Tatsumi looked at the lump of cloud beside him. He wanted to know about something, but held it. He knew that seeking something beyond him would be costly and he did not want to pay the price for just knowing something that eventually would come.

“Go back to your group. They are probably waiting for you.” That was what Tatsumi heard before he realized that the cloudy figure, as well as the other two, started to fade away into thin air.

Tatsumi appropriately controlled his emotions. There were a lot of things that was revealed to him at this time so he needed some time to think and contemplate.

He walked back to the group. Hecates was looking at him, waiting for him to go where the group was.

“Hey, how does it feel to be face to face with the manifestation of the Father God?” Hecates asked.

Tatsumi knew that when he looked at the figure, there were respect for the powerful as well as curiosity.

“Of course, I am filled with respect. What do you expect? Although Father God is magnanimous enough to tell me something extremely important. That is my current impression. Is there a problem with that?”

“No, not at all. But are you alright?”

Hecates noticed that Tatsumi walked toward them with a strange gait, so he asked to ensure the safety of the young man.

“After going through a bit of painful moments and draining my stamina, do you think it is good enough that I can remain steady and standing?” Tatsumi said while regulating his breath.

Fortunately, the pain was gone when he was at his limit. Otherwise, he would faint if it continued.

“Rest here then. The entire crowd is going to establish a perimeter with the Undead Pool as the center. We have to wait for some time before we can get out of here.” Hecates said.

Tatsumi nodded, he understood that the egg-shaped thing in the middle of the pool was important and the arrangement was made to ensure that thing was well-protected.

He finally had some time to rest and he took it. He sat down after making sure that there was nothing that could damage the protective suit.

The ground was solid and he felt that it was a good place for temporary rest. He could still see the remnants of the colors that spread around the Undead Pool. The colors were concentrated on the egg-shaped thing but it illuminated the area around it.

“Fortunately, getting closer to that thing did not damage the protective suit. Or it could be that Father God helped with that. Whatever, I need to continue exploring that sensation.”

Tatsumi then sat cross-legged because it felt more comfortable to sit like that. What he wanted to do was to inspect the body through his feelings alone. He closed his eyes to gather his focus.

The last time he did this, he felt a certain warmth in his body. It was faint but he caught its sensation. He did not know the first time he encountered it but now, he had a guess.

His whole body then felt the warm sensation. It caused his body to feel itcy all over but Tatsumi endured it. It was because this was the sensation of transcendent energy source in his body.

Even though it was so scarce and even so small, Tatsumi could feel it. As he focused his will to perceive that trace of energy, he could feel the sensation of warmth become stronger.

‘This is the trace of the new transcendent energy. Looks like I consumed something that contains it. It also has a recovery boost property as well as rejuvenation. From what I remember, the only thing I consume is that thing during my rehabilitation!’ Tatsumi concluded.

He remembered that he had been injured and had been brought to the Mikazuki family residence and was given herbs in a porridge to recover.

‘I don’t get to decide the beginning of my story but at least let me decide how it ends. This power is the means to reach that end, along with the people I cherish.’ Tatsumi thought as he strengthened the sensation he felt and tried to circulate it throughout his body.

The method? He just used the blood circulation to circulate the new transcendent energy source. It was a good method since it could be done intuitively. And as Tatsumi expected, the energy flowed alongside the blood inside his veins.

Tatsumi who had been drained of strength before felt a surge of additional strength coming from inside. His tired body felt energized as he felt the itchiness increased in intensity.

‘I want to scratch my body, but cannot, so frustrating!’

While Tatsumi circulated the transcendent energy inside his body, the consciousness that connected to him was observing him.

“He put into practice what had been taught to him. Even though it is the new transcendent energy, he is doing well recognizing the difference between the two and utilizing it.”

“He grasped the opportunity as well as getting fortunate encounter. Of course, he is going to achieve something remarkable!”

The consciousness communicated with each other. One thing in common for the theme of their discussion was Tatsumi.

“He reached the first Heavenstage, that one hundred percent affinity with the Ether is no joke!” Kudungga commented and the rest of the consciousness sent something that meant agreement.

“As expected.”

“He will be the first transcendent who used Ether as the energy source.”

“But he needs a place to develop both his martial skills as well as increase his transcendent power. Will the time remaining before the next Star Battle be enough?”

Kudungga commented. The consciousness that were connected to Tatsumi then sent a flurry of messages, giving their suggestion. Kudungga processed it as fast as he could before formulating a general idea.

“The first idea, which is to learn under someone knowledgeable, is already underway. Tatsumi already thought about that, so it is clear on this one. The other is to let him study in the Transcendent Academy…well, he is considering it after he graduates from high school.”

