"Firstly you have to promise me and the council through an oath that you will not speak of this to the rest of the world until the reward has been received and the next tournament of champions is commenced," the lady continued gazing at Noah with such ferocity it made him feel serious.

Noah considered the promise, it wasn't exactly anything that went against what he did all the time. His nickname would be the house of secrets if people knew just how much he hid.

"I Aiden accept the terms of learning about the special reward," Noah announced, his chest up and his shoulder straight.historical

A series of silver runes lit up the room at that point and in a matter of a few seconds, the room became a spectacle in its own right.

A burning sensation reached Noah's mind, then he stared at the back of his right hand. The symbol of a staff surrounded by what resembled flaming torches appeared on his skin, before vanishing.

[You have accepted tier 5 oath]

"That is all that is required of you. Breaking this oath would result in a portion of your cultivation base being destroyed." The lady announced almost causing a frown to appear on his face.

"Luckily this special reward adds to your cultivation base, so it's only natural," She said giving a hint at what the reward would be.

"Can I hear about the reward now?" Noah asked trying to get his mood up. Even if it saw a steady increase.

"Yes sir Aiden," she replied returning to her feet and sitting on his bed. A surprising action. She gestured at him to do the same, and he did.

"Before we continue, I am Miranda. A former peasant who was fortunate enough to be saved by the council many years ago, and I've served them ever since." she introduced herself with a soft smile.

Miranda was a woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties. She had long black wavy hair that looked to have a lot of volumes. She sported deep black eyes and sharp eyebrows that gave her a mysterious look.

In terms of facial features, she was above average, but the most important detail was that Noah couldn't sense her power. Somehow he had forgotten to check that when she arrived, and that caused a feeling of surprise.

"I am a deviant." She suddenly announced. "My special ability makes me almost unnoticeable. The fact that a mind such as yours could notice something odd this quickly tells that, truly you deserve your position," Miranda commented, leaving Noah even more surprised. But this time he kept his feelings inwardly.

At least he tried to.

That was the first time he would meet a deviant and have a taste of their ability.

"It's pretty subpar compared to deviants with the ability to break into someone's mind and erase their presence," Miranda remarked, putting even more astonishment in Noah's mind.

"It's spectacular nonetheless," Noah eventually spoke after balancing his surprise, while also noting that she was stronger than him.

"I appreciate your words." She smiled. "Now onto the main topic of our meeting sir Aiden. The special reward," she quickly moved on.

"As I said earlier, it adds power to an individual's cultivation level. And seeing as you are in the middle stage. I believe this reward can push you into the higher stage."

"The issue is it depends on an individual's ability to refine the said reward. I've witnessed some experience meager increases while some directly shoot to the next rank. It's very personal. I've also seen many die in the process of trying to handle it," she explained, her black eyes never leaving Noah's blues.

She seemed to stare deep into his soul, but Noah knew that wasn't the case. She was probably looking for signs of struggle since many would shrink in the face of death. Or at least death that wouldn't be for any noble cause.

"I see," Noah muttered, but his eyes never flickered with fear or worry. Death had stopped being a big deal. He had died too many times for one person. Notwithstanding, that didn't mean it still wasn't scary. Especially when the system wouldn't be involved. At least he thought so.

"Yes," Miranda replied. "The truth is the reward doesn't have a particular level. Some items could be considered tier 3, some tier 4. But this reward, a fruit to be specific, doesn't have such. It only pushes an individual's cultivation speed to overdrive which allows them to cultivate faster and receive gains exponentially."

"It's a one time use thing and each one is incredibly hard to cultivate, as one fruit could take ten to twenty years to fully mature depending on how strong and effective the planter wants it to be," she explained leaving Noah gasping in wonder.

"Yes sir Aiden," she nodded slowly. "You may then be wondering why the council would hand such over to you. Well because you're one of us. And because the fruit doesn't work for those beyond the middle stage of tier 4. So to the higher ups, its not exactly expensive. But to individuals below those ranks, its the best they can get." Her words continued to flow, astonishing Noah with every revelation.

"You're telling me all this so I can know the risks and the benefits aren't you?" Noah spoke up after a few moments of silence. Seeing her nod in affirmation, he sighed.

"I'm already interested, so lets get on with it," Noah announced, and his words surprisingly put a smile on her face.

"Great choice sir Aiden. The Divine Lightning guild will be sure to hear of your bravery," she said waving at the other four women who had been silent and motion less through out their conversation.

"Leave us please," Miranda ordered, and they did so orderly, and in a matter of seconds only the two of them were left in the room.

Miranda stood at that point, seemingly to check or lock the door and she did, but Noah found himself falling into deep thought, and he didn't hesitate to voice his query.

"So does it increase the cultivation speed of all or only one aspect of a-" His words were abruptly cut short by the sight of Miranda's cloth-less figure.