novelraw Chapter 367: You can try it yourself and see
Chapter 367: You can try it yourself and see
This possibility was tremendously significant for the current state of humanity.
Despite their development of weapons against the black beetles, as seen in recent battles, once the beetles breached the white net’s defense, the outcome was disastrous.
The speed and ferocity of the higher-level beetles, especially those at the fierce ghost and Ferocious levels, made them difficult for ordinary people to combat. Even with Atos’ efforts to eliminate them, casualties were inevitable.
Originally, each of the ten defense bases housed thousands of soldiers. Now, despite constant reinforcements from the rear, the number of defending soldiers was rapidly dwindling. Today, the entire base had fewer than two thousand people left.
If every person were an Awakener, even at the most basic levels, the situation would not have deteriorated to this extent. While Awakeners might not determine the outcome of battles, they could significantly reduce casualties and delay the fall of the bases.
It was clear to everyone that defeat was inevitable, and the defense bases would eventually fall. The question was whether they could delay this long enough to give humanity a chance to find a real solution to the black beetle menace.
Hearing Alexander’s claim that he had a way to make everyone an Awakener, Atos couldn’t help but be excited.
"Of course! The method is actually quite simple," Alexander said without beating around the bush, explaining the Ghost Nerve technique.
Atos was dumbfounded and incredulous. "Just that?"
It was no surprise he was skeptical; the Ghost Nerve method seemed like something only a true madman would conceive. Drawing a six-pointed star on the chest to absorb Ghost Energy, a method even ordinary people could use, sounded absurd. "If drawing one star can make someone an Awakener, what happens if you draw five? Does that make you invincible?"
"I also find it hard to believe, but it’s true," Alexander said helplessly, spreading his hands. "You can try it yourself and see!"
"Okay, I’ll give it a try!" Atos, his gaze fixed intently on Alexander, saw no signs of jest or insanity and eventually nodded.
He picked up a Ferocious-level beetle corpse from the pile on the ground and put it into his mouth. Seating himself back on the bed, Atos followed Alexander’s instructions and began drawing a six-pointed star on his chest, channeling his Ghost Energy. He remained skeptical, considering the method too absurd to be true.
Atos thought it might just be a coincidence, perhaps Alexander had the natural constitution of an Awakener who happened to draw a star on his chest at the right time, mistakenly attributing it to his awakening.
But as soon as he completed the star, the Ghost Energy from the beetle corpse was rapidly absorbed, much faster than usual.
Excitement replaced skepticism as the absorption, which normally took only a blink for a Prince-level strength like his, felt instantaneous. He leaped up from the bed, elated, "It works, I can actually actively absorb Ghost Energy."
"Now do you believe me? Should we spread this method and notify the main base and the other nine defense bases?" Alexander asked, having anticipated this reaction.
He was tense, ready to retreat at a moment’s notice and loudly announce the secret of the Ghost Nerve if necessary. Although it was unlikely for anyone to harbor ill intentions during such a crisis, he couldn’t be too careful.
Atos, oblivious to Alexander’s cautious stance, eagerly nodded, asking, "How effective is this method for ordinary people? Are there any requirements regarding natural talent or physique?"
"There are no requirements. This method doesn’t differentiate between commoners and Awakeners. It’s less a technique and more like a rule set. Even ordinary people can use it, though it might start slow.
Once the Ghost Energy builds up, absorption becomes rapid. The efficiency should be around 50%, with a minimum of 30%. For someone like you, Commander, you could even absorb them by the handful," Alexander explained.
"That’s fantastic!" Atos exclaimed, rushing forward to embrace Alexander. Surprised, Alexander almost thought Atos had lost his mind, but he quickly sensed no malice or Ghost Energy use and stopped retreating.
"Alexander, well done! This discovery is crucial, not just for us, but for all of humanity!" Atos held Alexander tightly, his tears and snot flowing without concern for his image.
Alexander wanted to pull away, wary of getting drenched, but seeing the tears of hope and relief in this mighty man, he couldn’t help but feel a touch of compassion.
With a sigh, Alexander stopped trying to escape Atos’s embrace, allowing the commander to express his excitement. Eventually, he gently suggested, "Shouldn’t you notify the other bases and soldiers about this first?"
"Yes! Yes, of course, I’ll notify them right now!" Atos suddenly came back to his senses, hastily wiping his face before rushing to a communication device nearby.
Alexander didn’t wait for Atos to finish the call. He gathered the pile of beetle corpses from the ground into a bedsheet, making a bundle to carry on his back, and headed back to his tent. His task was done, and now it was time to focus on increasing his own strength.
Minutes later, Atos’ voice echoed throughout the base, announcing Alexander’s discovery.
The camp fell into a stunned silence, occasionally broken by the sound of soldiers dismantling their guns to extract beetle corpses for testing. For ordinary people without even a trace of Ghost Energy, drawing a six-pointed star on their chest to control Ghost Energy wasn’t easy.
It took half an hour before a cry of surprise and joy broke the silence. Cheers filled the air as soldiers, imbued with a new sense of hope, rushed out of their tents and towards the beetle corpses outside, eager to try the new method.
Back in his tent, Alexander stuffed a handful of beetle corpses into his mouth, a smile on his face.
Just then, Sofia and Xiao burst in, excitement written all over their faces. "What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be outside absorbing beetle corpses?" Alexander asked, pausing his absorption process.
"Is it true, what Commander Atos said? Did you really discover this method?" Sofia asked eagerly, with Xiao looking on expectantly.
"Of course! Do you think the Commander would lie to you?" Alexander replied, nodding.
"That’s amazing! You’re incredible, Master!" Sofia exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration. "You discovered this method; it’s unbelievable! We never thought we could become Awakeners one day."
"You’re a hero to all of humanity, Captain!" Xiao agreed enthusiastically.
"Enough with the flattery! Aren’t you going to improve your strength?" Alexander said with a chuckle.
"We’d rather stay and help you. You’re our savior now; it’s our duty to assist you," Sofia declared without hesitation.
Alexander initially wanted to send them away but then decided to let them stay for a while. However, their excitement didn’t last long, and seeing Alexander continuously absorbing beetle corpses, they soon excused themselves to join the others outside.
Everyone in the camp was caught up in a frenzy of empowerment, and the day passed in the blink of an eye. By the time he finished absorbing all the beetle corpses, he had reached the General level in strength.
As Alexander was preparing to head outside to further elevate his strength to the Prince or even King level, he was unexpectedly summoned by Atos. At the central area of the base, a thousand fully armed soldiers stood in formation.
Atos approached Alexander as he arrived, speaking with dramatic seriousness, "Alexander, I have a mission that could save all of humanity. Are you willing to be the savior?"
"What mission?" Alexander asked, perplexed. He had assumed the assembly signified another black beetle attack, not expecting such a grandiose proposal from Atos.
After a moment of thoughtful silence, as if carefully choosing his words, Atos finally spoke, "The survivors’ high command has ordered us to abandon the defense bases."
"What?"
"That’s impossible!"
"How can we just give up?"