While the consciousness kept discussing many possibilities, the people around Tatsumi were looking at his every action.

How could they not? Tatsumi was the person that the Father God needed. As far as the records state, there was no sign that the Father God favored one human over the other.

Furthermore, Tatsumi helped in the process of awakening the spirituality of the planet, which made him an object of interest.

The transcendents at the scene could perceive what was going on with the young man. They could feel vitality surge inside Tatsumi’s body. In the middle of the overwhelming undead element, the presence of another energy source was like a dim-lit fire in the darkness.

After five minutes, the transcendents felt that the energy was stabilizing and resided within Tatsumi’s body, almost not leaking out.

Hecates’ eyes flickered with amazement. He did not expect the young man to take the first step to becoming a transcendent.

Yamaguchi chuckled. He also did not expect this result. Who would have thought that giving the young man a precious herb which had a residue of the Ether would result in this?

Ame was amazed but she also felt slightly envious. She knew that some knowledge was necessary to attempt to utilize and refine the transcendent energy. Without that, even she did not dare to try it recklessly.

Tatsumi felt the circulation of the energy caused his body to be enhanced in all aspects. He became more sensitive since his senses increased and his strength increased as he felt the fatigue he experienced fade away. That enhancement was something that he had finally personally experienced.

‘From the looks of it, I have reached the first heavenstage of the Nothingness realm. Damn, if it increased my overall condition this much, just how much can I improve when I reach the ninth heavenstage? Just how strong are the people who have reached the Core Formation Realm?’

Tatsumi then finally stopped the circulation of the energy, allowing it to return deep into his body. He took another breath as he slowly opened his eyes.

He was surprised to see that the people were gathering around him. Even Tatsumi could recognize that among them were transcendent figures likely in the Core Formation Realm and also at the high heavenstage of the Nothingness realm.

At this point, Tatsumi did not know what to say. He felt that he knew the reason why so many people were looking at him but he did not like to disclose it unless necessary.

Seeing Tatsumi turn his head right and left repeatedly caused the people to realize that Tatsumi had finished his matter.

“Are you done?” Ame asked softly. She had seen what Tatsumi was capable of and wanted to know if he was fine after that.

“Hmm. Just a bit of my thought proven and done. Why are you looking at me like I am some sort of exotic animal?” Tatsumi asked what was on his mind.

“Don’t you realize what you have done?” Ame tried to make sure that Tatsumi understood the implication of his action but it looked like he did not care or know.

“I think reaching the first heavenstage is only the first step for a transcendent. Sure, I use another energy source but it is just too small compared to the entire race. What are you surprised about?” Tatsumi frowned. He did not understand why the people made such a scene over his progress.

Ame sighed. For something like this to be overlooked by Tatsumi, he was truly great in one way or another.

“You reached it with your own understanding. So far, no one has progressed this far on their own. Even if they have help, they are still not successful in their effort.” Ame explained.

Tatsumi let out a surprised expression but soon turned normal. He finally understood where the problem was.

His knowledge was vast due to interacting with the consciousness in the Afterlife. That caused him to get so many hypotheses about utilizing the Ether as an energy source for his power. Tatsumi felt that all of this was thanks to the consciousness that helped him with the references.

“I just got lucky,” Tatsumi uttered a shocking word.

“Young man, the process is just as important as the result. Maybe luck played a part but you definitely had something to do with it. Don’t underestimate yourself.”

Tatsumi looked at the speaker and could not help but turn more serious. It was because the one who spoke was the representative of the congregation, the one responsible for the safety of everyone here.

“Many thanks for the opinion, Senior.” Tatsumi stood up quickly and bowed.

“Well, Hecates is looking after your small group so I am not as much surprised as the others.” The representative sighed as he was giving looks at Hecates.

Hecates just shifted his eyes, avoiding eye contact. Hecates realized what the one hundred percent compatibility with the Ether meant just now.

“Alright. Now that the main event is done, it is time for us to set up something else inside the perimeter.” The undead leader interjected. He had noticed the young man’s deed but decided not to interfere.

Now that the matter was done, it was time to get the job done.

“Zhask, please lend me your guard. We need to lock down the perimeter so that not even a creature gets past it.” The representative turned to the undead leader and relayed his request.

The undead leader Zhask nodded his head. Since the matter was related to the three gods, he had no choice but to help.

So the perimeter was formed, and the transcendents patrolled the place. The rest of the people who wore protective suits had to do a survey.

Tatsumi looked around to see that the people here were prepared for this. He could see many small devices scattered around the established perimeter, used to gauge the concentration of the undead element.

