Chapter 1132: Chapter 1119: The Greed of Epics Chapter 1132: Chapter 1119: The Greed of Epics “Hmm, it seems I exerted too much force,” Muria murmured softly, looking down at the Desolate Beast whose consciousness seemed to have collapsed below him.

His time as an Epic was so brief compared to the nearly infinite lifespan of an Epic that his understanding of the abilities he possessed was limited to theory, and he had not actually used them.

Take, for example, the degree of environmental and biological assimilation by Epic-level lifeforms. As Auston had said before, mortal beings who recite his true name either physically collapse or are assimilated into monsters, though most often it’s the former.

However, this situation would gradually ease as the reciter’s strength increased. For instance, if a being that had stepped into the extraordinary recited his true name, it would not explode but would still be assimilated.

At the Legendary level, things were different. A being of Legendary level, if unconcerned about attracting the attention of the Epic whose true name was invoked, would be virtually unaffected by the invocation.

This degree of attraction could not assimilate such a being. However, if a Legend made further contact with an Epic, such as gazing directly at the Epic’s true form or conversing with them, they would be assimilated just the same, and this assimilation process was irreversible.

In other words, the more one interacted with an Epic, the higher the likelihood of assimilation. Naturally, the level of strength still depended on the assimilated being’s own power.

Even creatures at the Legendary Peak, when in contact with a newly ascended Epic, would still face the risk of assimilation.

Once promoted to Epic, even the weakest Epic need not worry about being assimilated by other beings.

At this moment, the Desolate Beast under Muria’s feet, due to excessive contact and its insufficient strength to withstand this contact, had its consciousness directly collapse.

In fact, Muria’s contact with it wasn’t extensive; he had merely drawn a glance from his own persona, and the beast hadn’t even faced him directly.

Yet even with this level of interaction, the Desolate Beast still couldn’t withstand it. However, the collapse and death of the Desolate Beast’s consciousness did not cause much trouble for Muria.

Because the consequences of this contact had occurred on its body.

The bony scaled armor and fur on the Desolate Beast’s body began to fall off in large patches, and its body started to twist and deform. New scales with a faint golden hue began to grow back, and on its spine, two enormous bulges emerged.

With a pop, the bulges burst, and a pair of spiny wings unfurled from the back of the Desolate Beast, exuding a ferocious air but also adding a majesty it had never possessed before.

“This isn’t bad.”

Looking at the creature below that had undergone significant changes in form just by making eye contact with him, Muria nodded in approval, the situation turning out better than he had expected.

He had initially intended to find a minion that could provide new core materials for the Divine Machines of the humans in this base city, and this forcibly transformed Desolate Beast fit perfectly.

The consciousness of this Desolate Beast, known as the Sky Father, had collapsed during the contact with him, but its body was still alive and had successfully completed the transformation. Now, it had become a perfect source of core materials.

“I have resolved the source of the core materials. Next, you should draft a detailed plan to replace the Divine Machines used by your Divine Machine Users,” Muria instructed the human leaders, who were still stunned by the sight, as he stepped down from the restraining device.

“Its flesh has a very strong regenerative ability, but even as you extract materials, remember to monitor its regeneration rate and ensure it is supplemented with some nutrition.”

“We have taken note of your instructions and will complete the retrofitting as soon as possible.”

After witnessing this scene, which seemed miraculous, the attitude of the human top echelons changed significantly from before, becoming even more respectful.

…

“Prince Mureya, what significance is there for you to help these humans?” Auston, who had completed the tasks set by Muria, asked somewhat perplexedly upon returning; he couldn’t quite understand Muria’s actions.

“Do you think I’m engaging in futile efforts?” Seeing the Ancient Dragon, who had been with him since birth, quiz him, Muria responded with a smile.

“No, I’m not foolish. How could I possibly entertain such a thought? The perspectives of an Epic and a Legend are entirely different. Your actions must be motivated by reasons unknown to me,” Auston, who had become much more composed and less impulsive over the years, replied steadily.

