My setting is above yours!

Chapter 40: Measures to Avoid Losing Control (7k2)

Upon seeing the recipe, Ron immediately perked up.

Sequence Seven Potion?

This is like a pillow delivered just when you're about to fall asleep...

What Ron lacks now is a way to quickly advance to Lv.3!
Keep in mind, he's not exactly close to Lv.3 right now...

Although the investment from [Tian Ting Media] could potentially allow him to advance to Lv.3 before even enrolling in school, the cost would be astronomical.

Remember, every gift from fate comes with a price tag...

Although Ron knew that the investment from [Tian Ting Media] only specified participation in the [Knowledge Experiment] in the contract, in reality, they wanted much more than that.

For example... once Ron really becomes the sector manager of [Prometheus] and becomes a Lv.5 at the top of Ideal City, in other people's eyes, wouldn't his camp be [Tian Ting Media]?
[TianTing Media] will try every means to bind him to their cause, and this bond will deepen with their contributions...

Although Ron is not opposed to Tianting Media's investment, he would definitely be more willing to accept a way to improve himself without relying on their investment.

After all, nothing beats relying on yourself.

Only by demonstrating one's abilities will one become more valuable at the negotiating table.

Ron was unwilling to be tied to any giant corporation or power... If there really was one, it should be an organization led by him.

What's more... drinking potions to advance is much simpler than honing one's skills in reality!
As long as you find the ingredients to make the potion, you can drink it and level up. It's simple, easy to use, and takes effect immediately.

If you can advance directly to Lv.3 during this period, and then obtain enough credits through patrol bureau missions...

Wouldn't he be able to apply for the computational access to [Prometheus] and obtain the ability formula as soon as he enters Moen University, instantly achieving the pinnacle of ordinary ability users?

Perhaps, drinking the Sequence Seven potion is the best way for him to advance again.

With this in mind, Ron immediately became interested and began to carefully study the potion recipes in the magic book.

With the recipe in hand and half of the main ingredients already found, making this potion shouldn't be too difficult, as long as one is willing to put in the effort to find them.

However, what about the "Overseer" in the [War] sequence seven?
Ron stared thoughtfully at the potion recipe, somewhat doubting whether he could advance to Sequence Seven with it.

Although he wasn't sure if drinking a potion from a different sequence was even possible, considering that the Dimensional Update Manual described the potion sequence representing "death" as "Gift of Death"...

I'm afraid that drinking the potion of [war] won't enhance this blessing.

Unless, he too receives the "gift of war"...

Ron seemed to have figured out his path to promotion.

It now seems that to advance to Sequence Seven, one either needs to find a Sequence Seven potion of Death to advance normally, or remove the Death sequence setting and find a Sequence Nine and Sequence Seven potion of War.

In this way, after drinking the [War] Sequence Nine potion, he can directly advance to [War] Sequence Eight based on his Lv.2 player level, and then take the [War] Sequence Seven potion to advance to Sequence Seven.

Upon closer reflection, the difficulty levels of these two tasks seem to be roughly the same...

wrong.

Ron remembered Miss Idrila, who was waiting for him to rescue her from the prison.

If I remember correctly, she was a Sequence 8 "Military Chaplain" from the [War] faction...

If you go through her, you'll probably find the potion recipes and extraordinary materials related to the [War] sequence quite easily.

Even though advancing through the [War] sequence is quite troublesome, this Minotaur's heart can probably be exchanged for other valuables from Idrila to support Ron's search for the [Death] sequence seven potion.

It seems that killing this "hollow" monster was indeed the right decision; a considerable and useful fortune was indeed obtained from it...

Ron seemed to be deep in thought. He replaced the battery in the "Ability Amplifier" and waited for the durability of [Illusion Dissolved] and [Superpowered] to be fully restored before opening the Dimensional Update Manual.

A temporary Lv.3 ability, an enhanced [Illusion Dissolution], and invincible [Vector Manipulation]...

If I remember correctly, in the "Potion Era," the most imminent crisis was at most a [War] Sequence Seven—

It's just a mere Sequence Seven; it poses absolutely no threat to Ron, who possesses [Illusion Dissolve] and [Vector Manipulation]!

Promotion is just around the corner; it's time to return to the "Potion Era"!

Thinking this, he carefully wrapped the Minotaur's heart again, put it in his pocket, and stuffed the spellbook into his bosom. After making all the necessary preparations, he clicked on "Enter World Save".

