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However...
If Serval could follow the Stellaron Hunter's script and continue growing stronger,
having this additional Footprint of Destiny might not be crucial.
Giving it to Serval, allowing her strength to advance further, felt more appealing.
After pondering for quite some time, Bochang still couldn't decide.
"Let's absorb one first and see."
Sitting on the edge of his bed, Bochang picked up a Footprint of Destiny and began channeling his own fate path energy to absorb it.
The process was remarkably effortless.
All Bochang needed to do was release his fate path energy.
The golden shimmer within the glass orb flickered brightly.
Gradually, it flowed from his palm into his body, and he distinctly sensed his Destruction Path expanding continuously.
The accessible fate path energy also increased steadily without interruption.
Within moments, it had doubled.
Of course...
This significant boost occurred because Bochang's initial fate path energy was relatively weak. The effect would gradually diminish going forward.
"I wasn't sure how to enhance my fate path power before, but unexpectedly...I've found a way so quickly." Bochang's lips curved slightly upwards.
All thanks to Aha's intervention.
Accompanying him in those games proved fruitful after all. Despite enduring the painful truth or dare session with Silver Wolf,
the rewards were substantial.
One must admit, it was quite satisfying.
Expanding his fate path felt remarkably subtle yet deeply satisfying. Bochang's entire being relaxed, and his spirit seemed content, as if he no longer needed sleep.
And so...
Bochang didn't rest at all that night. Instead, he continuously absorbed the unique energy from the Footprint of Destiny.
It wasn't until early morning, when March 7th knocked on the door, that Bochang slowly opened his eyes.
A glimmer flickered within his black pupils.
After absorbing for several hours, the golden glow of the Footprint of Destiny had significantly dimmed.
However...
It appeared there was still more to absorb.
"Bochang, are you up? Uncle Yang is calling us down for breakfast..."
"I'll be right there after I change clothes," Bochang replied. Last night, he had been too focused on enhancing his strength and hadn't even changed his attire.
He still wore the tattered bathrobe.
"All right." March 7th turned around. "I'm heading downstairs first; join us when you're ready."
The footsteps of the pink-haired girl gradually faded away.
Bochang tidied himself, then retrieved his storage pouch from the system space and packed all his belongings inside.
With the increasing number of items, having this storage pouch proved immensely convenient.
Tucking the small yellow pouch into his pocket, he marveled at how it held numerous objects without any noticeable weight.
As Bochang descended the stairs, sans the Vow Spear and cybernetic flying sword, he felt remarkably lighter and freer.
Upon reaching downstairs, Bochang noticed that aside from Welt Yang, Dan Heng, and March 7th, no one else had yet descended.
"Seems like I'm pretty early," Bochang remarked.
Dan Heng's gaze scanned him up and down, looking somewhat puzzled. "I feel as though something about you has changed since yesterday."
"Changed?" Bochang rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Dan Heng nodded. "Yes, Bochang, why has the power associated with your fate path suddenly become stronger? And it feels somewhat unstable too."
The fact that he had activated the Destruction Fate Path was not exactly a secret; rather, its insignificance made it unworthy of attention. Moreover...
Bochang now possessed more than just one type of fate path energy. Alongside Destruction, he also had the Pioneering Fate Path.
Shortly after activating the Destruction Path, the Pioneering Path naturally emerged as well. This was one of the benefits of being part of the Astral Express. Any member with sufficient talent would eventually acquire the Pioneering Fate Path.
Compared to Bochang, Stelle obtained hers much earlier—soon after joining the Astral Express, albeit with a considerably weaker manifestation.
He had obtained the Pioneering Fate Path not long after joining the Astral Express. However, its strength was still quite feeble.
"Oh... it's about that? Actually, last night I acquired two trinkets. It's said that absorbing their power can strengthen one's fate paths, so I..."
Interrupting Bochang, March 7th said, "Those two glass spheres?"
Last night, March 7th naturally noticed when Bochang returned with the two glass spheres.
Dan Heng and Welt Yang's gazes shifted to the pink-haired girl, filled with curiosity.
March 7th hastily waved her hands and explained, "Here's what happened... When I got up late at night, I saw Bochang sneaking back, which is how I found out."
"I see..." Welt Yang nodded slightly.
Although both he and Dan Heng suspected there might be more to the story, since March 7th wanted to keep it hidden, Welt Yang decided against probing further. It's best to avoid meddling too much in personal matters of Astral Express members.
Observing this exchange, Bochang reached into his pouch and rummaged around. He then produced one of the Footprints of Destiny he had used.
"That is..." Welt Yang's eyebrows furrowed slightly.
Bochang explained, "It's a Footprint of Destiny. Last night, I relied on it to enhance my fate path strength."
"I've heard about these... Didn't expect you'd manage to obtain one," Welt Yang remarked, without probing further into its origin. "However, enhancing your fate paths should not be rushed. Even with such extraordinary artifacts, progress must be gradual to avoid weakening your foundation."
Dan Heng nodded in agreement with Welt Yang's advice.
Bochang placed the Footprint of Destiny back into his pouch and said, "I understand."
Last night, he had indeed tried pushing things too quickly. As a result, his Destruction Path within remained unstable, easily perceptible to others.
March 7th immediately leaned closer.
"You have space equipment?"
"Yep." Bochang nodded affirmatively.
March 7th unreasonably extended her hand, demanding, "Let me see!"
"You're not getting to see it," Bochang retorted.
The two began playfully squabbling.
Dan Heng and Welt Yang promptly moved aside, giving them space.
As Bochang and March 7th continued their playful banter,
Stelle and Bailu descended the stairs together.
The gray-haired girl rubbed her eyes while casually greeting them.
"Good morning..."
"Stelle, what's wrong? You look like you didn't sleep well last night." March 7th paused, curiosity evident in her voice.
Stelle glanced at the pink-haired girl and replied, "Hmm... I had a nightmare last night."
"A nightmare? What kind of nightmare?" March 7th's eyes widened.
With her tranquil golden gaze, Stelle looked towards the black-haired youth and said, "I dreamed about Bochang..."
March 7th momentarily froze, her mind racing swiftly. Then she sighed softly.
"Well, that truly sounds like a nightmare..."
"Why would dreaming about me be considered a nightmare?! Seriously!" Bochang weakly protested.
Meanwhile...
A sense of unease also began to rise within Bochang's heart.
Stelle continued, "I dreamed about you playing Truth or Dare with a Stellaron Hunter. Not only did you kiss... but there were various other intimate actions too. Why would I have such a dream? Could it be a memory from my past?"