Road to Mastery: A LitRPG Apocalypse

Chapter 342: Recruiting New Bros

Brock opened his eyes.

Cultivating here was very efficient. His Big Thought was nourished well. Soon, it would approach the next transformation.

For now, however, he needed to rest.

Working too hard is bad. Few hours break, then cultivate another month.

Making up his mind, he stood. Big Bro sat on his bed, occasionally gritting his teeth. Intense ripples spread from his body, like a hundred small brorillas were hammering at his bones, but Brock didnt want to intrude. When Big Bro wanted to share, he would share.

Fat Bro opened his eyes. Hey, he said. Going out?

Yes.

A moment of silence passed. Fat Bro asked, Can I use the magical meditation mat while youre gone? I will give it back as soon as you return, I promise.

Brock did not completely approve of that request. Fat Bro was a guest, and asking to borrow Medium Bro privileges was questionable. However, if he had his hierarchies straight, it wouldnt be a problem.

Okay, he replied.

Thanks!

Fat Bro rushed to sit on the bromat and close his eyes. As for Brock, he opened the door and walked out.

He looked around. Heavy darkness covered the void over the Church Place, pressing down on his shoulders like an angry sky. The ground was gray and stony, with no signs of life, while there wasnt even any air to breathe.

Hardly the place for a scenic walk.

Therefore, Brock decided to do the second best thing, which was head over to the Kill Kill Ball and test his current power.

It fun, so it part of my break.

Covering himself in the ripples of his Big Thought to defend against gravity, he started walking. The Ball was visible in the distancea sphere of gray next to the obelisk.

He arrived quickly. A small crowd was gathered outside the Ballyoung-looking human men and a single woman. Brock approached confidently. Sup, bros? he said, drawing everyones attention. Can I try the Kill Kill Ball, please?

They looked at him, then at each other. Do you mean the Ceaseless Murder Globe? one of them asked.

Yes. I speak not too well.

At this point, one of the people there made an ugly face and said, What idiot left their pet unsupervised?

A few of the people laughed, while Brock frowned slightly. Pet? he asked. Glass people no pets. Animal people no pets. Why you think I pet?

Before the man could muster his words, Brock continued.

You pet to your masters. Pet to stronger humans. But I, no pet. I free because I want to.

The cultivators looked at him in disbelief. One nudged the speaking cultivators shoulder, saying, The hell? A few others nodded in acknowledgment, while the last two shook their heads.

I will not argue with a monkey, said the speaking cultivator. Go away. Shoo.

Brock ignored him. He turned to the few who had approved of his words and said, Name is Brock. Nice to meet you.

Likewise, Brock, replied a human girl with a blue ponytailthe only woman present. Youre an odd one.

Thanks. Odd can be good or bad, but I believe I good.

Yes, I believe so too.

His polite yet sturdy manner of speech had slowly drawn the attention of the small crowd. There was a magnetism to his aura, a draw to his personality, that made most of the people present surround him with lazy smiles. The rude cultivator from before suddenly found himself outshined.

This wasnt a Dao attack or anything of the sortit was just solid conduct and social skills coupled with an unusual, disarming appearance. After all, Brock was still only shoulder-height and superficially resembling a monkey.

Can I try, or can I not try? Brock asked, motioning at the Globe.

Ponytail Sis shook her head with a rueful smile. Sorry, big guy. Only disciples can enter the Globe. You arent one, are you?

Not yet. But I strong.

Oh? You think you could defeat the first opponent?

How strong?

One-fruit C-Grade.

Brock didnt know what this meant, but he suddenly felt hungry. What fruit? he asked.

The girl laughed.

Fruits are the minor stages inside the C-Grade, another bro explained. The more of them youve grown on your Dao Tree, the stronger you are. One is the start of the C-Grade, and nine is the end.

Okay. Thanks.

No problem.

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The more Brock spoke, the more he drew in the crowd. The rude cultivator from before could no longer take it and said, Hmph! What idiot doesnt even know about the fruits of the C-Grade?

The same idiot who can make you jealous.

Brocks response had come instantly. Moreover, none of the people here were naive; they could tell just how on-the-nose it was and realized that the rude cultivator had been entirely defeated. As his face grew red, many others laughed, clearly siding with Brock.

Mind your words, monkey, the cultivator responded. I could destroy you with a snort.

Hmph! You are the one who started it, and now you complain? Surprisingly, it was Ponytail Sis that stood up for Brock. Get the hell out of here, or you will have to face my snort, and you know how that will end.

The rude cultivators eyes widened in rage. Finally, however, he only turned around with a sneer and walked away.

Brock could sense their auras, and he already knew that the rude cultivator was one of the weakest people present, while Ponytail Sis was one of the strongest. Otherwise, he would have handled this situation differently.

Sorry about that, Ponytail Sis told Brock. Some people are just assholes.

No problem. But why you with him?

We arent in the same group. Its just that there is a small event going on, which is why there are so many people here.

Oh?

Lady Min Ling, the first ranked outer disciple, is currently inside the Globe!

Oh! Brock exclaimed. He understood who that woman was, though he didnt feel much adoration. He would never blindly admire a stranger. If she was a good bro, then he would consider it.