[World save file "Potion Era" selected, joined the world...]

Instantly, Ron felt a slight dizziness, his vision went black for a moment, and then he smelled that fresh scent, like gardenias, once again.

He opened his eyes to find Idris staring at him in disbelief.

Last time, after receiving the Blessing Dew from Idrila, he made the boastful statement, "I will gain the power to fight against Sequence Seven in the next moment," before leaving...

Upon returning this time, I naturally saw Idris's bewildered and confused expression.

After all, these words were indeed difficult for the natives of the "Potion Age" to understand.

She was silent for a moment before speaking with a puzzled look:
"To gain the power to fight against Sequence Seven superhumans... in the next moment?"

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Ron, but I'm simply too ignorant to imagine such a situation..."

"After all, you are only a Sequence Nine extraordinary being."

As she spoke, she suddenly noticed that the consecration drops she had just given to Ron had disappeared in an instant.

I had just handed him the Blessing Dew...

How could it? How could it just vanish into thin air?!

This is an extraordinary creation that she created by almost exhausting her spiritual power!

Under normal circumstances, it would be absolutely impossible for it to disappear so silently...

Could it be that the mysterious being behind Mr. Ron granted him some power that I cannot comprehend?

Thinking of this, Idrila couldn't help but feel a slight chill down her spine, and she felt even more respect for that hidden being.

If it can make the blessed dew vanish into thin air in an instant, then it can also make a person's head vanish into thin air in an instant—

In the realm of mysticism, removing a person's head is far simpler than taking away a spiritually imbued creation from thin air.

Seeing Idrila staring blankly at his palm, Ron was slightly taken aback, but immediately realized the reason.

Just before leaving the "Potion Era," Idrila had handed the Blessed Drip to Ron.

Upon returning to the "Superpower Era," he immediately consumed it, and now he no longer possesses the small glass bottle containing the golden droplets.

So it was because the disappearance of the Blessing Dew frightened her?

What a mistake...

Ron couldn't help but frown slightly.

Although this matter wouldn't cause any trouble, Idrila believed it was probably due to some power bestowed by the hidden entity behind Ron.

However, if one is not careful afterwards and displays this strange behavior in front of others...

Those who don't quite believe he's an agent of a hidden existence will have to find ways to uncover his secrets.

You should still be careful not to attract too much attention.

Ron made up his mind and, instead of letting Idrila continue to be in a daze, gently called her back to her senses:

"There is no need to worry, Ms. Idrila."

He had already prepared his speech in his mind, and said calmly:

"That lord had already bestowed a blessing upon me because of this trial..."

With His blessing, I will be invincible; even a Sequence Seven transcendent will have to temporarily yield before me.

As he spoke, he casually switched his class back to the [Potion Sequence] to avoid the wear and tear of the [Superpowered Person] caused by the "Mystic Influence," so as not to lose durability in the battle later.

That great man's blessing?
Idrila was somewhat taken aback. Ron, who had almost lost his magical reflexes, suddenly shone brightly like a lit torch within the magical vision.

A deep green fluorescence shone on his body; this power had surpassed Sequence Nine and almost reached the level of Sequence Eight.

According to Idrila's knowledge, although Ron has not yet truly reached the magical reaction of a normal Sequence 8, he is already very close.

It's like he just took a Sequence 8 potion... Could it be that this is the blessing that lord bestowed upon Mr. Ron?
A promotion without needing to take a potion?
As expected of a hidden power...

Idris was somewhat shocked, but a trace of doubt still arose in her heart—

While this sudden and unexpected promotion was indeed unusual, it was still Sequence Eight after all...

The power of Sequence Eight, not to mention Father Suer who has not yet arrived, is enough to make even the Fire Knights, who are blessed by the [Overseer], struggle to withstand it.

After all, those were more than a dozen knights who had been empowered by Sequence Seven abilities, were highly trained, and wielded blessed weapons...

Among them are those who have accumulated enough merit to obtain the [War] Sequence Nine potion and become extraordinary individuals who are [Soldiers]!
According to Idrila's memory, among these dozen or so Fire Knights, there were at least four [soldiers] —

Considering the enhancements they received, even if Sull hadn't appeared yet, he was definitely not an enemy that a Sequence 8 transcendent could withstand!

Although Idrila didn't know exactly how powerful the blessing from the hidden being was, her rudimentary understanding of sequence still made her speak with unease:

"But... you seem to be only a Sequence 8 right now?"

