Volume One: The Infernal Lord’s World Chapter 80: The Choice of Two Heroes

"I am strong," Brufid said, turning to look at Peter and Kbas.

His transformation drew envious gazes from Peter and Kbas. Whether or not he was truly powerful was secondary; the key point was that Brufid had reverted to human form and, judging by his vitality, had grown much younger.

Peter and Kbas both turned their eyes to Chen Gu.

Chen Gu spread his hands in resignation. "The same goes for you. I can handle this city, or even the hearts of other cities, but at the moment, I might not have the right materials for you. If you wish to undergo synthesis, you must choose your own path."

What Chen Gu said made sense. Originally, Brufid and the others were druids, but due to the city’s lockdown, they had become what they were now. Chen Gu could help resolve their issues, but he did not know their future directions. Some choices had to be made by themselves.

Watching Brufid’s transformation, Peter had assumed Chen Gu managed all syntheses in the same way.

Peter spoke up, "I have something. When I first merged with Crow’s Nest City, its lord, Abilius, gave me a piece of tree heart, meant to extend my life. But I never used it. I wonder if this could work."

As he spoke, Peter produced a fist-sized object. The moment he brought out the tree heart, Chen Gu’s eyes brightened. Even though he wasn’t a druid, he could sense the potent vitality within the tree heart. Its quality surpassed anything he had encountered before.

"Let me handle this," Chen Gu said, taking the tree heart and opening the synthesis interface.

[Mutated Druid (Elven Hero)] + [Ancient Tree Heart (Purple)] = [??? (Success Rate 81.3%)]

"An eighty percent success rate—this suits you perfectly," Chen Gu remarked.

"Of course, I’ve kept this with me for years," Peter replied, pride evident in his voice.

As Peter spoke, Chen Gu released the tree heart, letting it float towards Peter. As it reached him, tiny vines sprouted rapidly, piercing into Peter and encasing him in a massive cocoon of vines.

Brufid and Kbas watched, speculating about what Peter might become. Meanwhile, Kbas rummaged through his belongings. If Peter succeeded, he would attempt his own synthesis.

He wondered what item would be best to present. Over the years at Crow’s Nest City, only Kbas had been able to guard the swamp, always maintaining his awareness. Though he had acquired many things, most had been consumed. He had nothing akin to Peter’s ancient tree heart.

While Kbas pondered, the vine cocoon shrank back. Hearing the commotion, Chen Gu and the others turned to look. The newly synthesized Peter emerged from the cocoon.

Peter’s new form was not as towering as Brufid’s. He stood around two meters, the standard height for elves. As he stepped forward, Chen Gu noticed Peter’s ears had become pointed once more, his hair was a tender green, and his skin bore wood grain patterns. He wore a cloak made of leaves and carried a staff topped with the now spent ancient tree heart.

[You have completed synthesis. Gained a purple-quality hero: Peter. Hero Peter has joined your party.]

[Hero Attributes]

Name: Peter
Quality: Purple (Level Cap 15)
Race: Elf
Level: 8
Talent: Heart of Nature (Can wield nature magic; nature magic level +1; influence range increased by 150%)
Combat Attributes: Strength 9, Agility 11, Constitution 12, Perception 15, Intelligence 17
Campaign Attributes: Attack 3, Defense 2, Magic 6, Wisdom 4
Initial Skills: Level 3 Nature Magic, Level 3 Meditation, Level 3 Mana, Level 1 Leadership
Legions: None, None, None, None, None, None, None
Description: As the acting lord of Crow’s Nest City, Peter is responsible for its protection. Over the years, he has diligently studied nature magic and has achieved a high level of proficiency.

Peter approached Chen Gu and bowed. "Greetings, my lord. I am willing to fight for you."

"Welcome to my party. Crow’s Nest City will be in your hands from now on," Chen Gu said, patting Peter’s shoulder.

"This is my duty," Peter replied, fully aware of his capabilities.

Managing the new Crow’s Nest City would be his task—and his opportunity.

Peter realized that, although Chen Gu carried the seal of the Elven Queen, he was not truly of elven blood. For other elves, this might require careful consideration—whom should they follow? But for the elves of Crow’s Nest City, there was no need to choose. Their city had never been recognized by the elven kingdom. So what if Chen Gu wasn’t an elf? Perhaps he could offer them greater opportunities for development.

After Peter’s synthesis was complete, Kbas stepped forward. He spoke earnestly to Chen Gu, "Can I synthesize with the mosquito swarm? I mean those up there."

As he spoke, Kbas gestured towards the sky, where swarms of mosquitoes clustered like storm clouds.

"So many?" Chen Gu was momentarily speechless, staring at the swarms.

"They’ve grown over the years, one to three thousand per swarm. Each swarm has one or two with extraordinary powers. Thanks to them, I’ve managed to guard Crow’s Nest Swamp. I searched for a suitable item, but couldn’t find one, so I selected every extraordinary mosquito from all my swarms and combined them into this group. In total, there are over thirteen hundred extraordinary mosquitoes, plus fifty thousand strong ones."

Kbas explained his choice. While waiting, he had calculated what resources he could use. Ultimately, only the mosquito swarm offered a chance for strengthening. Without success, he truly had no other hope.

Seeing Kbas's determination, Chen Gu nodded. "Let me help you."

He then opened the synthesis interface and placed the components inside.

[Mutated Druid (Elven Hero)] + [Mosquito Swarm (Legion Level)] = [??? (Success Rate 55.3%)]