Awakening?The Infinite Evolution of My Talent as a Low-Level Awakener

Chapter 472 Followers of the Stars, the Mysterious Ancient One

Gloria had obtained part of the news about the world merging through the language of the Starry Clan, some from the remnants of the Earth's human race, and additional insights from the prompts provided by [Transcendence]. This had essentially answered many of Sterl's questions.

However, the sheer volume of information was overwhelming at the moment, and Sterl was too lazy to organize it all. Instead, he simply noted it internally.

As for the Iridescent-Level abilities... Sterl received a disappointing revelation: Gloria had acquired them through a special item left behind by the Earth's human race. This item was now damaged and could no longer be used. The corresponding item for the Iridescent-Level ability had also been created based on the remnants of the Earth's human race.

While Sterl felt disappointment, he insisted that Gloria hand over that item to him. His disappointment quickly turned into joy. Gloria described the item as a folder encapsulating a stream of silver light; the only thing she could do was to hold this folder and continuously release her skills after melding with divine authority. This process eventually birthed an Iridescent-Level ability. She would then continue to wield the folder, repeatedly using her newly acquired Iridescent-Level ability, causing the silver light to consume itself and create new items.

In total, three items were created. The last one was used during her encounter with the three gods, while the other two were utilized during Gloria's two previous adventures. One was during an instance where she faced a life-and-death situation; she used the item successfully to defeat the boss and escape. The other...

As Gloria spoke, a flicker of panic crossed her eyes. "I... I think I forgot!"

She wasn't afraid of being punished by Sterl; rather, she felt a pure panic at the thought of recalling her past memories. At the same time, an unusual fluctuation from the Starry Clan began to emanate from her.

Sterl quickly placed a gentle hand on the goddess's shoulder, leaving a bloody mark on her fair skin. Then, combining this with the active manipulation of deputy star over her psyche, he managed to ground Gloria, who was gasping for breath as she leaned against him.

"Master..."

"Master..."

"What's happening to me?"

Gloria looked bewildered, her expression filled with confusion. An odd halo flickered around her as she fell into a faint.

Sterl's expression darkened.

"It's alright."

"You're okay now."

Just moments ago, he had used his points for someone else for the first time. Gloria had received a peculiar buff that only manifested when she recalled how to use her second exclusive item. It was called—

[Followers of the Stars (Weak)]

Description: You have gained the attention of an Ancient One in the starry sky, becoming one of his followers. He can bestow blessings on you at any time, allowing you to attain ascension.

Sterl's expression twisted as he began to grasp how Gloria had used her second exclusive item. The process of obtaining the prophecy was not as simple as he had imagined. The Ancient One of the Starry Clan must have interfered!

They had directly tainted the recipients of the prophecy, and Gloria had barely managed to escape using her exclusive item. Yet, she still bore the consequences. She had become one of the so-called Followers of the Stars.

Although Gloria had forgotten how she obtained the prophecy, she instinctively believed in everything related to the Starry Clan. This made it easier for Sterl to capture her just now. However, the existence of the Followers of the Stars buff meant that if the Ancient One acted in the Place of the Stars, he could transform the enchanting goddess before him into a monster!

Earlier, Gloria and Sterl had mentioned that small nation that made sacrifices and the twisted deity. At that time, a being with weak Divine Power had forced a higher existence of divine authority into a confrontation, resulting in a fierce battle that ended with the latter's death. That twisted deity might have been the one that was "ascended"!

Now, Sterl felt a pang of fear just thinking about it. If he hadn't mentioned the use of the exclusive items while chatting with Gloria, he might not have realized until one day when Gloria was transformed into a monster.

"And also..."

Sterl's expression darkened. He had no idea how many people had received the Starry Clan's prophecy and had become followers. He also had no knowledge of whether those who did not accept the prophecy could be controlled and turned into followers as well.

Once the Ancient One acted, how many powerful beings would ascend? There were not many strong individuals above weak Divine Power in the lower realm. If the Ancient One had enough followers under his control, they could potentially destroy the entire world without even needing a great calamity.

The world controlled by the Ancient One might be even more terrifying than the world after the great calamity, because the calamity would open a new era. Life from the old era could not survive. But this world had undergone a rebirth.

Sterl recalled the Cthulhu Mythos novels he had seen before his transmigration. The Ancient Ones would twist the entire world into something grotesque!

Sterl felt a chill run down his spine! He remembered the great calamity he had witnessed in the Inquire Within instance, and the current situation facing the world seemed like a mere child's play in comparison.

