.


    However, that''s not all. In every three hundred green-spotted hyenas, one of them would stand out and break the threshold to be considered as an Extraordinary Rank creature. It would grow twice the size of a regular green-spotted hyena and possessed jaws strong enough to bite through a Standard Metadome''s armor plate.


    There were instances of a group of Stage 2 Energy Refiners encountering them at night and the fatality rate with those encounters was as high as 90%. Of the remaining 10%, 5% consists of having at least one survivor, 5% consists of groups that managed to escape without casualty.


    Naturally, if a group was stronger and had enough preparation, they could fight back and drive them away. Unfortunately, the hyenas were sly creatures that always favored ambush.


    Recalling that information, not only Aldrin but even Frederic who was the most excited for another round of battle gaped at what they arrived at.


    Faye''s group of ten Energy Refiners had been reduced to eight. Moreover, the remaining eight Metadomes were scattered, each one being swarmed by at least ten hyenas.


    On the ground, or specifically beneath the huge hyena, two Metadomes were trampled, the cockpit ripped open.


    As for the trainees operating them, Aldrin scanned the surroundings to look for them since there''s no bloodstains in either cockpit.


    "¡­ How? It''s already unusual for green-spotted hyenas to attack during the day but for even the feared Dreadgnaw." Irina muttered in fright. Caroline also paled upon seeing it.


    As for Aldrin and the other two men, they also had their apprehensions.


    Although it should still be considered a green-spotted hyena, they gave a nickname to that bigger and seemingly the leader of the huge pack; Dreadgnaw.


    "Yes, it''s unusual. But have you forgotten? Those hyenas we took care of didn''t release their toxic gas. And even here. They''re brute-forcing Faye and the others." Aldrin tried to sound calm while at the same time, he ordered his Dimensional Clones to move closer.


    Given that no Instructors provided aid to them even when two Metadomes had already fallen, Aldrin guessed that they wouldn''t receive any help from them or if not that, they''re not nearby.


    "For now, let''s move and give Faye''s group a breathing space to retreat."


    "Or you can also back out now. I won''t force you to fight in this seemingly slim chance of victory." He added after not hearing the other four''s affirmation.


    "No way! I''ll help! Point where you want me to be!" Irina was the first one who answered, courage slowly masked the fear that''s apparent on her face.


    "I can''t leave Irina," Clark answered. Even at this moment, he''s trying to appeal to her. But it''s understandable, especially in the current situation.


    "I''ll rely on you again, Caroline." Frederic addressed the glasses girl of their group, surprising Aldrin.


    "Eh? No¡­ I''m just fitting in my role." And Caroline''s complexion returned to normal albeit slightly flustered.


    "Mhm. Then leave the Dreadgnaw to me. You four join up with them and ask them about the two trainees whose Metadome got wrecked."


    Aldrin didn''t waste time to praise their conviction. Every second counts. The eight were in a terrible state and only a few of them appeared to still have the energy to fight back.


    With the unusual things pointed out that clearly defied the description of the beasts, Aldrin could now certainly attribute that to the change in the Dimension.


    Consequently, he geared his mind to not expect the Dimensional Creatures to behave according to the previously written description of them.


    "Aldrin, take care."


    Aldrin was slightly surprised at her words. He thought Irina would stop him or at least question his decision to take on the biggest threat.


    "Mhm. You too. Anyway, move out. I''ll still support you so focus on rescuing them first."


    With that, the first one who sprang out from where they stopped was Aldrin himself.


    With his refined energy being channeled to his Metadome, the EQL and its engine worked double time. As if he''s controlling his own body, Aldrin ran forward. Two hazy Shadow Clones of his Metadome then appeared and ran alongside him.


    Before the Dreadgnaw noticed his presence, He fired the Material Blaster in its direction.


    As the large shell of the weapon whistled through the air, the huge hyena yawned and lazily turned its head, facing the incoming attack as if it''s not a threat.


    It stood up with its four legs and then slapped the compressed energy projectile of the blaster to the side.


    "Really?" Aldrin was dumbfounded. "Dodge it, at least!" He couldn''t help but comment.


    Nonetheless, he continued his charge. The two Shadow Clones already moved ahead, kicking away the smaller hyenas blocking his path.


    "One more!"


    He once again fired the Material Blaster. Given that the range was already shortened, the Dreadgnaw couldn''t slap the shell anymore. Instead, it raised its clawed paw to block it!


    ''Huh? Such an insane defensive capability.'' He thought. But then, he noticed something.


    "Aura Veil¡­"


    The Dreadgnaw was currently covered by Dimensional Energy. It''s colorless making it hard to see from afar.


    Nonetheless, the force of the Material Blaster successfully pushed it away from its position. And when the smoke disappeared, Aldrin saw it failed to block it completely, the blaster successfully drew the beast''s blood.


    Through that, Aldrin understood, it''s not unbeatable. He just had to kill it before it killed him!


    Aldrin drew the Metadome''s sword and activated Shadow Steps.


    "Ugh!"


    Feeling the large drainage of his refined energy, Aldrin grimaced. It''s a normal occurrence. Janet and the books he read mentioned that. Despite being able to channel and activate a Concept through a Metadome, the refined energy needed would also scale with it, especially with the movement-type Concepts where he''s literally bringing the whole metal construct with him.


    That''s why it''s not advisable to always use a Concept while operating a Metadome.


    Nonetheless, he forced his eyes open to deliver his attack. He slashed down at the huge hyena as soon as he reappeared behind it.


    Through the EQL, Aldrin clearly felt the numbing sensation on his hand as the blade tried to cut through the Aura Veil. Nonetheless, a smile appeared on his lips. His sword cut through the beast! I


    However, it''s too early for him to rejoice.


