Reincarnated as an Apocalyptic Catalyst-Chapter 47: Tasteful Treasures

I woke to the soft glow of midday, the chill of winter a distant threat, but one I planned to deal with today. I decided that this morning was not for skulking in shadows or dodging whispers of death—it was for indulgence. My vast fortune had grown to astronomical levels since my arrival here, and I intended to spend whatever I needed to on what I truly wanted: power, refinement, a warm outfit, and maybe a little extra spent on style. I was making a name for myself and I couldn’t just strike down helpless thugs in my rags. I would miss my Shadow Lynx cloak, but in this line of business, shit wears out fast.

I made my way to the private vault hidden beneath my dwelling. The vault was as secure as it was opulent—a modern marvel of enchanted steel and ancient runes, its interior stocked with everything I had gained since I began working alone. I unlocked it with a subtle gesture, and within moments, I found myself gazing at a small room that was more precious metal than empty space.

System, what is my current wealth? Just round out the numbers for me, I don’t need to hear about every individual coin.

[Request Acknoledged]

[Your current wealth is as follows:]

Platinum: 1,000 coins. freewebnσvel.cѳm

Gold: 60,000 coins.

Silver: 50,000 coins.

Copper: 500,000 coins.

Gems & Artifacts: 40,000 Gold Value.

Real Estate & Assets: 35,000 Gold Value.

I was easily on the same level as any upper-mid-level aristocrat. I likely had the funds to run for a major political position in this city--if that were my cup of tea... and if I weren’t on the run from the leading religious sect--. However, politics was only a path toward corruption, and I was trying to get rid of that sort of thing. I grasped one of my spare bags of holding that lined the entrance of my vault. With my pouch in hand, I walked over to the heaping piles of treasure and grabbed the following:

100 Platinum Coins

1,000 Gold Coins

10,000 Silver Coins

Thankfully, I didn’t have to place them in one by one. I had my bags enchanted to be able to... well essentially, they just sucked up the total amount I had in my mind at the time of activation. This also helped when I needed to make a quick get-away, but my target left a perfectly good pile of loot lying around.

I left the remainder of the wealth where it rested, with the exception of a few diamonds and rubies. You never knew what tipped the scales in your favor when you haggled, so gems might make the difference. I figured a small handful of 5 diamonds and 5 rubies would be enough.

I closed the vault with the satisfying clink of metal on stone. I couldn’t feel the weight of my carried wealth, but I knew it would do for my purposes. I remember back when I bought the gear that had taken me through the month, it barely cost a handful of gold. But now, I needed something much more substantial. I was way overdue for an upgrade.

One more thing, System, tell me my stats so I can use that level-up you gave me.

[Request Acknoledged]

Name: Lucian

Level: 23

Race: Alpha Parasite

Health: 40/40

Mana: 100/100

[Experience: [52,428,800/104,857,600]]

[Current Attributes]

Strength: 20

Dexterity: 40

Constitution: 30

Intelligence: 25

Perception: 20

Willpower: 46

Host Health: 250/250

Host Mana 100/100

I managed to upgrade my host’s abilities through raw, intensive training, but there was only so much this kid could accomplish. I hated the thought of changing bodies, but when the time inevitably came, I would need someone more physically capable, with more of a magical presence. It wouldn’t be easy, but the struggle would make my future endeavors that much easier. I was honestly excited at the chance to jump so far ahead of where I was, but it made me sick as I recalled Mara, and how she would never accept me as I was, or what I was to become.

All of this aside, I had to wonder, was there an easier way to manage all of these numbers, all of the nonsense that came with leveling up?

System, can we streamline this shit? I’m tired of having to look through stats and listen to a string of abilities and stats. Can we make this a bit more simple?

[Request Acknowledged]

Yes, Lucian, I can provide you with a simplified menu that does not bombard you with so much information. There will always be the advanced option to know the specifics of your stats, but we can make this easier if that is what you wish.

God damn, yes, please initiate whatever that is.

[Request Acknowledged]

[Simplied Menu Enabled]

Okay... I guess we can look into what that means later. For now, put all available stats into wisdom and tell me what I can upgrade or develop in terms of abilities.

[Dexterity increased to 50 from 46]

[Request Acknowledged]

Echoed Will (Active: 50 Mana) – Influence the thoughts and actions of those who carry your essence, even from great distances.

Subsumed Adaptation (Passive) – Hosts gradually inherit your strength, skills, and resilience.

Veil of Severance (Active: 50 Mana) – Sever external influences, including magical tracking, possession attempts, or unwanted mental intrusions.

Sovereign Instinct (Active: 10 Mana/Second) – A refined sixth sense that enables unparalleled combat adaptability and prediction of enemy movements.

