Eternal Thief



Ace was pleasantly surprised by the system's revelation and quickly questioned, "Does this any existing exit also include the exit that the three allied races have been using to enter this place as well?" 

"[As long as there is an exit point, Host can leave from it. It is unclear how many exit points actually are. Host needed to get the realm space core before this fact is revealed to you.]"

Ace's eyes shimmered with elation since he never expected that the thing he was worried about all this time would be solved just like that by the system.

However, he didn't choose this option right away; instead, he looked at the golden feather, which seemed to be becoming impatient since Cyrus still hadn't released it yet. 

A thievish glint flashed past his eyes before a crook smile appeared on his face, "Umm, senior, it's not like I don't want to let you go, but as you can see, my companion here is extremely reluctant, and he's not very good in the head either. He's thinking of you as food, and if I don't give him a replacement such as yourself, then I'm afraid he'll not listen to me at all." 

"Are you thinking me for a fool? This little fellow is your own Life Companion, and if he didn't listen to you, then who will?!" The golden feather instantly retorted in a heavy tone. 

Ace was startled when he heard this new term, "What is a life companion?" 

"Sigh… why are you playing ignorant? Just tell me what you want. As long as it is not excessive or goes against the rules of the Sun and Moon God, you can have it. Since you were able to pass the entire Sun Secret Realm and even put me in such a position, you are qualified to take anything in the place. 

"Although this was supposed to be a privilege granted to the Chosen One, you met the requirement nevertheless. So, I understand you are being greedy after seeing all the splendor of the Sun Secret Realm, young man. But let me warn you; greed is beneath the Chosen One. You needed to develop your character more, or the Sun and Moon God would not be pleased!" The feather sighed like an old man and chided Ace sternly. 

This only made Ace speechless as he looked at the feather, who seemed to be still oblivious to the fact that there was no escaping his impending fate of being devoured by Cyrus. 

Furthermore, now it was offering all the treasure present in the realm, which meant it could clearly tell Ace's true intentions, but it was still acting like the one in full control. 

Nevertheless, Ace didn't mind as long as this feather was cooperative, heck, he even appreciated it since it would make his work even easier, and he would be on his merry way. 

"Ahem, there is really nothing that I can hide from Senior. But I'm not being greedy here at all. I still needed resources to grow and become the Chosen One. Since the mighty God left this generous bounty, I will use it to pave my way toward the top even faster. 

"Besides, even Senior said that I'm fully qualified to be the Chosen One, so I don't think there is any need to waste those resources left behind by God on others when they can be used on doing the thing God has required from us. 

"So, I want to take away everything above Grade-6 with me and quickly cultivate my way toward becoming the Chosen One. I still have the Moon Secret Realm to challenge, and I don't think the guardian there will be as generous as you, Senior!" Ace solemnly stated as he acted extremely respectfully, yet at the same time helplessly as if he had no choice but to do this, and it pained him very much. 

The feather suddenly trembled slightly after hearing Ace's grand speech, and if it had a face, it would've looked extremely moved. 

"I never thought this way. You are right; the Sun and Moon God left these rewards to nurture the Chosen One of the Mortal Sky. Since there is finally someone quailed to be one, it will be disrespectful not to uplift God's will. 

"Very well, you have convinced me, youngster! I'll wrap everything up for you, and I'm going with you to be your Protector!" The feather declared with an extremely passionate tone.

Ace wore a strange expression under his mask as he looked at the feather, 'It's so easy to gullible? And why would I need its protection when it can't even protect itself from Cyrus.' 

Despite his actual thoughts, it would be a lie to say that he didn't want to take the feather since it was clearly a peak treasure. But the problem was, he didn't want to take food from a child's mouth, especially when he had worked so hard. 

So, he gave up the idea of making Cyrus give up on eating that feather, but it won't tell this to the feather. 

"I'm flattered senior, and honored. So, let's go and collect all the things quickly, and I'll make this little fellow release you by giving him something else." Ace stated with a crook smile.

"I'm not giving!" Cyrus finally couldn't take it anymore and cried in protest. 

"Why are you crying for? Can't you tell I'm just ticking him to get what I want? You'll get even more treasures this way. But if you eat it, you'll only get the feather. Always think about the long terms benefits first!" Ace helplessly explained to Cyrus as the little guy couldn't even take a hint. 

Cyrus's eyes went wide before ecstasy filled them, "Oh, Big Bro should've told me sooner!" 

Ace rolled his eyes as he was simply too lazy to have corrected the little guy who only knew how to either eat or burn. 

The golden feather, oblivious to their conversation, spoke, "Why would we need to go? I can just collect them right here and now!"