    In front of his eyes, the green-spotted hyenas began jumping and biting at his Metadome.


    He swung his sword cutting through some of them but most of them continued gnawing at him.


    And using that chance, the enraged Dreadgnaw joined the fray.


    Aldrin could only see a large paw hitting his side before an overwhelming force sent him skidding on the ground.


    Following that, another paw stepped on him, preventing him from recovering.


    Moments later, the ugly mug of Dreadgnaw looked down at him as if smugly saying, "This is easy."


    "Yeah. It is." Aldrin smirked.


    From behind the beast, a hazy Shadow Clone wielded the Material Blaster and fired mercilessly.

 Chapter 124 - A Torture To Activate

    Expectedly, that''s not enough to kill an Extraordinary Rank creature. However, the attack seeped through the cut Aldrin made on its back, resulting in the hyena rolling on the ground in extreme pain, its blood seeping out of its gaping wound. Some of the smaller green-spotted hyenas crowded before its wound.


    Astoundingly, they''re pooling in their Dimensional Energy together to accelerate the Dreadgnaw''s recovery as well its skin regeneration.


    On the other hand, Aldrin, after having been freed with his predicament, cleared his head. He stood up and had the thought of finishing the Dreadgnaw while he had the chance.


    Alas, the chance was already nonexistent.


    As if they''re royal guards to a king, the green-spotted hyenas that didn''t crowd around the Dreadgnaw, blocked his way, snarling and barking to intimidate him.


    Even until this time, none of them released that paralytic toxic gas.


    Thinking back to its description again, Aldrin suspected something. ''Is it because it''s still daytime? They can only produce their toxic gas at night?''


    That''s the only plausible reason he could think of. Either way, even without that, the number of hyenas was simply overwhelming.


    A few distances away, Irina and the others had just started thinning the herd of hyenas trying to take down the Metadomes of the trainees.


    ''This is so not good. They''re healing the Dreadgnaw. Even if I am confident to pass through these beasts, it will be too late. Moreover¡­''


    Aldrin dreadfully glanced in the direction of the sea of trees.


    While he''s trying to pass through the wall of green-spotted hyenas, another pack of hyenas came flooding out from its depths.


    The others hadn''t noticed it yet because of the distance but if they continued fighting like this, they would definitely lose. However, even if they decided to retreat behind their walls inside the base camp, they would have to prepare to defend a siege.


    ''Where the hell are the instructors?! Isn''t it high time for them to show up?!'' He screamed inwardly.


    His mind continued whirling with thoughts and possibilities. And upon thinking about it carefully, there''s a possibility that they''re also in a difficult situation. Or worse, the changes in this Dimension finally encroached upon the explored areas.


    ''Triple IDLE points. Yeah, right. I have no choice but to reveal them then also¡­ it''s about time to use that.''


    Having decided on something, Aldrin called the four Dimensional Clones to come to his aid. And as if it''s not enough, he used 2200 Essences to summon one Guardian Ant and Spider Sentinel to block the new flood of hyenas.


    Aldrin pulled out his Metadome from battling the hyena royal guards. In his place, three hazy Shadow Clones replaced him.


    He''s aware. Everything he just summoned would not be able to last long against them but at least that gave him a breathing space.


    Aldrin quickly opened a private communication channel to contact someone and relay his orders. A private channel had a longer range since it only connected one to another but the public one needed everyone connected to it to be in a certain range.


    Obviously, he''s outside that range. A while later, Irina''s face appeared on his screen once more. She smiled but it''s clear that she''s near exhaustion. Or rather, her refined energy was about to be emptied. If it continued, losing consciousness and being weakened was the least thing that could happen. But on this battlefield? She''d surely be food for the carnivorous beasts.


    Aldrin put on a calm look to avoid her from panicking as he put down an order. "Irina, relay this to everyone. The situation is currently bad. Evacuate inside the walls after rescuing Faye''s group. I''ll follow soon after."


    "¡­U-understood! You better follow!"


    Thankfully she only reminded him that. After nodding at her, Aldrin closed the channel to finally do what aimed to do.


    Through the IDLE Database installed in his Metadome, Aldrin activated what he set aside yesterday. It''s something that he couldn''t truly explain if found out. But given the circumstances, it''s his only shot to have a chance at resolving the current situation.


    [You spent 3,000 IDLE Points]


    [Applying Multiplier¡­]


    [Note: Host will feel pangs of pain in both your mind and body. You will also feel a burning sensation in your Energy Channels and Energy Quintessence. Forcefully raising Host''s prowess is akin to overstretching your current body''s limits. It will persist until you opt to deactivate. However, the possibility of getting used and adapting to it is not zero.]


    ''As expected. It''s not that simple¡­ Ugh!''


    Aldrin hadn''t finished reading that note yet when the small part of the Metadome''s holographic screen glowed and basked him in intense dazzling light that seemingly occupied the whole space of the cockpit.


    That small part was what IDLE Database currently occupied. Although similar to how he''s basking and absorbing Dimensional Energy whenever he would convert IDLE Points, the light was more intensified as if he''s right under the sun.


    Pain instantly coursed through his body starting from his four limbs. The pain was unimaginable. In his mind, feeling his limbs chopped while was leagues more comfortable to it. As those pangs of pain reached his bones, they began cracking loudly as if they''re being crushed and regenerated at the same time. When it''s done with his bones, his inner organs one by one ached as if they''re being poked by countless needles before gradually sinking in them. His stomach acids boiled fiercely and he was about to vomit whatever he had eaten later. And when the pain reached his heart, Aldrin clutched his chest almost like someone having a heart attack. His heart started beating crazily as if it was revolting against him and it wanted to quickly pump all of his blood out.