Wow, they were all good, and I only had two points to spend. I wanted to be able to influence my offspring, but I also needed to watch them from the shadows without being seen. I would need to improve the strength of my host but now was too little too late. I could make this one stronger, but it might be better for the next host.

Sovereign Instinct was pretty solid and would help me combat entities like Garrett, but he was small potatoes. I could take him out as I was now with little to no effort. So I decided. I needed Veil of Severance and Echoed Will. If I could control Garrett, I wouldn’t need to kill him. Make it so, System!

[Echoed Will Acquired]

[Veil of Severance Acquired]

This would do, I could do more later. For now, I had to eat, and where better to go than the last place I spent with Mara?

I pushed open the doors to the Inn I had visited every day for the last month or so, typically at night, but now I needed some breakfast. It was rare that I woke up early enough for breakfast, but today was the one and only day off I would grant myself. I needed new gear, and I needed to be fed to go shopping. The last time I had a shopping spree was after taking out those bandits in what felt like a lifetime ago. The warmth hits me immediately, eradicating the cold chill of the early winter morning with the inviting scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat. The place is just as I remember: high ceilings, dark wood beams, polished floors that reflect the light from every candle and lantern. The last time I was here, a couple of coins did the job, but now I had sooo much more than a few coins.

The innkeeper, an older woman with a plump face saw me and didn’t say a word. There’s no need. She knew who I was and gave me a knowing smile. I walked past the tables, the staff moving around me like a hive of bees, or ants. They were clearly quite experienced, having done this a thousand times before. I was led to my usual table by the window, the one that gave me a perfect view of the market square below, where the sun just began to rise and bathe the city in gold.

I sat down, settling into the familiar comfort of the chair, and my mind drifted for a moment. The new parasite I had within me began to stir and I could feel its thoughts bang against the edge of my mind. I had gotten used to it. I could push it aside when I wanted to, even if it didn’t always stay quiet.

"Your usual, Master Lucian?" A voice broke my thoughts. I glance up at the young server standing there, taking a respectful bow and revealing wide, nervous eyes.

I let a gentle smile caress my lips. "Not today. Surprise me."

Her eyes widened slightly, clearly thrown off by the request, but she recovered quickly and nodded. She hurried off, and I leaned back in my chair, savoring the moment. The inn was peaceful now, but I knew that wouldn’t last long. Soon, it would be full of voices and laughter, the clink of silverware, and the hum of idle chatter. But not yet.

A few minutes later, the server returned with a platter. Croissants, golden and warm, honey dripping down the sides making it that much more tempting. The plate also had scrambled eggs, light and fluffy with the perfect amount of seasoning as well as roasted meats, chicken, pig, and something I couldn’t quite place—served just right. And then, the piece de resistance: a stack of pancakes, high and decadent, topped with butter, syrup, and berries that glistened like the gems in my pouch. A bowl of rich porridge sat beside it, coated in its unique set of spices as well as a small smattering of various fruits.

I don’t waste any time. My fingers grabbed the first croissant, tearing into it with a hunger that I hadn’t known in ages. This was much more delicious than the rations I had lived on for so long. The pastry was perfect, flaky, buttery, with just the right amount of sweetness. I followed it up with a bite of egg, savoring the soft texture, and the tang of salt and herbs. The salt alone was a godsend, not many places used it with such reckless abandon and it was well worth the cost. The meat was shockingly tender, it spilled its juices down my chin with every bite. It all tasted so good, reinvigorating me to the core. For a few moments, the whispers of the parasite grew quieter, fading into the background.

I looked for a glass of water but noticed a strange decanter on the table. It was a golden liquid that beckoned to me. Something not quite wine, not quite ale. I took a sip, letting the rich yellow liquid fill my mouth. The taste lingered on my tongue as I set the glass down. It was like the nectar of the gods. The taste of honey filled my mouth, the sweetness delayed by the fermented flavor of alcohol. Was this mead? I hadn’t had it before, and it was incredible. Money was no object here. It hadn’t been for quite some time. As I indulged, I was reminded of how easy it is to forget about the thing inside me, the thing that controls so much of my life.

But not now. Now, I am in charge. I ate. I drank. I savored every bite, every taste, because this moment of freedom—of control—was rare, and I knew it.

The server returned with another tray—this time, delicate pastries. The scent of sugar, fruit, and something magical wafted up from the tray. I raise an eyebrow, impressed. I grabbed one, popped it into my mouth, and let the sweetness dissolve on my tongue. The mixture of flavors was... perfect, to say the least.

My body betrayed me, as I found myself scarfing down plate after plate until my stomach was ready to burst. It was all so amazing, and if I could, I would spend my entire fortune downing everything they had to offer.

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