Of course, no matter how awesome she was, could she be any more awesome than Big Bro?

Brock looked around. Once again, he noticed that most of the people here were young-looking, male humans. His eyes flashed. I see, he said. You bros want mate Strong Lady Bro.

If a thunderclap had fallen, these people would be less stunned.

Of course not, a man hurried to respond. We just admire her greatly, thats all.

Then why your cheeks red?

Thats Theyre always that color.

Oh. You come from red-cheek species? Look, theyre even more red now. You no lying, are you?

No, the man replied. He seemed very young, barely a teen, and his awkwardness was plain for all to see. Brock didnt want to make him feel bad. Slinging an arm over the youths shoulders, he said, Nothing bad about love. You no need be embarrassed. It natural and proper. If you like girl, you bring gifts to girl, usually bananarms, and then mate if she wants to.

The youth had become beet-red, obviously unable to appreciate Brocks wisdom, but the brorilla didnt take it to heart.

It ok, little bro, he said. You try. Then, you understand.

Immature people were rare in the Cathedral, but not entirely absent. The C-Grade was far easier to reach in the wider galaxy than in Jacks, so many people werent nearly as experienced as Jack and Brock. The young wizards, especially, were often recluses not well versed in human relationships.

While everyone here was a powerful cultivator and a local overlord where they came from, there were people like the youth under Brocks arm who were somewhat juvenile.

Moreover, many cultivators came from cultures far more conservative than the hotpot that was the Cathedral.

Hearing Brocks words, Ponytail Sis chuckled. The men surrounding her displayed expressions that ranged from mild embarrassment to amusement over the youths situation.

Unfortunately, human relationships are more complex than you think, said Ponytail Sis. We can admire people without wanting to sleep with them. Of course, if Min Ling wanted to find a suitor, normal outer disciples wouldnt stand a chance.

Oh? Brock asked, letting go of his new little bro. Why not?

Because she can have anyone she wants! The greater, the better. Only the other top talents could barely qualify.

Brock considered it. Sorry, he said. If lady friend wants great man, only one qualifies. My Big Bro, Jack Rust.

Brock was pretty sure that Big Bro wasnt interested in anyone besides Big Sis at the moment. However, since Ponytail Sis asked, he had to let her know about Big Bros unsurpassed awesomeness.

The men around them didnt take it well. Their expressions darkened. While they were only here to watch Lady Min Ling in the way that people watch celebrities, not really hoping for anything, Brocks words were a bit provocative.

And what exactly makes your big bro better than us? asked one man.

He very strong. Big heart, strong mind, good bro. Handsome, too.

Youre speaking nonsense, another guy said. If hes so great, why doesnt he come here and show us?

Jack Rust, you said? asked another person, looking at the obelisk. Hes ranked 950. Thats even lower than me. How can you say hes very strong?

Because soon, he rise like meteor.

As if! Thats what we all said when we arrived, but look at us now. Your big bro will be humbled very abruptly and very soon.

We see, Brock replied diplomatically, not taking any of their comments to heart. After all, he was the one who teased them first.

We see my ass. If that Jack Rust is as awesome as you say, I will eat my shoe and call you daddy!

Big bro is fine.

The crowd would keep arguing, but at that moment, the door of the Ceaseless Murder Globe slid open. The words died in their throats; their gazes swiveled at the Globe at the same time.

A woman stepped out of the globe. She looked composed, if panting. Through a cut on her leather armor, a bleeding wound was visible on her ribs. On her back was a red spear, at least nine feet long, with a stark black head.

As for the woman herself, she was slim, athletic, and with long, dark hair that cascaded behind her. Brock had no way to judge her beauty, as all humans looked the same to him, but her aura was towering, billowing like a storm, erupting like a volcano. He lost his breath, and the thousandfold gravity seemed to intensify as her gaze fell on him.

Or, rather, on Ponytail Sis next to him.

Hey, Min, Ponytail Sis said, stepping out of the crowd. How did it go?

Decently, the spearwoman replied, completely ignoring the rest of the people present. None of them spoke up, either.

Good! Lets go, we must celebrate.

The spearwoman nodded, leading Ponytail Sis away as the men around Brock nodded respectfully.

Brock finally recovered his breath. That a big sis alright, he thought. Very strong.

Man, shes so impressive, said one of the men after the two women had left. Rank one If I can even reach the single-digits, Ill be satisfied.

Please. Even the double-digits would be enough for me, replied a less talented man.

Big Bro will reach rank one, said Brock, drawing everyones incredulous gazes yet again. However, maybe it was the lasting impression of Min Ling or the fact that they were all in the same boat, but nobody looked at him with hostility anymore.

You dont understand what it means to be rank one, said a man with a wry smile. Your big bro is just one of usbut thats alright. Next time, bring him along so we can all discuss together. There arent many things to do here.

I will try. Thanks.

The men laughed. Some introduced themselves to Brock, while most departed. Eventually, everyone started walking home, and Brock was left alone with the Kill Kill Ball and the Envoy who managed it.

Since he couldnt enter, there was no point staying here any longer. He would need to find another interesting place to recruit more bros for his big bro.