    If someone could see him at the moment, they''d surely be horrified at what he''s going through.


    However, even with all that, Aldrin held back a scream. He endured it thoroughly. In place of a scream, the tight suit that he was wearing was drenched in a cold sweat.


    Unfortunately, that''s not the end of his suffering or rather, the application of the Tier 2 Multiplier in his body.


    Just when he thought he could finally breathe a sigh of relief, his vision darkened as his mind started being racked by another unimaginable bout of pain. This time, it''s like his brain was being squeezed to a pulp.


    Although the process only lasted for a few seconds, Aldrin felt like he had gone to and from the fabled underworld a few times already.


    A few seconds later, Aldrin felt a flood of energy feeling his body as it coursed through his Energy Quintessence and every Energy Channel existing in his body. At first, it felt like his thirst was being quenched after walking in a desert without any water for a long time. It''s too comfortable. Comfortable enough for him to want to rest and simple after the first two tortures he had experienced.


    However, given that he failed to completely read the note, another surprise dropped on him.


    The flood of energy coursing through his body didn''t stop after his thirst was thoroughly quenched, it kept flowing into him, bloating both his Energy Quintessence and Energy Channels. Even it''s not the same process that he needed to take to reach the peak Stage 1.


    The energy that filled him up felt too foreign and once they settled down, it seeped through the walls of both his Energy Quintessence and Energy Channels until they disappeared completely.


    ''Is it over?'' He foolishly asked.


    At this point he''s almost a spent tire, he just wanted an escape.


    Regrettably, it wouldn''t be given to him yet.


    Following the absorption of the overflowing energy to the walls of his Energy Quintessence and Energy Channels, searing pain as if he was being deep-fried in boiling oil attacked his senses.


    At this point, his endurance broke. His mouth opened wide and a scream resembling something about to die a horrifying death rang out.


    "Aaaaahhhh!"


    Lucky him, he''s inside the Metadome. Had he been outside of it, everyone would be able to hear his death throes.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    At exactly five seconds, the searing pain weakened to the point of being bearable but Aldrin¡­ his eyes already lost their light¡­


    Being subjected to that kind of pain¡­ It''s a miracle that he only screamed at the last moment.


    And as fate would have it, if he lifted his head and stared at what''s the view in front of his Metadome, he''d see the Dreadgnaw stood up, its fur turning purple as it began its charge towards him.

 Chapter 125 - Saved

    While Aldrin was undergoing the application of the IDLE Database''s multiplier on his real body, Irina relayed his words to the others.


    Unlike him, who was slightly at ease when facing the smaller hyenas due to his experience of fighting hordes of insects, the four or twelve, if the other eight were included, couldn''t do the same thing.


    Firstly, they''re mostly relying on the strength of their Metadomes. Their refined energy and their control were only supplementing it. Without the famed vehicle that allowed humanity to fight back against the unreasonable Dimensional Rifts, there''s no way they could retaliate.


    Secondly, most of them were inexperienced fighting against real Rift Monsters. They might have been trained even before they awakened as an Energy Refiner but nothing beats real experience.


    Lastly, the appearance of the Dreadgnaw ate away their courage and determination to make a stand against the enemies. They instantly recognized the hopelessness in challenging it.


    Such was the case with the trainees. There would come a time where they could overcome those three reasons but at the moment, that''s something they had to carry on their backs.


    In the brief time that Aldrin managed to buy for them, Frederic and Irina had already freed three trainees while they''re receiving the support of Caroline and Clark.


    The three freed trainees were already out of commission, sadly. Their panic reached their heads that it would need time before they could snap out of it. Due to that, they still had to rely on themselves to free the remaining five.


    "Dammit! Wake the fuck up, you idiots! You''re not dead yet, are you Energy Refiners or civilians we need to protect?!" Frederic yelled through the opened communication channel. It''s at the volume where everyone frowned when it landed on their ears.


    Despite his brutish fascination over battles, Frederic seldom cursed. However, that didn''t mean he couldn''t.


    "Pick up your weapons and help your comrades out! We didn''t get you out of that just to lament over your weaknesses! Stand up!" He continued at the same time as he freed another trainee.


    Their Metadomes might''ve been chewed out on various parts but all in all, it''s still operable. The location of the cockpit and the engine were the most guarded place and only the Dreadgnaw could rip it off with its jaw''s strength and fangs'' sharpness in a few bites.


    "Y-yes!"


    "I''m an Energy Refiner!"


    At the very least, even if it sounded demoralizing, two out of the four freed trainees raised their arms and picked up their weapons to help liberate the remaining four.


    "That''s great. Four remaining! Let''s keep at it and retreat. Aldrin can fall into danger if we take too much time." With her words laced with her worry over Aldrin, Irina encouraged the others while also reminding them of the one giving them an easier time to move.


    Irina''s Metadome spun at that moment and through her holographic screen that zoomed in slightly to check on Aldrin''s state, her face fell as she witnessed the outpouring of more hyenas from behind the trees. She also spied a large ant and a large spider standing on their path but she lumped them as more enemies threatening their group.


    She wanted to run to his side but if she did that, she''s aware that their retreat would be delayed. That''s why instead of that, she steeled her resolve to quickly finish what they set out to do.


    As she spun in a full circle and her focus was quickly caught by the hyenas, she failed to catch that Aldrin''s Metadome remained stationary while the purple Dreadgnaw charged at him in visible fury.


    -


    -


    The pain had weakened but after experiencing three kinds of torture through the application of multipliers to raise his strength to that of a Stage 2 Energy Refiner, his mind blanked out for a moment.