“Your attitude is commendable. If you can maintain this, you might indeed have the chance to become the Dragon King one day,” Muria nodded in approval of Auston’s current demeanor and then addressed his question,

“My aiding these humans is, of course, purposeful. The World Will of this world has awakened and is constantly monitoring our every move.”

“Hmm!” Hearing Muria’s words, Auston was startled and immediately prepared to cast a magic that would shield their surroundings.

“Don’t be nervous, the World Will focuses on what we do for it, not on our conversation. Even if it hears us, it cannot understand,”
Seeing Auston startled by his words, Muria spoke to reassure him, “And even if you use magic of the Legendary Level, it’s useless. We are now within its body, and you cannot block its perception of us.”

“But you can do it, can’t you, Your Majesty?”

“I can, but there’s no need. Everything I do for humans is to gain the good will of the World Will, which also enhances its essence.”

“I see.” Auston showed a thoughtful expression. Knowing Auston’s identity, Muria found his expression somewhat amusing.

“What have you understood? Tell me.”

“The World Will is, strictly speaking, a collective consciousness of all creatures in the world, not limited to intelligent races, and includes all animals and plants with a spirit.

However, this world has been heavily eroded by the Evil God’s Followers, experiencing a major extinction event. Among the surviving creatures, humans occupy a very significant proportion.

Thus, by helping humans, and in turn, earning their goodwill, you directly influence the attitude of the World Will toward you.”

“Not bad, it seems you haven’t wasted your time reading.”

“Heh heh.” Hearing Muria’s praise, Auston smiled proudly, and after laughing for a while, he composed himself and continued to inquire Muria,
“But even if you gain the goodwill of this World Will, what use is it? This world has declined to such a state that it surely can’t offer much help in your battle with that Evil God.”

“The help, while minimal, still exists, though it’s quite insignificant; basically, it can be ignored. I haven’t relied on this world for much help either.”

Muria stood atop the steel walls, hands behind his back, gazing into the desolate wilderness ahead where no plants grew, his eyes deep,
“My gaining the World Will’s goodwill isn’t for the battle against the Evil God, but for what comes after the battle.”

“After the battle?” Auston’s eyes showed confusion.

“You have lived for thousands of years as an Ancient Dragon. Don’t be too short-sighted; try to see further into the future.”

“I still don’t understand.” After pondering deeply, Auston began to get agitated.

“This small world contains no extraordinary powers. Its intelligent races have developed a technology civilization, and that’s the only path they could take.

So you should understand how low the energy level of this small world is. Among all the small worlds, the one we are in now is at the very bottom. And that’s also why it’s been targeted by the Evil God.”

After hearing Muria’s explanation, Auston’s gaze was still blank; he still did not understand what Muria intended to do.

“Sigh!” Seeing Auston’s expression, Muria let out a resigned sigh,
“After my battle with the Evil God ends, what do you think will happen to this small world?”

“At the least, it will be greatly affected by your battle with the Evil God, becoming even more broken, and it will probably take even longer to recover.”

“Not to mention whether this world can withstand our battle, just consider that its internal cycles have already been completely destroyed, almost losing its ability to repair itself. Without external intervention, even if I fend off the Evil God, it’s likely doomed to destruction.”

“You plan to…” At this point, Auston finally grasped Muria’s intention, and he was struck with shock.

“If you have guessed, there’s no need to say it out loud.” Muria glanced at Auston, and the ancient dragon obediently shut his mouth.

“I will now assign you a task!”

“Your Majesty, please command,” said Auston, now more devoted to Muria, having seen his awe-inspiring avarice.

“Don’t you think this barren wilderness is too eyesore? Just bare, nothing at all, all sand and stones, isn’t it too ugly?”

“Yes, it is quite ugly.”

“Then you will plant trees. Lead all dragons to start planting. As for the type of trees, there are probably no suitable ones in this world, so use the seeds I’ve cultivated in my Semi Plane.”

“I will not fail your trust.” Hearing that Muria was assigning him to plant trees, Auston felt not only unburdened but even excited, as he knew what the tree planting was for.

“The more trees planted, the better, I hope that within a year, the wilderness in front of me can be filled with greenery.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read