Chapter 171
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Chapter 171: The Strongest Tactical Card
Tactical or Entertainment Card?
The options were many, and Bai Yan found himself lost in thought.
Tactical Cards and Entertainment Cards were naturally distinct categories. Even within the realm of high-level cards, there existed clear gradations—good, very good, and exceptional.
Some cards offered unparalleled versatility, others focused on growth, and still, some relied on random outcomes. The truth was simple: what suited the situation best was the ultimate choice.
Bai Yan’s first impulse was to save this choice for later. A “universal trump card,” ready to be drawn at the right moment, seemed ideal.
But his hopes were dashed when he noticed the screen of his phone had already shifted to the selection phase.
“Alright,” Bai Yan muttered to himself. “So I can’t save this for later. What a pity.”
The phone screen lit up with several beautifully illustrated cards shimmering with ethereal light. Swiping his finger across the screen revealed more choices—all Tactical and Entertainment Cards available from the first playthrough of Babel Tower.
A Difficult Decision
Bai Yan sighed. “The best cards I remember having are only those six… but I want them all.”
He quickly reviewed the options: four Tactical Cards and two Entertainment Cards.
Tactical Card: “A Moment of Strong Luck Like a Deity”
This card could drastically enhance the abilities of a Core Operator for a short period, though the specific effects were unpredictable.
Luck, after all, wasn’t always kind.
Moreover, Bai Yan already had this card from completing the mission “Hand of Dark Light.” A duplicate was unnecessary. Option eliminated.
Tactical Card: “Eye of Mysteries”
A powerful card with long-term benefits, granting the recipient a permanent ability to replicate and understand all spells they witnessed.
Its potential for growth was immense, especially if obtained early. This was a strong contender.
Tactical Card: “Hell’s Border”
This card allowed the summoning of all the deceased souls previously slain by Babel Tower Core Operators to fight for the user.
The illustrations depicted ghastly undead creatures rising from the earth, with shadowy, ominous figures in the background.
It was a potent card, especially for the mid to late game. Another viable choice.
Tactical Card: “Cycle of Life and Death”
This card made a Core Operator essentially immortal for a month, resurrecting them instantly after every death.
Yet Bai Yan hesitated. He had suffered from this card in his first playthrough. Unlimited resurrection often became an endless cycle of torment, especially against overwhelmingly powerful enemies. Not worth the risk.
Next, the Entertainment Cards:
Entertainment Card: “Endless Treasures”
The card unlocked a mysterious space filled with divine tools and treasures.
But Bai Yan knew the risks. The island was guarded by semi-divine monsters and, possibly, a god. Even the strongest character, Nightsaber, couldn’t stand a chance. Option excluded.
Entertainment Card: “Ultimate Descent”
This card permanently infused a Core Operator with the power of an Outer God, boosting their combat abilities significantly.
Yet, the cost was steep: after the next Doomsday Crisis, the Operator’s soul would be obliterated. A tempting but costly choice.
The Final Decision
With several options eliminated, Bai Yan made his choice.
“In that case, it’s decided.” He selected “Eye of Mysteries”—a Tactical Card brimming with potential for growth. “The strongest tactic is to copy and paste.”
For now, Alan would be the recipient of this card.
An Interlude of Humanity
Maryse, curious about Bai Yan’s preoccupied expression, approached him. “What are you looking at, senior?”
Bai Yan shook his head, hiding the Babel Tower screen from her. “Nothing.”
His attention turned to the
trembling man at his feet, a
victim too terrified to move.
Bai Yan crouched, speaking
gently. “We’re not villains.
These people—the cultists—
deceived you. The Demon
Hunt Agency will explain
everything soon. For now, find
a safe place to hide. We’ll take
care of the cultists.”
The man, still petrified,
stammered, “Are you from
Babel Tower?”
Bai Yan hesitated briefly before
replying, “Yes.” The man
scrambled away, leaving Bai
Yan to direct Maryse.
“Dancer, guard this area. Don’t
let any cultists escape. I’ll
handle the rest.”
Maryse nodded but stopped
him as he turned to leave. “By
the way,” she began hesitantly,
“my real name is Maryse
Auguste.”
Bai Yan smiled. “I see. My real
name is Crowley Alistair
Moriarty… but I’d prefer if you
called me ‘senior’ or
‘Profligate.’”
The name was a fabrication,
but Maryse nodded earnestly.
A Burdened Past
As the conversation shifted,
Maryse revealed her troubled
history—a half-elf abandoned
by her family for the sake of
“benefits.” She spoke of
betrayal and pain, struggling
with the weight of her choices.
Bai Yan listened carefully, then
replied, his tone steady.
“In this vast universe, even the
oldest clans are insignificant
in the grand scheme. What
matters is your own will—what
you truly desire to be. Free
yourself from their shadows
and embrace who you are.”
His words struck a chord. For
Maryse, it was a perspective
she had never encountered.
“Thank you,” she said softly,
though her playful demeanor
quickly returned. “Go on,
senior. I’ll guard this place.”
As Bai Yan walked away, he
glanced at his phone. The
Source Energy Points had
reached 500.
“It’s time,” he murmured,
preparing to summon from the
Destiny pool.