    He did recover but that''s only when his Metadome got rammed from the front hurtling him backward.


    A claw was about to send him to the afterlife but four human figures, clad in Basic Refiner Battlesuits superimposed by leather armors and wielding different kinds of weapons, emerged from behind to stop the Dreadgnaw.


    The one wielding a heavy shield lifted it and after a brief shine, a powerful blast stopped the claw.


    Following that, the one wielding the spear jumped out and thrust his weapon towards the purple beast. It was only one thrust but five more seemingly illusory thrusts from a spear followed, poking holes and drawing the blood of the enraged Dreadgnaw.


    At that point, the Dreadgnaw retreated but its throng of smaller hyenas showed up from behind, their maws opened wide to take a chomp off the newcomers.


    "¡­ Sheesh. Saved by my Dimensional Clones." Aldrin shook his head in self-deprecation. He finally regained his senses and saw himself pathetic. Nonetheless, he dismissed that thought as quickly as he could. There''s no time for lamentation. He could do that later.


    Despite still feeling giddy, he resumed his Metadome operation through the EQL and lifted off its butt from the ground.


    He then lifted its arm and aimed at the crowd of green-spotted hyenas. With unblinking eyes, he fired the Material Blaster.


    [IDLE Points +150] x5


    As it was connected to the Metadome''s system. His enhanced refined energy gave it an upgrade. Its blast was wider than before, taking out more hyenas than he expected.


    The ones who jumped were also affected. They got hit by the dispersing wind generated by the blast, destroying the momentum of their charge.


    Taking that chance. Striker and Hitter who hadn''t made their move yet did what they ought to do. The former jumped up and skewered two of the waggling hyenas while the latter drew the bowstrings in quick succession, impaling five more.


    [IDLE Points +150] x2


    The two skewered instantly died but the other five fell on the ground writhing in abject pain. A moment later, the four Dimensional Clones delivered final blows without missing a beat.


    [IDLE Points +150] x5


    Naturally, the seven corpses disappeared but that''s the least of Aldrin''s worries at the moment. The four Dimensional Clones that still had their orders to kill jointly move and pave their way towards the Dreadgnaw.


    "I''m aware. They''re all based on me.. But to see them taking these beasts out with extreme ease before my eyes felt unexpectedly surreal when everyone was having a hard time even with their Metadomes¡­" He sighed in slight amazement but soon enough, he cleared his mind to focus on his current objective.

 Chapter 126 - Points To Harvest

    In less than five minutes, fairly attributed to the additional help from the two who found their courage back, the remaining trainees were freed from the snappy hounds.


    Only a few of the hyenas were killed because their priority was to rescue. Nonetheless, with additional blades and guns, the difficulty gradually lowered.


    By the time the last of the Metadomes was freed, they began their retreat back to the hill.


    Irina and Clark took the rear as the former was quite worried for Aldrin while the latter was just there for the sake of protecting his long-time crush.


    Before they began their retreat, Irina already checked on him, informing him that they succeeded in rescuing the others. However, when she took a glance at where he''s supposed to be, he saw Aldrin running towards the forest, along with four figures in complete Battlesuits while drawing the crowd of hyenas along with the Dreadgnaw behind them as well as the seemingly powerful insect-type Rift Monsters.


    Through the private communication channel, Aldrin informed her that help arrived and they''re going to lure the hyenas away from the hill.


    Irina was puzzled. The helpers that arrived that she recalled weren''t in their Metadomes. As a common knowledge about the Dimension, a Metadome was an essential tool for survival. However, given the urgency of the situation and Aldrin''s confident tone about following them as soon as they diverted the beasts, she inadvertently accepted words.


    Only when they arrived at the foot of the hill did she notice that strange detail. And now, it was too late for her to question him. "That guy¡­ I feel like he''s slowly becoming wrapped in a mysterious glow¡­ The incident with him almost dying and now, even he''s risking himself for us. Does he have a death wish?"


    If Aldrin heard her murmurs, he''d probably laugh at it. Because it''s partly true. But there''s a better reason why he did that, telling them to retreat and running to the forest was just his way to cover up the existence of the clones and his summons from them.


    -


    -


    In the unexplored area of the Dimension wherein the chase for Carlos had come to an end, Janet and her companions were traversing the path she unknowingly created back to the safer area.


    The ten minutes she asked passed and as shameful as it might be, she failed to catch Carlos. The middle-aged man was a desperate cockroach that even after being squarely hit at his back with the last attempt Janet did to catch him, he made use of the momentum of his roll to widen their distance. He''s adept at speed and wind-related Concepts, allowing himself to be really good at running away, especially when they left the confines of the sea of trees.


    Since she held true to her words, Janet had no choice but to turn around and give up the chase. Moreover, she had a bad feeling upon seeing the Rift Monsters actively seeking prey, especially the normally timid and passive ones.


    "What the hell is happening?! These Rift Monsters shouldn''t be this aggressive, right?"


    "Who knows? We''re all confused here. Just focus on sweeping them away and flee. If you slow down¡­"


    "As if I will slow down! I don''t want to die here!"


    "That idiot who went into the depths will surely die. Even if the Princess failed to catch him, there''s no way to survive alone now that every Rift Monster suddenly turned aggressive."


    "Wait. If they''re aggressive, won''t the trainees be in danger? The tasks lined up for them are to hunt those passive ones for the experience."


    "Huh? Why are you concerned about them? We''re the ones on the verge of dying here! Besides, there are Instructors left behind to look after them and only the second day. They''re surely busy putting up their Base Camp."


    Discussions like that started to rise as everyone''s nerves began to be unhinged as they were, not just once or twice, blocked by the Rift Monsters they passed by.