Fortunately, Sterl had resolved the issue surrounding Gloria; the Followers of the Stars buff on her was only weak. So, Sterl could directly use his points to enhance it.

The result of the enhancement transformed Followers of the Stars into [Followers of Mercury]. Mercury was a profession created by Sterl.

[Followers of Mercury]

Description: A blessing from the yet-to-be-manifested great existence, Mercury. Currently has no effect, but a certain binding with Fortune ensures that this follower is destined to follow that great being and reach new heights.

Hint: All followers will unconditionally obey Mercury.

In other words...

Sterl had successfully turned the Ancient One's "blessing" into his own blessing for Gloria.

"How should I put this? The Ancient One is powerful, but it seems that my enhancement ability is even more domineering."

Upon seeing the results of the enhancement, Sterl's initially tense emotions relaxed significantly...

He even felt a bit of excitement.

What had originally seemed like a great disaster had turned into Sterl's feast! All he had to do was add a point, and he could directly turn the Ancient One's meticulously developed lower limit into Sterl's subordinate.

It's important to note that the deputy star had an upper limit, while the Followers of the Stars could be controlled in whatever number he desired! The only issue was that Sterl could not directly investigate the Followers of the Stars, nor could he handle other buffs related to Followers of the Stars.

Because Gloria had used that precious exclusive item to escape the influence of the Ancient One, the buff on her was only weak. If it had been the normal version of [Followers of the Stars], Sterl's cheat would need to be enhanced once more to have an effect.

"No, Gloria has a trump card. Don't the other gods have one too?"

"There are probably quite a few of these weak versions of the Followers of the Stars buff."

"They may even be the mainstream version. Deities and powerful beings would definitely recognize that the Ancient One is an ominous presence; they would resist with all their might against losing control over their consciousness."

"Rather than forcibly bestowing the full version of Followers of the Stars, the Ancient One might prefer to let the gods exhaust their trump cards while thinking they've escaped, while secretly retaining a weakened version of the Followers of the Stars buff."

"Subtly, this would foster goodwill towards the Starry Clan in these beings, making them pawns."

"After all, the Ancient One can still create followers using the weakened buff!"

"The gods would believe they had escaped, but in reality, they would always be under control."

"But… if that's the case, then I've hit the jackpot!"

Sterl's heart swelled with joy!

Oh my!

I'm taking off!

When did I ever say I wasn't a successor of the Starry Clan? I am the most authentic heir of the Starry Clan!

The powers they possess across countless worlds are about to belong to me!

Even the Ancient One is working for me!

Victory!

Sterl was in a fantastic mood. As long as he could find a way to distinguish the Followers of the Stars buff, he would soon be able to assemble a divine army!

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Moreover, the Followers of the Stars not only had the effect of controlling minds, but they could also enhance the potential and talents of those under him as he grew stronger.

In other words, Sterl would gain a legion that would grow more powerful alongside him.

He even felt a bit tempted to learn how the Ancient Ones bestow blessings.

He could easily bestow blessings on the girls around him, allowing them to rise alongside him. How wonderful would that be?

Even some of the capable members in the Twilight Guild could be honored with blessings!

With his point-enhancing ability, Sterl's potential was limitless, and so was the potential of his followers!

As long as they could work for him, blessings would be the perfect reward.

Sterl had already outlined a rough organizational structure: those on the periphery would execute tasks, and those who demonstrated high potential or made significant contributions would receive blessings.

The benefits of the blessings themselves would attract countless powerful beings!

On the other hand, after bestowing blessings, Sterl would have complete control over the blessed!

The organization would operate like a well-oiled machine, eternally obedient to Sterl's commands!

Just then, Gloria suddenly let out a small gasp and woke up.

She was surprised to find herself in Sterl's embrace. "Master, what just happened to me?"

Sterl wouldn't reveal his point-enhancing ability; instead, he simply stated, "You were influenced by a certain faction of the Starry Clan. Now, I've changed that influence to my side."

"Don't worry; you should feel that your potential has been enhanced."

He wore a calm expression.

This made Gloria, who had been a bit flustered earlier, considerably steadier.

She closed her eyes for a moment, soon revealing a hint of surprise.

"Really! Master!"

"Oh my, my talent effect has improved!"

Instantly, Gloria's face filled with awe and admiration.

Having resolved the issue of the Followers of the Stars, and after Gloria's excitement, Sterl turned to his important tasks—