CHAPTER 168: CHAPTER 168: SPIRITUAL CRYSTAL_1

"Transcendents also need to communicate and exchange resources with others. Typically, places with larger populations have gathering spots for Transcendents; these vary only in scale.

As mentioned, rulers are part of the Transcendent system. Consequently, they often tolerate or even provide Sanctuary, allowing these gathering places to expand and stabilize. In Totnes, this place is now known as Rat Street.

Nevertheless, Transcendents should never appear directly in the sight of ordinary people, so they often disguise themselves. Without someone leading the way, even if you are a Transcendent, you cannot find it."

Tamara explained while starting to pack away the various strange props she had laid out.

Hearing this, Lance felt conflicted. Jeez, Transcendents are like sewer rats. Despite their remarkable power, they’re stuck in this kind of predicament.

"Get in the carriage. I’ll take you to Rat Street."

The items on the table were cleared, and the extended awning was retracted. However, Lance found it strange that the space around Tamara didn’t seem to diminish.

Curious, Lance stepped closer. Upon entering, he discovered there was more than met the eye: the shabby carriage compartment actually contained a space three meters high and about ten square meters in area.

Damn it, if this technology could be widely applied, wouldn’t the housing problem be completely solved?

Is this the developmental potential of Supernatural Power?

But Lance immediately realized there were broader prospects. This could be applied in many other directions, like trains, airplanes, space stations, and spaceships... Why did I first think of housing, such a basic issue?

As he marveled at the methods of Transcendents, Tamara suddenly interjected.

"You’re really not afraid this is a trap?"

"You’re a smart person; you wouldn’t make the same foolish mistake twice. Besides, even if this were a trap, I’m confident I could escape unscathed. I can’t say the same for you, however, because I have a habit of killing anyone who betrays me."

Lance spoke casually, his gaze still wandering over the various odd and bizarre items inside the carriage.

Yet, Tamara inexplicably felt a chill from his words. She had a feeling this man truly would kill.

She feigned ignorance and didn’t respond, instead driving the carriage forward.

"How is this done?" Lance could sense something extraordinary about the carriage but couldn’t comprehend it with his limited understanding of Mysticism.

"This is a unique technology of us Romani, not shared with outsiders... because even I don’t know." As she said this, a hint of pride flickered in Tamara’s eyes.

Lance was somewhat speechless. How can you be so proud when you don’t even know?

However, he had no intention of pressuring her and willingly changed the subject.

"Continue telling me about the various factions on the mystical side—the kind of information everyone knows."

She had no reservations about discussing these commonly known matters.

In truth, world religions aren’t solely dominated by the Church of Light. Within the Empire’s borders, the Church of Light and the Holy Flame Church hold considerable influence, but beliefs vary significantly from place to place.

For instance, Totnes is hailed as the land of merchants, and they worship the God of Wealth.

The Barbarian Tribes of the Misty Mountains mostly worship their own Ancestral Spirits.

The Pirate Nation Victoria worships the God of Storms and the Ocean.

The Knight’s Country Parretos worships the God of Justice and War.

The Yara Free United Kingdom reveres the God of Freedom and the Sky.

These are the major ones, but some non-mainstream sects also hold influence in specific regions.

Beyond the Church, several other major powers exist. These include the Mercenary Guild, Hermes Academy, Black Tower, The Hidden Lair, the Council of Fate, and the Association of Healers. There are also ancient Transcendent factions that have survived to this day, like us Romani. These groups possess complete Transcendent paths, sometimes more than one.

"The Mercenary Guild is also an Extraordinary force?" Lance asked with some curiosity.

"Otherwise, why do you think it’s spread across the continent? Like Rat Street, its true core is hidden in places unknown to ordinary people."

"And what about Hermes Academy?"

"It’s the most famous Alchemy academy on the continent, founded by the legendary alchemist Hermes. It only admits individuals with Extraordinary Talent..."

The two continued their conversation. Lance was like a desert traveler who had stumbled upon an oasis, frantically absorbing all related knowledge.

He had initially thought that, as an archaeologist, he would be considered cultured. However, he was discovering that his understanding of both Mysticism and the cultural histories of the continent’s various nations was mediocre; he only knew them superficially. His perspective shifted multiple times in a short period, the reason being the change in his viewpoint. From an ordinary person’s perspective, the Church of Light seems quite twisted. But considering the wider world, with its various sects and Supernatural Organizations constantly emerging, the Church is merely one of the stronger entities.

Simultaneously, the Extraordinary World hidden beneath the ordinary one began to reveal a glimpse of itself to him.

Learning by word-of-mouth couldn’t satisfy his intense thirst for knowledge. Tamara was thoroughly exasperated by his relentless questions, yet she only shared the most basic information, omitting any core details.

Whenever he pressed for more, she would claim ignorance. Clearly, she remained very wary of Lance.

The carriage navigated narrow streets as pedestrians dwindled, eventually turning into a dead end blocked by a brick wall. Tamara, however, showed no sign of slowing and drove straight into it.

At the moment of contact, Lance saw the wall shimmer with a spiritual light, rippling like the surface of water.

The next second, the carriage passed through and emerged onto... another street.

Lance had expected something more mysterious. In reality, it’s just a street divided by a wall.

Moreover, this side was just as bustling with people. Neat shops lined both sides, and at the end of the road was a small square filled with vendors hawking their wares. Lance even saw someone selling grilled meat. It seems even Transcendents need to eat.

"Transcendents mostly trade through bartering. Both Extraordinary Equipment and Spiritual Materials are difficult to appraise, so Gold Coins primarily serve as a unit of measure.

Therefore, the value of Gold Coins isn’t as significant as you might think. Money can usually only buy basic materials or low-level equipment.

Truly valuable items can’t be bought with money, unless you possess Spiritual Crystals. These are the hard currency of the Supernormal Realm."

"What’s that?"

"It’s a stable, purified spiritual substance that looks like a dark crystal with a peculiar luster. The higher the purity, the more refined its color. A fist-sized crystal with over ninety percent purity is valued at a million Gold Coins, though such items are rarely found on the market."