    Some of their Metadomes were now sporting scratches, damages and holes. Because the further they reach the supposed center of the Dimension, the Rift Monsters residing in them were a lot stronger compared to the ones near the edges. Most, if not all, are Extraordinary Rank at minimum.


    A few minutes later, they reached the sea of trees again and they entered the visible path where they exited earlier.


    "By the way, that trainee. What is his name again? Aldrin? Is he dead?"


    "Don''t ask me! That fool brought that upon himself. Whistleblower or not, one shouldn''t overreach oneself. Who cares if he''s promising? That type is the ones to die early."


    "Quit your yapping, won''t you? You''re wasting your energy. Everywhere we passed was like this. Every Rift Monsters are attacking at the first sight of us. That''s not normal. Something is wrong with this Dimension¡­" Janet who was silent throughout their journey back to the explored area suddenly spoke up. Whether it was because of Aldrin''s name being brought up or she just wanted to remind them, no one knows.


    But the points she raised intrigued everyone who heard it. Something is wrong with the dimension and it''s affecting every Rift Monsters residing in it.


    With their conversation steered to that topic, Janet couldn''t help but recall what Aldrin told her before they entered the Dimension, ''Does he know something?''


    -


    -


    Meanwhile, Aldrin already stopped running and in his place, the Dimensional Clones resumed cutting down the hyenas that followed them.


    Although he gauged that he could take the beasts out while still in that clearing with the help of his Dimensional Clones and his summons, he still had to take precautions about their existence from another person''s eyes.


    Given that none of the Instructors showed up to save them from their predicament, he took a wild guess that no one was observing them or him. And by going further inside the forest, it''s another precaution that would impede Irina to follow after him.


    At the moment, his eyes focused on the Dreadgnaw that he judged to have a cowardly nature.


    It''s always retreating to the backlines to be healed by his minions. Too arrogant yet too afraid to be wounded.


    By letting his Dimensional Clones and the summons take care of the smaller ones, he''s drawing up a plan in his mind to prevent it from escaping.


    "It''s better to kill it now than let it bring back another horde. Besides, these hyenas are probably just the first ones to arrive. More attacks will happen due to that ''Change''. I''ll take these IDLE Points for myself now that I have the chance." He mused.


    In less than 30 minutes, he gained close to 10,000 IDLE Points. And after counting the numbers of hyenas left, he''s looking at another 10,000.


    If not for the Training Camp and the possible risk of venturing further because of the IDLE Database''s warning, he''d just go with his clones to raise their efficiency.


    Alas, with his current strength and the fact that he had just awakened, he still had to maintain secrecy to what he''s capable of. Although he''s slowly being entangled with major issues like his discovery of the conspiracy, it''s best for him to not stand out too much.. The ''most promising trainee'' title was enough for now.

 Chapter 127 - Experts In Battlesuits

    Comparing the Dreadgnaw to the insects they had been fighting in the Small Insect Colony#111222, the weakest Ant Champion that he killed was a league ahead of it


    Even a Guardian Ant could face it one on one albeit it would be at a disadvantage if what he used as an indicator was their level labeled by the mysterious program.


    Aldrin stared at it once more as well as on his summoned Guardian Ant''s current level.


    [Level 23 Dreadgnaw (Difficulty: Totally Impossible)]


    [Level 21 Guardian Ant (Core Experience: 6489/10000)]


    It''s the first Guardian Ant. Every time he summons it, it''s accumulating experience but even after all that, it''s yet to level. Nonetheless, it wouldn''t be long before its level was raised.


    Considering levels 21-40 corresponded to Extraordinary Rank then every five levels corresponded to its sublevel; early, middle, late and peak.


    In a way, he could say that both the Guardian Ant and the Dreadgnaw were early-stage Extraordinary Ranks. But still, the level was a clearer indicator on which one was stronger.


    "If not for their numbers and even levels¡­ Wrapping this up will be as easy as raiding a Dungeon. I also have this Metadome. I only need to get close to Dreadgnaw and its fate will be sealed. As for the smaller ones, it might take a while but they might run away when their leader falls. That''s a serious loss of points. I have to make sure that none of them can escape. Also¡­" Aldrin''s eyes darted to his left and right. He remained at the backlines, trying to sound out his surroundings while also providing fire.


    With the new wave of hyenas showing up earlier, he''s slightly wary that there were more enemies that might suddenly show up.


    He had read the catalog of the known Rift Monsters or Dimensional Creatures and there''s some that possessed a troublesome ability. Green-spotted hyenas were one of them but with his guess that they could only produce that toxic gas at night, they''re simply a group of dangerous hounds.


    As Aldrin continued observing his Dimensional Clones reducing the number of hyenas, he noticed that their high efficiency also stemmed from the Grade 2 Weapons that they''re wielding.


    Even though the enemies were of a higher level than the insects, letting them use those weapons he received as a reward lifted their overall prowess.


    For example, the shield that Tank was wielding called Spikeguard. Although it appeared to have a smooth, unblemished surface at first glance, it actually possessed an unusual ability. Taken literally from the name bestowed to it.


    Whenever something bashed into its smooth surface, there''s a 50% chance that it would shoot iron spikes in a cone-shaped area. It could be a fatal counterattack to the nearest one but overall, its damage could be negligible. However, it''s enough to act as a deterrent. 50% was a high odds.


    Moreover, it was the hammer, Firemaul, that''s responsible for dealing a fatal blow to those who would drop in front of it.


    That''s just for Tank. But the other three also have their own Grade 2 Weapons and they''re more efficient in killings.


