Affinity:Chaos

Keith was looking around as he was giving orders to the others when he heard a voice transmission. He froze for a second but quickly regained his composure.

'I didn't expect him to be the person sent to watch over us. Hehe, I'm in luck.'

He was pleased to hear from Grey. One of the things he has found out with following Grey was that whenever he was traveling with him, he was always getting benefits without having to do much. He had been stuck at the Peak of the Sage Plane for a while now and hadn't been able to find the right opportunity to break through, with Grey here, he suddenly felt like there was a huge opportunity before him.

The fact that Grey contacted him meant that the opportunity might have already presented itself. With a pleased smile, he excused himself from the group and went over to a place where he wouldn't be seen by others.

Grey soon appeared from the void, with Void on his shoulders.

"Why didn't you tell me you're the one in charge of this mission?" Keith asked begrudgingly.

"It was on a short notice." Grey replied and said, "You've been doing well. However, I think it's time you step up a little. The Venerable Plane is just within grasp, and I have the perfect opportunity for you."

Keith was elated when he heard this, he knew this was the reason Grey called him, but he never thought Grey would be so direct. Without hesitation he nodded.

"I've been stuck at the Peak of the Sage Plane for a while now. I have been trying to break through but there has been no chance of doing so."

Grey grabbed him by the shoulder and Keith saw his environment change. He was still in the forest, but he was in another part of it. When he sensed the essence in this place, he realized this was the deeper parts of the forest.

At the time Grey came back, he found a large bird in this place, the bird had its eyes set on the item he wanted to give Keith.

The second it noticed them, it looked at them with cold eyes and its aura spread out, trying to intimidate the duo.

Keith sensed the pressure only for quarter a second and he felt as if his lungs wanted to implode. He found it hard to breathe, but before the pressure could affect him, it vanished into thin air.

"Get the fuck away from my belongings." Grey's voice was calm, but the chilling cold that accompanied his voice made the bird shiver in fear, and after squawking, it flew away, not daring to stay there any longer.

The bird was only in the Mid stages of the Seventh Rank, yet it wanted to intimidate someone like Grey who could kill multiple Beasts at the Peak of the Seventh Rank, much less itself that was so weak.

Keith was in awe of Grey's overbearingness.

This is what the strong do. This was an attribute only the strong could showcase. Imposing overbearingness.

Grey said the treasure was his and there was nothing the bird could do. There might be a chance that it had been nurturing this treasure in hopes of using it to increase its strength, but Grey found it and said it was his, and that was the case. There was nothing the bird could do to change it.

Keith looked at Grey's back view, but Grey didn't think much about it. He didn't want to kill the bird since there was no need, hence his tactic of scaring it off.

He said to Keith, "That's it. I believe you will be able to break through after consumption."

"I'll help you set up an array to ensure you don't attract attention."

Grey left the place as soon as he was done speaking. This was a Magical Beasts' forest and possessed powerful Beasts. He had already encountered a Dragon, although it was all due to circumstances, he didn't want to take any chances. If another legendary Beast were to be attracted over due to Keith breaking through, and it happens to be stronger than he is, then he was toast.

He went to work while Keith grabbed the opportunity presented before him. This was something he would never give up, and since Grey was going to watch over him and ensure his safety while he breaks through, there was no point in thinking about anything else.

Time went by and before long, the process was complete.

Keith had broken through to the Elemental Venerable Plane with the aid of the treasure. He didn't consume the complete treasure, but what was left is inside his body and will make him grow at a quicker pace during the early stages of the Elemental Venerable Plane.

"How nice."

Grey commented as he appeared. He was pleased that his friend broke through and looked to be very close to the Second stage as it is. He could sense there were still leftovers in his body and if his calculations were right, then it should get Keith to the Fourth or Fifth stage within a few months.

"It's all thanks to you." Keith said with gratitude, his eyes were filled with emotions.

Since he encountered Grey, he hadn't done anything for him, yet Grey had been helping him over and over again. He even made him relevant in the Faction. Now he has helped him to get to the Elemental Venerable Plane.

"I don't know how I can repay the kindness you've shown me all this while." He said with his head lowered.

"Haha, you don't need to talk in that manner. We're friends, it's only right I help you get stronger." Grey said, he added with a smile, "You would do the same for me if you were in my position. So there's no need to repay me."

Keith laughed and nodded, "Most definitely. I didn't think you would help me so early after your return. Having a friend like you is like a shortcut to success."