"Among the Fire Chasers are many soldiers of Sequence Nine, and they also have the blessing of War Overseers."

Father Suer has been a Sequence Seven [Overseer] for a long time, and it seems he only needs to accumulate enough merits to exchange for a magic potion and advance to a higher rank...

As she spoke, seemingly afraid of offending Ron, she quickly added:
"As a military chaplain, I'm actually not very good at fighting—"

And if I'm not mistaken, the real messenger should also be in dire straits and urgently need our help, right?

"If we bring these two burdens along, even Mr. Ron might be distracted and become a hindrance in the battle..."

She hesitated for a moment, then cautiously spoke:

"Should we... try to find a way to hide and see if there's a chance to escape from here?"

I've already cheated, and you're telling me this?
Idrila's words clearly showed concern, but Ron waved his hand dismissively and said boldly:
"No need to say more!"

Hiding here and there would only waste time, and Ron didn't want to be trapped in the tower of this scorched sanctuary any longer.

He still needs to find the potion for the [Death] Sequence 7 and figure out a way to advance to Lv.3!
Ron walked to the window and saw the Fire Knights gathering, their cloaks billowing like flames, and confidently said:
“Even if I’m carrying Miss Idrila on my back and holding that Kurt messenger in my hand, as long as no power beyond Sequence Seven intervenes, I, Ron, can easily take you away from this infernal hell!”

As expected of a hidden benefactor!
Hearing Ron's confidence, Idrila felt a surge of pride welling up inside her as well.

“Alright! Mr. Ron, then let me lend you a hand…”

As she was speaking, she was about to openly fight her way out of the tower with Ron when she spotted a rather old-looking priest with a long beard emerging from behind the knights.

Clearly, this was Father Sur, whom Idrila knew.

But now, what's quite unfamiliar is that he's gripping a magnificent, pure silver, gilded mask tightly with both hands...

Within the magical vision, one can see a pale magical radiance soaring into the sky, as dazzling and radiant as the sun!

Idris's face turned pale instantly.

"They've gone mad... madness!"

"How dare Suer take that thing out... Does he have a death wish?!"

Seeing her sudden change in expression, Ron followed her gaze with some confusion, and his own expression immediately turned serious.

"What it is?"

"That's...that's the strongest containment object protected by our Evening Bell City Church..."

Containment?
Unheard-of words...

Ron was slightly taken aback, and immediately asked:

What are containment objects?

Don't you even know what the contained object is?
Idrila never imagined that Ron wouldn't even know such basic knowledge, but she quickly explained:
"Containment objects refer to extremely dangerous, mysterious items that contain extraordinary properties..."

"These items are far more dangerous than ordinary supernatural objects forged with extraordinary abilities and spirituality." "They will consciously rebel against their wielders, and even wielding their power comes at an incomprehensible price..."

"However, what these containment objects gain in return for such a price and danger is power far beyond what ordinary people can understand."

As she spoke, her eyes were fixed on the mask, her tone full of seriousness:
"Although our Evening Bell City is just a small city, and this is just a small church, because of a conflict years ago, the bishop killed a [Trickery] Sequence Four transcendent here..."

"I witnessed the disaster firsthand and became its sole survivor—"

That's why the Sanctuary adopted me and trained me to become a transcendent being.

"And that mask is a containment object formed from the extraordinary characteristics of that demigod of Sequence Four [Trickery] after his death..."

Upon hearing this, Ron's confident smile immediately vanished.

Sequence four? Demigod?

How come this Suer's cheating is even more outrageous than his!

Please, you said we're a small church... Why would a small church keep such incomprehensible things sealed away?!

Shouldn't there be a stronger superhuman here to guard such dangerous items? Why was a Sequence 7 person enough to handle it?

This Scorched Earth Sanctuary is so unreliable!

The bishop of this diocese is, to say the least, utterly incompetent...

If Ron's previous understanding was correct, if Sequence Four is compared to Ideal City, then it is a powerful existence that surpasses Lv.5 ability users!

While it cannot yet be proven that his speculation is entirely correct, this Sequence 7 priest clearly cannot fully unleash the immense power of this Sequence 4 containment object...

But Ron had no intention of risking his life to see just how strong this Sequence 4 containment object really was.

Now that things have come to this, is he really going to slink back home like this, stopping at nothing because of a Sequence 4 containment item?

He hasn't gotten his hands on the Sequence Seven potion yet...