He then saw that his group was discussing something. That was especially true for Hecates and Long Wu who were transcendents. They were talking about something important because the rest listened to them.

“I can feel that the process affects the entire planet. You can feel both the undead element and Ether are spreading outside of this Undead Secret Realm by sensing the entrance. Even though it is faint, there is a trace of another transcendent energy there.” Hecates said.

“True. But I think this is just the beginning. The egg-shaped thing in the middle of the pool is in the middle of awakening. As it continues the process of awakening, the two transcendent energy sources will be able to spread to the entire Cerulean Planet. At least that’s what I think.” Long Wu added.

“That’s because the Artisan God and the Death Sovereign hinted it. This change is arranged by the three excellencies, so I think we have to do our best to support it.” Hecates replied.

“Fortunately, the undead element will not spread rampant, while the other transcendent energy source will be able to spread to every corner of the planet.” Long Wu sighed in relief when he spoke.

If not for the arrangement of the transcendent energy distribution by the three gods, there would be unrest and unease.

Ame, who was listening, could not help but notice that Tatsumi was listening to the conversation. But she was surprised to see that he did not comment and just quietly stood in his place without interrupting.

After all of that, Long Wu was the one who initiated speaking with Tatsumi.

“Do you have anything to say?”

Tatsumi looked back and shook his head. But he said something else.

“Although I have nothing to say about the discussed matter, I have to tell you that I can accept being your student.”

Even though it was said with a lower voice but Long Wu caught it and could not help but feel happy. He may not be able to guide Tatsumi much in the way of a transcendent since their energy source was different but he could help in other things.

“Do you really mean that?” Long Wu asked to confirm.

Many wanted a talented student under their tutelage but getting them was not easy. In fact, the Transcendent Academy was the best place in the Cerulean Planet for nurturing transcendent.

“As long as what you teach is worth my time, I can accept that.” Tatsumi then turned to Hecates.

“Sir, would you like to wait for me to finish my education learning in high school before I go to the Transcendent Academy?”

Hecates contemplated for a while. He understood that Tatsumi had already planned some things and wanted to accomplish that before continuing with the new plan. Additionally, Hecates was one of the executives of the Transcendent Academy so he had some say in it.

“Is that what you are planning? Do you know that-“ Hecates wanted to speak further but was suddenly interrupted by another voice.

“No need for that.” Yamaguchi was the one who spoke.

“Do you want to tell me the reason yourself?” Hecates asked.

“Yes. This is something that must be conveyed with my own person. Otherwise, it looks like I am not forthright enough with someone important like him.” Yamaguchi explained.

Tatsumi’s expression stiffened when he heard that. He could not accept that he was an important person since he was just like any other human or like any other sentient being.

“Young man, I have to tell you that I can be your supporter.” Yamaguchi opened his mouth.

“What does that mean? Why?” Tatsumi pressed for an answer. He felt that all of this was a bit sudden and he felt uncomfortable receiving something without doing something for the involved person.

“Well, you know most of the answer yourself by now. You probably are aware of the identity of the people who accompany you too.”

That was something that Tatsumi could not deny so he remained silent. That silence became a confirmation for the others.

“So you can do what you wish to do and I will support you, it is that simple.” Yamaguchi said while still looking at Tatsumi.

“I don’t think I see how this can benefit you.” Tatsumi explained his doubt. He did not know what the current situation of the Father God Congregation was so he could not make an accurate judgment regarding their action.

Almost everyone in the operation to awaken the spirituality of the planet was a member of the Father God Congregation so Tatsumi knew that he had been allowed to be here was part of the arrangement.

But what he wanted to know was what kind of benefit the man in front of him could get personally by giving him support.

“Oh, you are worrying over nothing. The benefit I can get is much more than you can ever imagine. But this is also beneficial to you too since you can become stronger and learn about the way of a transcendent so why are you hesitating?” Yamaguchi could see that Tatsumi was hesitating over something but he could not force his way into making Tatsumi accept the offer.

Tatsumi, on the other hand, was contemplating the matter.

‘Boy, what do you think about the offer? Isn’t that good for you?’ Kudungga commented.

‘Yes. But I feel reluctant to do it. I do not know why but I feel like I am losing out.’ Tatsumi thought.

‘At this stage, you have to take some losses. It is the price for not having enough wealth and influence. At least with this deal, you can improve much faster and get better faster.’

‘Fine. I admit that is the case.’ Tatsumi grumbled a bit before he locked eyes with the face of the middle-aged man behind the protective transparent layer.

“I accept the offer. Please take care of me.”