048 Two Major Categories

Later, the Secret Ring Masters began actively capturing supernaturals and exotic beasts. They studied their abilities, analyzed their energy cycles, and used these as templates to craft various models. These models were then simplified into runes, which could be branded into the rings on the Secret Ring Masters’ backs. In this way, the Secret Ring Masters gained mastery over different powers and could wield formidable means.

As research progressed, the Secret Ring Masters were divided into two main branches. One focused on studying the superhuman abilities of the Exotics, structuring these energy circuits and inscribing them onto their rings, thereby granting themselves extraordinary powers. The other branch concentrated on ring beasts, modeling and segmenting the energy structures of these creatures, then inscribing the models onto their secret rings. In battle, the energy would reanimate these ring beasts, manifesting them as combat strength for the Secret Ring Masters.

This became the mainstream path to extraordinary power in this world. It resembled the work of scientists, for strength came from knowledge rather than step-by-step cultivation.

A Secret Ring Master had to research energy models, be they from Exotics or ring beasts. Next, these models had to be distilled into runes and inscribed upon the ring. Each person’s runes were unique, since energy models could not be simply copied. Even with an initial prototype, one had to modify it gradually to suit oneself.

All this had to be accomplished personally, using the Heart of the Ring to sense and shape. The complexity of the process defied description.

Shunan already possessed the most fundamental requirement for becoming a Secret Ring Master—the Heart of the Ring, with which to sense the mysterious circle. What he still lacked were the external organ for energy release—the Secret Ring itself—and an initial energy model, either a special ability or a ring beast.

During those three days, Shunan had also tried to use his Heart of the Ring to sense the mysterious circle. The results were far from satisfactory—indeed, there were no results at all. Only after asking did he learn that sensing the mysterious circle required hundreds or even thousands of attempts.

An average beginner needed at least half a year. If one was gifted and had a teacher’s guidance, it could take only a few dozen days to sense the mysterious circle and obtain the rune’s activating flame.

Only with the activating flame could the runes branded into the secret ring be ignited, triggering energy activation. Only then would the runes become effective, forming energy circuits within the human body to grant superpowers, or outwardly manifesting ancient ring beasts for battle.

Shunan had only just set foot on the path of the Secret Ring Master; he was still far from forming any real combat strength. For now, his main means of defense remained his own skills, meditation time, and his pistol.

After three days, Shunan was formally discharged from the hospital.

Walking along the bustling streets, he gazed at the surging crowds and wandered aimlessly toward the central park. There stood a pure white statue, several marble fountains, and flowerbeds blooming with colorful plants, surrounded by rows of black benches.

Many young people sat chatting on the benches, while elderly folk in sun hats quietly fed pigeons nearby.

Shunan found a bench and sat down. He felt somewhat melancholic—the game could not yet be logged out. Surrounded by this exotic atmosphere, Shunan felt a sense of estrangement and unease. Pressing his chest, he could feel the heat there even through his coat.

Mr. A had said this was normal; it would pass in about a week, after which life would return to normal.

He had also given Shunan a booklet outlining techniques for using the Heart of the Ring to sense the mysterious circle, and on behalf of the Seven Letters Group, Mr. A made a promise to Shunan.

So long as Shunan could sense the activating flame, he could become a mid-to-high-level member of the Seven Letters Group. The organization would provide all the materials needed for a secret ring, and he could select any initial energy model he liked—a sincere offer indeed.

Originally, Mr. A had wanted Shunan to stay, so their Secret Ring Masters could mentor him. But Shunan declined, since the system indicated the second chapter of his mission was about to begin.

A countdown was ticking in the corner of his vision.

“Bone Island Soulhunt: 1min 53s.”

Shunan sighed and lit a cigarette. He wasn’t addicted, but Kashu would occasionally smoke, and this body sometimes craved it by habit.

As smoke curled around him, the system prompted:

“You have sent the letter to Lei Ya’s family.”
“Special reward unlocked.”
“You will gain all of Lei Ya’s skills.”
[Survival skill: Upper → Top]
[Hunting skill: Intermediate → Upper]

Both skills increased by one rank.

At that moment, the countdown in the corner reached zero.

A soft beep sounded; Shunan’s phone vibrated.

He took it out—a text message, reminding him of his flight time.

The destination was Nilodo, the third largest city of the United States of Yagali—the place where Kashu’s daughter had been taken after being abducted, as revealed under interrogation of the assassin.

“It’s time to go.”

Shunan flicked his cigarette into the trash. As soon as he stood, a girl in a red dress approached, shyly asking for his number.

Ah, this ruggedly handsome face is to blame…

He casually scribbled J’s number, then quickly left the park and hailed a taxi to the airport.

Tap, tap, tap…

Boots sounded against the polished marble floor as Shunan rode the escalator upward. Around him, vast panes of glass let the warm sunlight flood in.

This was his first time flying…

He followed the stream of people forward. To the left, a burly man with a cold expression watched Kashu’s back. The man wore long sleeves, but his bulging muscles strained against the fabric, threatening to tear it at any moment. Faint black tattoos crept down from his neck.

“Target sighted—he’s boarding the plane,” the tattooed man muttered into his phone.

“Wait until he’s on the plane, then finish him!” ordered the voice on the other end before hanging up.

The tattooed man pocketed his phone and strode swiftly forward, shoving through the crowd. Some people glared back, but upon seeing his size, quietly made way.

Thirty minutes later, Oak Mountain Airport.

A white passenger jet slowly taxied to the runway and accelerated down the takeoff strip. The powerful wings, lifted by the mounting currents, soared into the sky like a great white bird.

In first class, Shunan settled into a soft seat. He wasn’t spending recklessly—it was J who had bought him the ticket, even wishing him a safe journey.

Though J had no idea what Shunan was really up to.

Staring at the clouds rolling past the window, suddenly a prompt flashed before Shunan’s eyes: he could log out now!

“Would you like to log out?”
“Yes/No”
“Reminder: Once you log out of the Supernatural Game, the story will pause; time will freeze, and upon returning, you will automatically reconnect to the plot.”

“That’s perfect! Let’s see what happens.”

Unable to wait, Shunan eagerly chose “Yes.”