Ron frowned, then saw Idrila slump dejectedly onto the bed, and regretted it:

"If I had noticed them a few minutes earlier and escaped before they gathered, I might be on Plantagenet Street by now!"

"At that time, Elder Elvis will protect us, and no matter how crazy Father Sue is, he will never dare to infringe on the legitimate territory of another orthodox church..."

Ok?
Wait, so as long as we can escape to the territory of the Truth Society, we can temporarily get rid of Father Sur's threat?
So, if we rely on Lv.3 [Vector Manipulation]...

Perhaps it's far too early to admit defeat.

Ron pondered for a moment, then looked at Idris, who seemed somewhat resigned to her fate, and said seriously:
“Miss Idrila… are you aware of the abilities this mask possesses?”

"ability?"

Idrisla paused, not quite understanding what Ron wanted to ask:
"It is said to greatly enhance the wearer's physical fitness, giving them extremely strong physical enhancement."

"Although Father Suer is old and only at Sequence Seven, he certainly can't unleash the full potential of this containment object..."

"But at the very least, it will grant them the physical abilities of a [Trickery] Sequence 5 transcendent, which is definitely beyond our current capabilities."

Physical ability?

It seems that there's always a way out...

If it's just physical ability, then it means he can't fly, right?
Even if a Sequence Five member has exceptional physical abilities, if they were to fly directly out of such a tall tower and escape to Golden Flower Street at top speed...

Perhaps, before he even realizes what's happening, he'll have a chance to escape directly into the Truth Society!
Even if they do catch up, they can simply return to Ideal City and say goodbye to the "Potion Era" for now...

Perhaps, we should really give it a try.

Ron seemed to be deep in thought, already having a plan in mind.

Seeing that Ron seemed to still be thinking and hadn't given up on escaping, Idris couldn't help but sigh.

“Mr. Ron...you should hide now and find a chance to escape.”

As she spoke, she bit her lip, as if she had made a great decision, before continuing:
"Okay, I'll leave first. When they're all chasing me, find an opportunity to leave the Scorched Earth Sanctuary, go from the suburbs into the city, and head to 22 Goldfinch Street. That's where the Society meets."

"Sul probably doesn't care about the prisoners in the jail. As long as I can find a way to divert their attention elsewhere, you'll definitely have a chance to escape!"

"Afterwards, please speak to Chairman Elvis for me and tell him that I was wrong..."

But before she could finish speaking, Ron interrupted her, muttering to himself:
"No wonder... that lord generously granted me this power and told me that the trial was far from over."

"So, the real trial has only just begun."

As he spoke, there was no fear in his tone regarding Sequence Four containment objects, but rather a strong sense of confidence:

"But trials are meant to be passed."

"Miss Idrila, have you ever heard a story?"

"A story?" Idrisla asked, somewhat confused. "What story?"

"It is said that a brave man once accepted the trial of the gods. He fought his way to the end, only to find a large swamp of poison that turned people into bones before the finish line."

"The hero discovered that there was nowhere to step in the poisonous swamp, and there was no way to cross it..."

As Ron spoke, he discreetly pressed a button on the silver collar around his neck while opening the Dimensional Update Manual.

[Superpowered Individuals], [Vector Manipulation], [Power Overload]...

Start, start, start everything!

"Did he reach the finish line in the end?" Idris couldn't help but ask.

"Of course...because the gods favored him."

He pulled Idrila close, and once he was certain that Father Sue was completely unprepared and hadn't put on the mask, he immediately and without hesitation smashed the tower window—

"God gave him wings, helping him fly high into the sky... and now, that great man is also blessing me!"

Fly? Bless?

Idris was still a little confused, but the next moment she felt a strong push against her back.

The rampant expansion of personal reality has attracted a strong mystical invasion; the overloaded ability can only last for five seconds before it completely overloads...

But what they gained at these costs was the speed to break the sound barrier!

Ron simply tapped his toes on the top of the tower and soared through the air, carrying Idrila away from the tower.

It can actually fly out of thin air!
How did they do that...? And which sequence of supernatural abilities is it?

Is this... also a blessing from that hidden being?

How generous He must be to bestow so many blessings...

Idrila had become somewhat numb to the blessings Ron had received, but she instinctively shrank back and clung tightly to Ron, afraid that he would let go and cause her to fall from mid-air.

