Awakened Talent: 10,000 Exp Converter!

After a few moments, just as he stepped back into the Novice Sanctuary, Vincent noticed several groups of Origin Warriors moving hurriedly, their expressions tense. He narrowed his eyes in curiosity, his mind already churning with speculation, and quickened his pace toward the Novice Center.

Even before reaching the entrance, he could sense the commotion inside—a chaotic energy that seemed to spill into the air around the establishment.

As soon as he stepped through the doors, the sight before him confirmed his suspicions. The staff of the Novice Center were bustling back and forth, their faces reflecting a mix of urgency and concern. Origin Warriors were scattered throughout the hall, their postures rigid, their eyes sharp with unease.

Just as Vincent was about to stop one of the staff members to inquire about the situation, a soft, feminine voice called out behind him.

"Excuse me, by any chance… are you Young Master Shroud?"

The question made him pause. Slowly, he turned to face the speaker. The woman was clad in a uniform he immediately recognized—the signature golden mask and cloak of the Lionfang Legion, the elite force serving the Lionfang family of Caelius. Her black hair was tied neatly at the back of her head, and she held a hand-drawn portrait, her gaze flickering between the image and him.

Vincent's brows furrowed beneath his mask, his posture instinctively shifting into one of caution.

"Who are you?" he asked in a tone that was wary but controlled.

"You may call me Jessica," she replied, her voice soft yet carrying a subtle air of confidence. "I serve Young Master Caelius."

Jessica took a step closer, her voice lowering slightly as she continued, "Young Master has no direct means of contacting you, so he sent me to deliver a message."

Without giving Vincent a chance to respond, she pressed on. "He asked me to warn you—Grarik may have uncovered your identity. It's highly likely the Blackthorn Clan is already searching for you."

The words made Vincent's frown deepen. How? he wondered. How could Grarik have discovered his identity? Since their last encounter, he had been nothing but cautious, taking every precaution to ensure he wasn't followed or exposed.

But speculation wouldn't solve anything now. He could only accept the warning and adjust his actions accordingly.

After discarding the thoughts clouding his mind, Vincent turned his attention back to Jessica.

"Tell Caelius that I appreciate his warning. By the way, where is he now?"

"I'll make sure your message reaches him," Jessica replied. "As for his location… he's currently on a mission. That's all I'm permitted to say."

Vincent nodded. "I understand. Thank you."

But Jessica didn't leave. Her gaze lingered on him, sharp and probing.

"Is there something else you need to say?" Vincent prompted, his tone edged with curiosity.

Jessica hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "You've likely noticed the atmosphere here."

Vincent simply inclined his head in agreement.

"This is just a piece of advice—take it or leave it," Jessica continued, her voice calm but firm. "It would be wise for you to avoid the Origin World for a while."

Vincent's eyes narrowed further. "Why?"Nôv(el)B\\jnn

Jessica glanced around, as if ensuring they weren't being overheard, before leaning closer to his ear. She whispered something that made Vincent's expression freeze, his mind momentarily blank.

Without another word, Jessica straightened and bid him farewell, disappearing into the crowd.

Mochi, the fat rabbit perched on Vincent's shoulder, finally broke her silence. "Do you believe her?"

Vincent's gaze followed Jessica's retreating figure as he replied, "Not entirely. But her warning is worth keeping in mind."

After all, there was no harm in being cautious.

Before Vincent could ponder further, hurried footsteps echoed from the entrance. A haggard Vyrmin stumbled into the Novice Center, his chest heaving as he gasped for air.

"A-Another Tier 1 Labyrinth has been reported—it's about to break out!" he managed to stammer.

The announcement sent a ripple of shock through the room. A labyrinth breakout—the catastrophic event where primals escaped out of labyrinth—was not unheard of, but it was rare and always disastrous. Most breakouts occurred when a labyrinth's boss ascended to a higher tier, but there were whispers of another, far more dangerous cause: a boss escaping without the Labyrinth's Heart.

The latter was almost unheard of, but from the Vyrmin's tone, Vincent guessed this wasn't an ordinary case.

"Another one?! That's the third today!" someone exclaimed, their voice tinged with disbelief.

As if on cue, another figure burst through the doors.

"A Tier 2 Labyrinth is on the verge of a breakout as well!"

A wave of alarm swept through the room.

"A Tier 2?!" another voice cried. "How is this even possible?"

Vincent's expression darkened. Jessica's warning echoed in his mind. It seems she wasn't exaggerating.

At that moment, a staff member standing behind the counter shouted into a Prismstone communicator.

"What? It's already happening?! Understood—we'll send reinforcements immediately. Stay safe!" She ended the call with a look of grim determination and hurried into the main office.

When she emerged moments later, she was accompanied by a striking figure.

The woman was a Drakorii, her crimson leather coat complementing the golden-orange hair tied into a ponytail. Her light armor accentuated her powerful build and commanding presence. Her gaze swept across the room, sharp and authoritative, silencing the murmurs of the crowd.

Her voice rang out, steady and resonant.

"Attention, everyone! I am Maggie Phire, Vice Leader of the Novice Center Frontline Team. As you've heard, breakouts are already happening. If left unchecked, these primals will wreak havoc, and it's only a matter of time before they reach this sanctuary.

"We need all the help we can get. Rewards will be distributed based on your kill count—the higher your kills and the stronger the enemies you defeat, the greater your rewards!"

"What kind of rewards?" someone asked cautiously.

Maggie's gaze locked onto the speaker, her golden eyes gleaming with a predatory intensity that made the questioner shiver.

"As long as it's within our resources, you'll be compensated in Origin Crystals. Additionally, the top three participants will have the opportunity to exchange their rewards for skills from our vault, ranging from common to rare grade."

"This is a special mission," she continued. "Anyone willing to fight can participate!"

Excited chatter broke out among the gathered warriors.

"The Durak Party will join!"

"The Dong'er Sect is in!"

"The 'One Strike You Dead' Guild will participate!"

Despite the enthusiasm, Vincent remained still, observing the groups that eagerly volunteered. Their names struck him as overly flamboyant, but he refrained from reacting outwardly. What truly caught his attention was the absence of Thrygians. Normally, they would have been the first to register for such missions, yet not a single one was in sight.

As he mulled over this strange detail, Mochi's childlike voice rang in his mind.

"She's going to die."

Vincent turned to her, startled. "Who?"

Mochi pointed a chubby paw at Maggie. "Her."

"What makes you say that?" Vincent asked, baffled.

Without looking at him, Mochi replied, her golden eyes dimming, "Her fate is clouded in death. She's only alive now because someone close to her made a great sacrifice. The aura of death clings to her—it's only a matter of time."

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"So this mission is dangerous?" Vincent pressed.

Mochi's gaze remained distant. "Maybe. My abilities can't yet see the full picture."