    Naturally, with their status as peak Ordinary Rank creatures, there were times wherein a green-spotted hyena could get past Tank''s defense. But that''s it. With the honed cooperation between the four, it would need a stronger enemy or simply a larger group to break their formation.


    Perhaps around 100.


    Aldrin counted them and they''re already less than half of it.


    Furthermore, there''s also the Guardian Ant and Spider Sentinel providing aid. It''s a foregone conclusion that he''d win this battle.


    "I cannot delay this any longer. It''s time to end this."


    Having decided that, Aldrin made his move.


    He first ordered the Guardian Ant and Spider Sentinel to move to the sides. Following that, his Dimensional Clones retreated a few steps, pulling in the hyenas.


    At that point, the Dreadgnaw cowardly hiding behind them had noticed that something was about to go wrong. It scrambled to its feet and hurriedly stood up with its hind legs, howling fiercely.


    Hooooowl!


    The howl that was akin to the blaring of a siren echoed in their slightly obscured area. The sound waves even rustled the leaves and branches of the trees.


    Upon it settled on the beasts'' ears, the hyenas reacted quickly as they stopped their aggressive charge and began to turn around.


    However, after being lured in by the Dimensional Clones, the Guardian Ant and Spider Sentinel swiftly circled to their backs, cutting off their escape route. The Spider Spawns fill up the empty spaces.


    Enraged and perhaps already scared at what''s about to come, the Dreadgnaw aimed at the two giant insects'' backs.


    Having predicted that response, Aldrin fired his Material Blaster at the Dreadgnaw, preventing it from disturbing their harvest.


    He then controlled his Metadome, using both Shadow Steps and the Maneuver Assistance, he arrived right at its side.


    "This should be the point where I will say something cliched but that''s distasteful. Just die for me."


    Aldrin brandished the giant sword of his Metadome, Shadow Blade materializing on its blade.


    The Dreadgnaw still managed to react, it desperately bit the Metadome''s arm.


    However, Aldrin just loosened the grip of the arm the Dreadgnaw bit, changing his slash from a two-handed to a one-handed.


    With the inclusion of Shadow Blade, the colorless Aura Veil of the Dreadgnaw failed to block it as the sharp blade of its sword sank in its seemingly thick purple hide.


    An ear-crushing yelp of dying mutt instantly rang out in the surrounding, marking the beast''s death throes.


    As if he''s cutting an extremely soft butter, Aldrin''s sword passed through the Dreadgnaw''s body, cleaving it in equal half, albeit diagonally cut.


    [IDLE Points +450]


    Aldrin stared at the corpse of the Dreadgnaw, riveting the fact that he managed to cut it in half in one swing when earlier the best he could do was to open its back.


    "¡­ This is the strength of Stage 2 Energy Refiner, huh?"


    A few minutes later, apart from Aldrin, his clones and the two summoned Units, the area became clean of any corpses. Even the huge Dreadgnaw was stored in the Idle Storage after he let the Guardian Ant poke it.


    [IDLE Points: 43780/100000]


    [Essence Storage: 569/5500]


    He got more than he expected and that immediately generated a smile on his lips.


    After deciding what to do next, Aldrin let the Dimensional Clones along with the two summoned Units to continue hunting but set them to be only nearby the hill''s location.


    He couldn''t send them further into the unexplored area yet when he''s not sure whether the hyenas were the end of attacks to them.


    "I better go back. The best excuse to use is¡­ I separated halfway from those mysterious experts in Battlesuits. They successfully lured away the Dreadgnaw and its minions."


    With a story at hand, Aldrin turned around and let his slightly battered Metadome bring him back to their Base Camp.


    He''s still the leader so¡­ he still had to assess if something else happened while he''s gone.


    -


    -


    Five minutes later, Aldrin emerged from the sea of trees  and back to where they were fighting earlier.


    The ruined Metadomes were still on the ground along with the corpses of the green-spotted hyenas that were killed.


    He found it a waste to leave the corpses there as they could be squeezed of Essence but still, he also couldn''t risk the Dimensional Clones to be found out.


    By the time he reached the foot of the hill, he noticed a Metadome descending from it.


    It''s not the same standard model. It''s one of the Instructors.


    "Aldrin?!" The operator''s face popped up in his holographic screen, disbelief on his face.


    "Is there something wrong, Instructor?" He asked. He couldn''t make a guess if his surprise came from him returning or seeing him in one piece after last night''s debacle.


    "No¡­ I can''t believe they''re telling the truth that you went out of your way to lure the Rift Monsters away. Even after what happened to you¡­"


    "Ah. I got an extremely potent elixir from Instructor Janet. I woke up this morning. As the leader elected by everyone, I can''t neglect my duty after my foolishness."


    Attributing his survival to Janet, the Instructor in front of him soon dismissed his disbelief and even began looking at him with newfound praise.


    Following that, the Instructor escorted him back to their Base Camp.


    Apparently, the remaining Instructors were also attacked by various Rift Monsters on their vantage points. By the time they arrived at the camp, Irina and the others had already returned. And from Irina, they learned that he''s still outside.


    Using that chance, Aldrin narrated his made-up story about the experts in Battlesuits who helped him survive and lured away the hyenas.


    "So, they''re near here."


    Upon hearing that remark, Aldrin was surprised¡­ "You know them, Instructor?"


    He carefully asked. Considering they''re not really hiding, Aldrin understood that his clones would''ve been spotted sooner or later.


    The thing he had to prevent though was for them to be discovered as unusual creatures.


    Thanks to the Battlesuits though, their identity as only humanoid clones remained a secret.


    "Yes. There are reports stating about the sighting death-seeking idiots hunting the Rift Monsters with only their Battlesuits. But surprisingly in every report, they''re described as expert hunters¡­" He started.