The sound of shattering glass immediately caught Father Suer's attention. He looked up at the sky and saw two figures flying rapidly away, covering a kilometer in just a few seconds—

He instinctively wanted to put on the mask, but seeing the two of them fly away quickly towards the direction of the Truth Society, he hesitated for a moment and then put the mask down.

Idrisla...

Perhaps there are other opportunities.

He no longer considered chasing after Ron and his companion, but silently walked into the tower with the Fire Riders.

And at the same time.

[The "Setting: Personal Reality" is being eroded by excessive "occult influences."]

[Performance impairment: 97%]

[Note! When this setting is uninstalled due to corruption, "Occupation: Superpowered Person" will also be corrupted and uninstalled at the same time.]

No, this is all I can do...

Ron kept a close eye on the durability of his settings, precisely dismantling all settings before his abilities completely spiraled out of control and replacing them with the [Potion Sequence], thus preserving the last bit of durability.

The two landed in the woods on the outskirts of the city. No one dared to gamble on whether Su Er would chase after them directly. The moment they landed, they took a step with all their might.

"Here...come here!"

Idrila grabbed the hem of her clothes and ran as fast as she could. Although she looked like a frail girl, she ran as fast as a sprinter. She truly deserved to be a superhuman of the [War] Sequence 8.

Ron wasn't bad either; relying on the physical strength of the [Corpse Man], he kept up with Idrila.

Soon, the two entered the city and ran through the streets as if no one else was around.

This attracted frequent glances from onlookers, who curiously observed this unusual combination racing so early in the morning.

But things weren't as easy for Ron and his companion as they had imagined... After nearly crashing into a public carriage, knocking off a gentleman's cane, and knocking away a lady's scarf, the two finally arrived at their destination.

The brass doorbell cast dappled light on the oak door frame, illuminating the somewhat old books behind the shop window.

The stone steps are covered with moss, and the cracks are filled with coal ash that has accumulated over the years. The red brick walls are also stained dark, with mottled marks left behind at some unknown time.

A simple sign was placed on the door frame—

Elvis Bookstore.

Ron looked at the bookstore in front of him with some curiosity, which was a bit old-fashioned but didn't seem to have anything special about it. He was a little puzzled.

Is this the meeting place of the Truth Society?
The scorched earth sanctuary was set up so formally and solemnly that I thought the Truth Society would also be some kind of imposing church or cathedral...

"finally reached……"

Idrila, standing to the side, let out a long breath, looked at Ron, hesitated for a moment, and said:

“Mr. Ron… I’m afraid it’s a bit presumptuous, but would you be willing to come inside with me?”

She gripped the hem of her dress tightly, seemingly a little nervous.
"Sul probably already has his eye on you, so acting alone now is definitely not a good choice..."

Oh? You want to pull me into your camp?

Ron raised an eyebrow, immediately understanding the deeper meaning behind Idrila's words.

It seems that his identity as an "angel agent" has now been confirmed in Idris's eyes.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have tried to win him over so quickly...

However, this is also a good thing for Ron.

It would obviously be very beneficial to come into contact with such an extraordinary organization as the Truth Society.

I was already trying to find the potion for the [Death] Sequence Seven, and maybe I could find a clue at the Society of Truth...

Ron nodded, and devoutly made up a story on the spot:
“My trials continue…that being has given me yet another revelation.”

"He told me that rescuing you is not the end. After joining the Society of Truth with you, I will have the opportunity to advance to Sequence Seven..."

Promotion sequence seven?
Idrisla was slightly taken aback and subconsciously asked:
"But you've only just advanced to Sequence Eight. If you're already considering advancing to Sequence Seven, aren't you afraid of not being able to fully digest the changes and losing control?"

Digestion? Out of control? Incomplete?
Ron immediately extracted the key words from the sentence.

Could it be that the reason his potion sequence is so easily out of control is because his "digestion" is incomplete?
Consequently, the "Out of Control" setting itself is extremely easy to accumulate to the maximum level of instability!

However, if incomplete digestion can lead to loss of control, then surely complete digestion can prevent loss of control, right?

Ron's gaze toward Idrila instantly turned intense.

In the "Potion Era," these extraordinary individuals indeed possessed more systematic and effective methods to prevent things from spiraling out of control!
　My sleep schedule is so messed up that it's made my update schedule completely chaotic...

　　No, I think I need to try to make some adjustments.

　　I'll try to adjust things over the next two days. I might update a little less, maybe 4,000 words a day, but I'll quickly get back to this 7,000-8,000 word state. Over.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)