    At this point they''re nearing the makeshift gate of their camp. Aldrin already spied Irina and the others waiting at the gates. But then, he waited for the continuation of the Instructor''s information about his Dimensional Clones'' sightings.


    "¡­ The most mystifying thing about them is that they''re not leaving a trail of corpses and they''re never spotted at the Plainsteed Base Camp.. No one knows who they are or what organization they belong to."

 Chapter 128 - A Prevention

    No one predicted the sudden aggressiveness of the Rift Monsters, well, except Aldrin. As the leader of their group and perhaps because he still appeared calm despite what they experienced, the Instructors who came to check on them, albeit late, asked him for the details of what had transpired in full detail.


    Starting from the sighting of the hyenas that appeared out of nowhere with the hill as their set destination until the point where the ''experts in Battlesuits'' arrived to help him lure the bulk of them away including the famed Dreadgnaw.


    From them, Aldrin found out that the two trainees who got their Metadomes destroyed somehow survived. Furthermore, they''re actually the reason why Faye and her group got entangled with that many hyenas when his group arrived at the scene.


    To save the two and let them call for help, they blocked the hyenas with their Metadomes.


    Too bad though, some of them also froze up from the intimidating gaze of the nearby Dreadgnaw. Hence, their situation worsened.


    The two didn''t go back on their words of calling for reinforcements and help. Just that, before they could come to their rescue, Irina and the others already rescued them as well as arrived right before the camp.


    After his narration of the events, the Instructors had him elaborate more about the appearance of the ''experts in Battlesuits''. It''s the one that took the most of their interests after all. His miraculous recovery was easily attributed to the Tyrant Princess, Janet.


    They asked Aldrin if he at least found out their identities or what organization they belonged to. Naturally, he shook his head, only telling them that they saved him from being mauled down by the Dreadgnaw.


    Calling the Dimensional Clones his savior wasn''t really wrong as they truly saved him from being taken out helplessly so he went with that story. Perhaps for some self-satisfaction, he also narrated how they saved him without missing a beat. Upon hearing that, it drew serious contemplative gazes from the Instructors before dropping it soon after. Most likely, he found him not lying.


    In his mind, however, Aldrin was laughing at the thought that his Dimensional Clones were gradually making a name for themselves. But at the same time, he dreaded the possibility of them being approached, chased and exposed. It could hinder their hunt for IDLE Points as well as the investigation of the Dimension.


    The location of the Fragment Core was already marked in his minimap. However, it was located in an unexplored area. He had no idea yet what could be waiting for him there. The instruction was just to take it but there''s no mention on how he would take it.


    With that possibility of being treated like someone they had to unmask, Aldrin began taking it seriously. Compared to a Metadome, it''s common sense that they''d be slower when it comes to mobility. If a group of Metadomes chase after them, more than likely, they''d be forced to fight their way out even when it means they''d attack those curious Energy Refiners.


    That''s why after finishing his report and returning to his tent to take a brief rest, he didn''t dilly dally and enact the solution he thought of¡­


    Buying something from the Idle Shopping that could help his Dimensional Clones when the time comes that they need to avoid other Energy Refiners in the Dimension.


    "Let''s see¡­ This is the best considering my current budget¡­" He murmured as he browsed the Metadome Section of the Idle Shopping. Having chosen his pick, he tapped the screen to purchase it along with some add-ons.


    [Purchased EGP-SPD#002: Buzzhare for 30,000 IDLE Points]


    [Purchased Maneuver Assistance Module for 5,000 IDLE Points]


    [Purchased Reinforced Energy Barrier Module for 5,000 IDLE Points]


    [The Metadome will be delivered to the Hangar in six hours]


    "That''s 40,000 in one go¡­ But this is fine. It''s a necessary investment." Aldrin watched as his more than 40,000 accumulated IDLE Points returned to the 4-digits.


    Purchasing a Metadome that was specially made for its mobility and speed was the solution he came up with. It''s made by the Entraia Group of Companies. The organization that also had a branch at Lonewind City.


    The Metadome was only a step above the Standard Model but as it was marketed like that, he trusted that it''d be handy for escaping or chasing purposes.


    Moreover, the add-ons he purchased were two modules that could further aid it. The NQL and a basic weapon were already included in that package since he bought it as a whole set.


    Nonetheless, seeing how easy it was for him to buy it, he began to wonder again how the IDLE Database would transport it to the Hangar that''s also existing somewhere in the seemingly endless space where the Dimensions like the Drawyz Domain was suspended.


    "¡­ Yeah, right. As if I will have an answer to it. As long as it will be delivered, that''s all that matters. For now. I for sure want to learn everything about this mysterious program, where it came from, who made it and why I was chosen¡­ But that''s as long as this remains with me. If it disappears one day then the only lead I have will also be gone."


    After checking on his Dimensional Clones'' current status, he left his tent and rejoined the trainees to continue directing them as their elected leader.


    The Instructors already left their base camp soon after his report, stating that their training would still resume. The attack of the hyenas was unusual but it''s not enough for the whole training to be called off.


    That''s why he had to keep the construction moving while making sure that they''re aware of their surroundings.


    Luckily for him, all of the trainees started admiring him upon hearing about what he did for Faye and her group, making them more obedient and enthusiastic about working with him.


    Facing the Dreadgnaw alone was a feat that none of them could do¡­ Hell, they even believed that even those two late Stage 1 Energy Refiner trainees from the other cities wouldn''t be able to muster their courage to fight against it.

 Chapter 129 - What Else Do You Know?

    Time passed and Aldrin along with the trainees who got exhausted for the day soon welcomed their second night in the Drawyz Domain #5.


    Due to how they all followed Aldrin and his assistants'' direction, the construction of their living quarters was successfully completed before the sunset.


    The comfort of resting in a proper bed with a roof successfully lifted their dampened moods. They still had to be vigilant though as the Rift Monsters wouldn''t pick a time to attack them again.


    To prevent that and for the sake of fairness, Aldrin had them draw the lots for sixteen trainees to take the role of being a sentry for the night. They''d be divided into two for two six-hours duty. And starting from there, everyone would at least get that duty once until the duration of the Base Building was done.


    Apart from the living quarters, they also finished constructing sentry towers, ramparts and some defensive installments on the wall. The defensive installments consisted of artillery cannons that were powered by Dimensional Energy to defend against a siege. It was provided to them before leaving the confines of the Plainsteed Base Camp.


    It would serve as their home for at least fifteen days after all. They''d be pushed to utter exhaustion if they could only rely on their Metadomes to defend themselves.


    Apart from the above-finished constructions, a mess hall was also raised, giving roofs on their heads for their meals. It would be turned into a more fitting dining facility as the days progressed.


    "Well then, let''s rest for the night. We''re all here to train and become a proper Energy Refiner, not to be a proper camper. We can expect the same thing as earlier to happen in the following days but we also can''t neglect to progress. All of you will not want to be stuck at early Stage 1, am I right? Then let''s all give it our best!"


    To further lift their moods, Aldrin once again took the spotlight during their dinner as he offered some motivational speeches for those who got frightened at the prospect of losing their lives in the dimension.


    Once that''s done, he resigned to his room.


    Earlier, the room assignments were left to their disposal but for convenience''s sake, those in the same group stuck together and that included his group.


    As he had expected, Irina picked a room right next to him. If not for the regulation set by the instructors, he believed that she''d probably just crash in his room.


    She made it a point that her relationship with Aldrin was real, leading Frederic and Caroline to not see anything wrong with it but they surely pitied Clark.


    Since their agreement was already straightened, Aldrin didn''t go and rub more salt to the guy''s wound. Besides, it''s not like he''s being alienated, he just brought it down on him because of his relentless pursuit.


    -


    -


    Irina did visit him but the girl left soon after once she successfully confirmed that he wasn''t hurt or anything. He appreciated her concern and even her blatant affection despite their relationship being originally set as ''fake'' but there are a lot more pressing concerns for him rather than entertaining it.


    Still, he gave her some reminders without making himself sound suspicious. By attributing the information he got to the four ''experts in Battlesuits'', he got away with it.


    After she left, he was once again left alone and with his mind cleared as well as their vicinity somewhat secured, he pulled out his phone again, gloating firsthand after seeing his current IDLE Points.


    Nonetheless, he drew back his straight face after bringing up the current state of his Dimensional Clones.


    Without his ability to send his consciousness to one of them, Aldrin could only watch through his screen and command them remotely.


    He still let them linger close to the hill but with little to no creatures around, he had them search wide to replenish his used up IDLE Points.


    As for the Guardian Ant and the Spider Sentinel, they''re close to being unsummoned due to the used-up Essence. He also let them split from the Dimensional Clones after knowing that they had already been recognized as some unusual Energy Refiners.


    Left with nothing to do apart from waiting for his generators to credit the income for the day or his clones to kill more creatures, he sat down on his bed and tried the normal way to progress.


    Absorb and refine the lingering Dimensional Energy in the surroundings.


    He had already tried it before, in his room back in their house at the Lonewind City. However, Aldrin found it too slow. Either he just got too used to the easiness provided by the mysterious program that all he needed to do was to bask in its warm, comfortable light or he just didn''t have that much talent at being an Energy Refiner. If it''s the latter, then once the IDLE Database was taken away from him, he would have little to no chance of progressing further.


    "¡­ If I have to estimate, that''s about 100 IDLE Points worth of Dimensional Energy. Two hours for 100 IDLE Points, heh." Aldrin wryly chuckled at himself after opening his eyes again and finding out how much progress he made.


    Nonetheless, he still believed that he needed to improve one way or another so he continued absorbing and refining Dimensional Energy despite the smaller gains while also thinking about things or specifically about their training.


    From his own observation, this part of their training was all about their survival in a dangerous foreign Dimension. Away from the safety of their planet where reinforcements could so easily arrive.


    They''re being prepared for a similar situation that might arrive in the future. They''re all being honed to be ready in invading an opened Rift and surviving inside a foreign Dimension.


    In his own thought-up conclusion, Energy Refiners weren''t really all about defending against instance-type Dimensional Rifts or saving the populace.


    True, there were those with a higher sense of heroism but most Energy Refiners were just selfish beings and most sought higher power.


    "There are a ton of secrets about the world, planets and the Dimensions. Seeking out more power is a normal thought process. I, for one, have already been influenced by it. If I got satisfied with this meager strength, there''s a possibility that it will fail me when I needed it the most¡­" Aldrin sighed, concluding the time he spared to think about the current issues.


    He was about to open his phone again to check for the time when a familiar knock rang on his door.


    It''s not Irina, of course.


    "Elder sister, you''re back."


    Aldrin greeted Janet and saw her expression slightly twisting in disbelief.


    He understood why she did that. She saw him stabbed by Carlos last night and was on the verge of dying. To see him completely fine tonight as if what happened was an illusion, Janet had the right to be surprised.


    Janet entered his room without talking and he followed after her.


    It''s just like those other nights, but this time, he sensed a rather gloomy air around her.


    "Aldrin, tell me. What else do you know? About this Dimension.." Dropping that question at his face, Janet grabbed him by his collar and pushed her face near him to stop him if he ever attempted to avert his gaze.